Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

This was clearly not the fun roller coaster ride of Raiders or Last Crusade, but I think this movie was at least a bit better than many critics have made it out to be. I liked it, but I didn't love it. Last Crusade remains the best of the series in my opinion.

Any time you get Steven Spielburg and George Lucas together on a project you MUST accept that is will be a little cutting edge. I highly recommend watching the Extra Features on this DVD before watching the movie. That may accomplish a couple of things. First, you hear from the Titans themselves about how hard it was to decide to do this project and why it took the direction it did. It makes total sense once you have from them. Second it will catch you up on some of the high points of the previous 3 films. You don't need to have seen the first 3 to get or enjoy number 4, but I recommend it.

Harrison Ford was 65 when this movie was finished and he looked great and played the role of the now-senior Dr. Jones very well. Karen Allen reprises her role as Indy's old flame with a significant twist.

Jones is fighting the Russians this time now that WWII is finally over and the Cold War has begun. His nemesis is played by the ever-amazing Cate Blanchett. John Hurt is the big surprise and delightful member of the expedition.

Some have said there was too much CG in this movie and yes, there are significant amounts. But, I did not find it distracting. This movie could not have been made without it, or it would have been done very badly.

Like Spielberg, I would have been content to let the Crusade end with Raiders III. But I do not think this movie was a mistake even if the story bears striking similarities to "Secret of the Incas" starring Burt Lancaster in 1954. But if you know this history of the creative team behind Raiders in the late 1980's, they were wide open about using this great movie an an inspiration. End of story.

Watch IJ4 with someone who will suspend belief with you and enjoy the ride.