Movie Review # 609: Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)

Well, everyone, today, we review the somewhat more recent Indiana Jones film that was released back in 2008. Not only do we have Harrison Ford, along with Karen Allen surprisingly returning after being absent following Raiders Of The Lost Ark, but we have new actors like Cate Blanchett, and Shia LeBeouf joining the Indiana Jones cast this time around. So now, let’s review Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull.

Plot: Set In the year 1957, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), his friend, Mac (Ray Winstone), ex-flame Marion Redwood (Karen Allen, and a young teenage boy named Mutt (Shia LeBeouf) must now prevent a legendary Crystal Skull from falling into the hands of Soviet general Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), and her Soviet army, while trying to take it to a city that was said to be a myth by the name of Akator. Now, if the city exists, can the heroes take it to Akator before Spalko tries to use it for her own greedy purpose?

Now, I’m sure that some of you may be wondering whether or not it was even worth coming out with this film almost twenty years after Indiana Jones & The Last Crusade. Well, although it’s a good film, it was probably not the best. In fact, even Temple Of Doom, which was one of the weaker Indiana Jones movies, seemed to even be better than this film. First of all, there was a little bit of a lack of character development, especially with some of the newer characters. I mean yes, some of them were developed well, but it could have been better for other ones. It was also strange, at points, with how some of the characters were written up. The storyline, while decent, probably was one of the weaker parts of this film. Again, Temple Of Doom was slightly better, but not by much. Additionally, the whole thing with the aliens seemed to feel a little Hocus Pocus. Additionally, why did we need unnecessary horror like elements? In fact, that is one thing that part of me has not been a fan of for these films is the fact that when certain characters get defeated, it’s shown in a scary, and horrifying way. Like why? There were also some plot holes in this film as well that were some of the most odd ones that one could think of. Finally, the climax of this film may have felt a little rushed as well.

But are there some good things? Well, yes, there still are. To begin, there is surprisingly some really good CGI, particularly when it comes to some of the backgrounds of the mythical city of Akator, the Crystal skull, and things like those. The acting especially from the main characters is also spot on. And John Williams, need I say more? His score is just as great, if not better than, the previous three films. Hopefully, he was able to compose the score for the newest installment, Dial Of Destiny. There was also some heart put into this film, even if that could have been better. The ending was also very much of a pleasant surprise as well. Finally, Cate Blanchett as the villain, commander Irina Spalko, was well casted. She did phenomenal, first of all. Second, it was great to have a female be a main villain this time around. Yes, we had female secondary villains throughout this series. But to have a main villain be a female was a very welcome change.

And that’s my review for Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. Yeah, it goes without saying that the Indiana Jones film series should have probably ended at The Last Crusade. Oh, I’m still willing to give Dial Of Destiny a chance. Still, I’m going to be cautiously optimistic for that one. That being said, I would say still see Indiana Jones & The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull just to see a continuation of this franchise for however much longer. Still, probably see it if you have either Paramount+, or Disney*, and can watch it for free, or if you can check it out from your local library without having to wait to check it out. So there you have it.

Final Grade: C+