Utter the words Indiana Jones and immediately everybody knows what you’re talking about.  You’re talking about fast-paced, globe-trotting quests for long-lost artifacts, ancient deathtraps and amazing action sequences.  But most importantly, you’re talking about a cinematic icon who has become a household name for any film buff.  From the fedora hat to the bullwhip, Indiana Jones the character is one whom almost everybody loves.

This year, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was released after a 19 year-long wait, and the results were for the most part a mixed bag for everyone.  Of course there were those (myself included) who continued to be thrilled and fascinated by everything, however there were also those who were disappointed by it.  All I have to say to those people is were you watching the same movie I was?  Because the “Indy 4″ I’ve now seen a total of five times retains everything that made the original three so great, making for yet another solid entry in the franchise.  Yes, i agree that sometimes it does stretch the boundaries of logic even by Indy standards (i.e. the whole refrigerator scene and a piece of the jungle sequence), but overall it’s a very fun ride that returns us to the world of a hero missing from the big screen for too long.

Without going into great detail about the plot, the fourth film involves a hunt for an ancient artifact that may contain clues to extraterrestrials.  Yes, aliens actually made an appearance in an Indy movie, although they’re commonly referred to as ‘interdimensional beings’ in the movie.  Along for the ride is Indy’s long-lost son, Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf), a double-crossing friend (Ray Winstone), and old flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen).  This time, the Russians are the bad guys and they’re led by the cold Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett).  Everyone’s after the Crystal Skull, which has a mystery surrounding it that has to do ith the mythical Lost City of Gold.

This 2-Disc Limited  Edition is loaded with behind-the-scenes features that detail every step of the filmmaking process.  Along with the film itself on the first disc are two short featurettes:  “The Return Of A Legend” and “Pre-Production”.  “Pre-Production”, of course, gives a brief glimpse into how Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and the others went about developing the idea for “Kingdom” and “Return Of A Legend” pretty much does the same thing, only it focuses more on the collaborative team behind Indy talking about how the dream of a fourth Indiana Jones movie finally became a reality.  The second disc includes more behind-the-scenes goodness, with a detailed 12-part look at the creation of the film.  With this multi-part documentary as well as the one featured on the “Iron Man” Special Edition gives me a renewed faith in the “Making-Of” features for blockbuster DVDs in the future.  Also included are Pre-Visualization Sequences that show exactly how three of the film’s most exciting sequences were conceived, prepped and executed AS WELL AS Galleries, Trailers and a Game Demo for the LEGO Indiana Jones XBOX 360 game.

All in all, this is a must-buy for anyone who enjoyed the film, or any Indy fan period.

Well lets cut to the chase shall we? We all know who Indiana Jones is and if you have been living under a rock for the last 20+ years and have no idea, please continue to let us be and enjoy your rock!

Indiana Jones is back and he is the same old Indy we have come to love! The newest creation from Spielberg and Lucas has brought us an updated but true look at Henry Jone’s latest adventure in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The storyline is a little off for my liking and a bit over the top, but and I do mean but, the film is a must see film. The overall feel brings us back to the last movies in the series and gives us the witty laughs we have come to expect from the wise-ass characters in the Indy films. I almost had to say something to the guy behind me he was so loud, and this was at a private screening!

On to the movie! Have I said it was great film? ITS A GREAT FILM!!!

We first meet up with Dr Jone’s and his crew at Area 51 after he is pulled out of a car trunk. Classic Indy style, always getting captured by the KGB with horrible accents from across the pond. This is where we meet Agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), a soviet doctor who was once Stalin’s right hand woman. She is known for her work on “mind” altering research. Her over the top accent may of ruined her entire performance in my eyes. Not to be swayed by this, her character is easily hated and allows for the film to continue on.

While staying with the era of the 50′s and 60′s, we do see a bit of awkwardness, at least in my mind, with the introduction of aliens. Yes I said aliens! The cars, the clothing, the stores, and even the school rooms fit the bill. The set and everything about the film brought me back in time. And did a great job of it!

All throughout the film we see action. And I mean action. I don’t think it slows down for more than 2 minutes at a time. This film delivers classic Indiana Jone’s. Ancient Mayan temples, tribesmen, KGB agents, Atomic Bombs, car chases, fire ants, and much much more in this great film. Spielberg and Lucas did a great job. From car chases, to extraterrestrial beings, Indiana sees it all, along with his latest side kick, Mutt.

Mutt is played by new comer Shia LeBeouf of Transformers and Disturbia fame. While at the start of the film I was not into him, I began to enjoy his qualities more and more throughout the film. He does a solid job portraying a greaser and the story is inter woven to allow for his lack of style to come through.

The film touches on almost every character we have come to love and know in the past movies. From Indiana’s father to his confidant Dr Marcus Brody; we see a storyline of the past intertwined with the latest creation of Indiana. Some twist and turns and some surprises await you.

This is a MUST see film and really adds to the Indy collection. Make sure you see it in the theaters. Its that good! While I would love to recommend this to all of you, I would shy away from kids 13 and under. It does have the rating for a reason!

I am glad to see Indiana is back, and yes I am sure Indiana Jones 5 will be here before we know it.

Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆ 

Those lucky Latino boys over at latinoreview.com have snagged some new Indy 4 photos from Paramount.

With the bombardment ensuing of Indy, Speed and Batman, we will be the spot to keep you up to date with the latest and greatest phots, movie reviews and more.

Click on the photos to see the HD version of the photos!

More photos can be found at slashfilm

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