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'Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2 Disc Edition) [2008]' starring Harrison Ford and directed by Steven Spielberg. (StaEAN 5014437943132)

Nearly 20 years after riding his last Crusade, Harrison Ford makes a welcome return as archaeologist/relic hunter Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, an action-packed fourth installment that's, in a nutshell, less memorable than the first three but great nostalgia for fans of the series. Producer George Lucas and screenwriter David Koepp (War of the Worlds) set the film during the cold war, as the Soviets--replacing Nazis as Indy's villains of choice and led by a sword-wielding Cate Blanchett with black bob and sunglasses--are in pursuit of a crystal skull, which has mystical powers related to a city of gold. After escaping from them in a spectacular opening action sequence, Indy is coerced to head to Peru at the behest of a young greaser (Shia LaBeouf) whose friend--and Indy's colleague--Professor Oxley (John Hurt) has been captured for his knowledge of the skull's whereabouts. Whatever secrets the skull holds are tertiary; its reveal is the weakest part of the movie, as the CGI effects that inevitably accompany it feel jarring next to the boulder-rolling world of Indy audiences knew and loved. There's plenty of comedy, delightful stunts--ants play a deadly role here--and the return of Raiders love interest Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, once shrill but now softened, giving her ex-love bemused glances and eye-rolls as he huffs his way to save the day. Which brings us to Ford: bullwhip still in hand, he's a little creakier, a lot grayer, but still twice the action hero of anyone in film today. With all the anticipation and hype leading up to the film's release, perhaps no reunion is sweeter than that of Ford with the role that fits him as snugly as that fedora hat. --Ellen A. Kim

I must admit to watching this film with great reluctance. How could you follow CRUSADE? It was the ideal full stop.
But no....they had to add this appalling PS!
My first cringe moment was brought on by the most unbelievably pathetic attempt at a Russian accent by acclaimed actress Cate Blanchette. John Cleese was far superior in WANDA.
The sets were almost on a par with Crossroads...totally insubstantial and plastic.
What else? Ridiculously twee story line, awful casting, no cameo performances worth mentioning and too much Botox. A total waste of 2 hours. Not one plus IMHO.
This movie should be boxed away with the Ark of the Covenant....

At least the other movies had a tenuous grip on reality, the stunts and action sequences at least SEEMED plausible and the story lines were routed in established well known mythology. This was just too way over the top, like a cartoon. Karen Allen's grin and that god damn tarzan bit put the turd on the cake.

It's all about establishing internal logic with these films. This one had none.

The locations were dingy.

Like most people I was intrigued at the prospect of another Indiana Jones movie after so long and I bought it in the first week of release on DVD. I also bought it because I felt a bit nostalgic and it was nice to be reminded of the days when it was so exciting to watch Indiana Jones as the "big movie" on the television at Christmas or Easter.

However, I am very disappointed with this film. It just comes across as a lazy, tired and unimaginative production. The film start off okay with a dramatic scene and there is a nice shot of the iconic hat that Dr Jones wears. The problems start with the special effects which are terrible. Look out for the scene where the Agent Spalko cut opens a shroud and you will not be impressed.

The plot is pretty weak. It seems to be borrowed from Stargate with a bit of The Mummy (yes, honestly) chucked in. A few of the scenes appear to be direct rip offs of The Mummy. Maybe because the previous Indiana movies focused on religion and this one doesn't, it doesn't have the same romantic quality about it. Another problem is the way Indiana's attitude to the plot is portrayed. He doesn't even seem to care about the mission whereas in the previous films epecially the Last Crusade he was deeply passionate about it. The central idea behind the story simply isn't clever enough. There is definitely no "wow" factor in this film. There isn't the same amount of investigating and clue hunting as there is in the previous films which leaves it feeling very very shallow. It's all very rushed and seems too easy. The ending leaves you feeling cheated as not much really happens and what little does happen is so predictable its awful.

The film is also hampered by the presence of the character of Mutt Williams. Indiana seems sidelined by this character and the script sees him being derided. The film feels like it should be called "Mutt Williams and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" which is not good. Indiana should of course always be the star attraction. In this type of film there isn't enough room for two action heroes. For some strange reason Shia LaBeouf has been dressed up as Fonzie and even acts like him in the film. Hopefully he will realise this was not a good career choice and will disassociate himself from the franchise. The film can't seem to decide if Indiana or Mutt should be the hero and this indecison really weakens the film even more. Another, let down is the inclusion of Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). Indiana Jones has always been about the potency of the character's sexuality and his casual liasons. The idea though that he now has become a bit lovesick and always loved one woman all along is cheesy, ruining the mystique surrounding his character. It feels like writers just weren't bothered to give Indiana a new love interest and instead went for the easy option of sticking in an old character.

The inclusion of Mac (Ray Winstone) appears pointless as he does next to nothing apart from shout Indiana's name a few times. Quite why John Hurt, playing Prof. Oxley, agreed to appear in this below average film is beyond me. Cate Blanchett is pretty decent in the movie but because the script is poor she isn't given enough to do. Her talents are wasted here. Harrison Ford's talents are too wasted by the weak script, corny dialogue and dodgy stunt scenes.

The settings are not so special and to be honest it looks like the film was done on the cheap.

All those involved in this movie should be ashamed of themselves as the fans deserved better than this offering. Perhaps if the franchise wasn't viewed by the makers of the film as just a cash cow (an excuse to flog merchandise and generate sales from loyal fans), the film would be up to the standard of its predecessors.

I think most people will buy this movie out of curiosity, just to see if its as good as The Last Crusade etc. but will be dissatisfied with what they find.

I really loved this film - as with the original 3 Indiana Jones movies, it contained some really good action sequences, alongside some ridiculous stunts, focussed on a supernatural archaelogical artefact, amusing jokes, and stereotypically insane bad guys (or girls). All in all, perfectly in line with the original franchise, so why all the complaints?

The movie's a bit of fun, and not supposed to be taken seriously, but is a brilliant bit of entertainment for an evening in. It was great to see Karen Allen brought back, and Harrison Ford, for all his 64 years, was in fine form. Shia LaBeouf was an absolute treasure to watch, and the big reveal - which is not aliens, as so many reviewers have claimed - was, if somewhat silly, at least no more so than the other 3 films were.

Well worth the watch for light entertainment - just don't expect it to be in any way serious!

I was just as shocked as the rest of the Indiana jones fans when this movie was announced. Yes it's a whole 18 years since the last movie and Dr Jones is back with his Whip and a 'Son' !. This movie isn't the best I have seen and seems just a little daft in places to say the least. In the first few minutes we a group of treasure hunting Russians invading Area 51. With a captured Indy and Ray Winstone as his so-called double crossing friend in toe. This moves on to some great chase scenes and finally with his Son they end up at a Inca Tomb. Indy then comes across the Crystal Skull which turns out to be the remains of an Alien no less. The Russian women want's the Skull and after several more thrilling chases they all end up at the lost Tomb of E.T !. It all ends happily with Indy getting married to his lost love from the previous movies. All in all it's a good fun movie and you can forget Harrison's age and just enjoy the action. As a Sci-Fi fan I don't object to the use of Alien's but this was just pushing things a little far.