Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - 3 1/2 smiles

The problem with a movie like “Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is expectations. If you recall, the first of the Indy movies, “Raiders of the Lost Ark” was Spielberg’s tribute to those old serials where our hero encounters any number of difficult situations and always comes out on top. Remember the pure enjoyment you gained from seeing that first movie? Unfortunately, Spielberg followed with “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” a purely awful movie and only partially redeemed himself with “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Now, 19 years later, Spielberg gives us an opportunity to spend a few fun hours with old friends, meet a new one, and take another journey with Indy, packed full of wild chases, impossible situations and good overcoming evil.

This time out, it is 1957 and Indy is asked to foil a Soviet squad, led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), in their quest to find a crystal skull, linked to possible psychic powers that would put the Soviets in the driver’s seat in the escalating Cold War. Along the way, Indy (Harrison Ford) encounters an old sidekick, Mac (Ray Winstone), a young man, Mutt (Shia LeBeouf) searching for Professor Oxley (John Hurt), and Indy’s first love, Marion (Karen Allen). Allen and Ford exhibit much of the chemistry that was present in “Raiders” and it’s a pleasure to see her again. Ford effortlessly slips into Indy’s clothes, with the signature hat and whip, to add to our enjoyment of seeing another Indiana Jones movie. LeBeouf’s presence suggests that, if the Indy saga continues, he is in the wings to take over. The humor in “Crystal Skull” often revolves around Indy’s age and there’s never any pretense that he’s not nearing retirement. At one point, Indy says, “This used to be easier.” Nonetheless, we’re with Indy all the way as he escapes from his Soviet captors, drives through a jungle to reclaim the crystal skull, and solves various puzzles that take him to the Lost City of Gold. This is a movie everyone will see. Don’t be left out. (5/22/08)