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INDIANA JONES and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

With Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent

Written by David Koepp, George Lucas, Jeff Nathanson
Directed by Steven Spielberg

Poor George Lucas has created some of cinema’s most beloved series (Star Wars & Indiana Jones), but is always lambasted for not fulfilling the expectations of the millions of fans who feel they own these characters. Like the Star Wars prequels sparked hot debate about too much CGI or annoying kiddy characters (Jar-Jar anyone?), the 4th chapter in the adrenaline-filled Indiana Jones series also got some flack. It is the atomic age and this time our favourite archaeologist and treasure hunter has the Russians on his case. The focal point is mysterious skull of Akator, an immensely powerful object which (naturally) bestows untold power in the hands of those who possess it. Indy is joined by a young rebel as their quest leads to the South American location of Eldorado, and a lot of danger along the way. Spielberg succeeds yet again in bringing this classic character to life in the aging but still convincing body of Harrison Ford. Peril, action, mystery, humour and total visual entertainment is the result.
Some may find the premise of the story a touch far-fetched – but were those the same people who loved the first Indie flick with spirits bursting from the Ark Of The Covenant melting Nazi faces? Say no more.

The single disc South African DVD release contains two featurettes looking at the legend of Indy and the fourth chapter’s pre-production, with on-set footage and interviews with all key participants.

PS. When mentioning the “poor George Lucas” this naturally does not refer to his financial woes(!).

5 / B
- Paul Blom


1 2 3 4 5 6
A - B - C


Click below for the Indiana Jones trilogy box set review



6 - Volcanic
5 - Blistering
4 - Hot
3 - Smolder
2 - Room Temp.
1 - Fizzled
0 - Extinguished

A: Multiple Viewing Potential
B: Deserves Another Look
C: Once Should Suffice

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