OPENS TODAY

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL
Directed by Steven Spielberg
Starring Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Jim Broadbent Shia LeBeouf

FOR nostalgic reasons, the return of Harrison Ford to the big screen as the iconic archeologist with a fedora hat is worthy of every self-respecting cinema-goer’s undivided attention.

Here is a archetypal hero that is synonymous with good old-fashioned adventure. Dr Henry “Indiana” Jones (Ford) easily combines unrefined good looks with a warm personality and spot-on sense of humour to remain one of celluloid darlings.

In the latest instalment, much of the traits that make the character who he is, based on the previous three movies, are still pretty much there. He is still funny, fears snakes (although with a lesser conviction this time) and with all the adventure bones still intact.

At 65 — yes, that’s Ford’s real age — he is still dashingly handsome. With this in mind, cosmetic post-production enhancements are necessary for close-up shots, with the use of soft lighting during filming so that he still looks every inch the hero we all know.
Action shots involving the actor are minimal, with many of the stunt scenes done by his co-star Shia LeBeouf (Mutt).

In an earlier scene, Mutt takes the wheel of a high-powered motorcycle ride in a fast-speed chase and Indy jumps on as a pillion rider. The same thing happened in a later scene, with Mutt getting the bulk of the punches and kicks.

There are hints that the series will not end here, but rather a new chapter will begin. In doing this, this fourth film serves as a perfect closure for the excitement that began 27 years ago and opens up doors for new tales to spin.

The story opens in 1957, with Elvis Presley’s song playing in the background. Dr Jones returns to his college classroom after escaping a near-death experience at the hands of the Soviet agents only to find out that he has lost his teaching job.

He meets a school drop-out Mutt (his on-screen entrance in leather jacket on a bike a la Marlon Brando’s iconic bad-boy image was a homage that was way too cool) and begins his quest to find the legendary Crystal Skull of Akator.

Following close on his trail is the Soviet ruthless leader Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) who continues to dazzle the viewers with her China-doll hairdo that is never out of place. She makes one hot villain not seen in Indy’s previous adventures.

The ride to the end is thrilling, with plenty of scenes that makes you want to cheer out loud. Spielberg surely knows how to recreate the old magic with an updated twist to make it relevant for today’s discerning audiences.

Fans won’t be disappointed — just give Indy a break and don’t expect too much from the ageing adventurer, who is likely to hang up his whip and fedora hat for good after this one.