1059 - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

If you've been reading this blog at all you know that I've been gearing up for this movie for the last little bit, rewatching the old films (could never get into the Young Indy tv series), humming the song almost non-stop, etc... I have to say that the only problem that I had leading up to this film was all the people that were just waiting for it to be bad, the people who weren't going to like it just because it plan and simply existed. The haters. You know if you're one of them.

I won't go into too much detail because I don't want to spoil anything, but if you're looking for a fun popcorn flick, you've found it. Were there over-the-top moments? Shit yes. But that's nothing new for Indy. You're not going into this film wondering if he's going to make it out alive or not, it's not that kind of film and I think you know it going in.

Marion's back, and my only complaint is that I wish she got to show off her distinct personality a bit more. It's not that she doesn't have a function in the plot, it's just that she's just such a unique character, but she's not used to her fullest abilities.

The theme of this film is returning. Returning us to an Indy film. My favorite thing about this film, and I don't think I'm ruining anything, isn't that Indy is looking for something, but he's trying to return something - which I thought was unique to the series, and I really enjoyed it. You get a little more detail on some of Indy's past through conversations with other characters, again I won't ruin the fun for you.

Speilberg has said in the past that he had seen this series as five films. I for one would enjoy another outing, especially if I think it's going to be a passing the torch film.

When I re-watch this on DVD I'll comment more indepth on some of the specific details I liked, but for now I'll just let you know that it's well worth the price of admission.

1058 - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

I have a soft spot in my heart for this one. I probably watched it the most as a kid. I don't know if it's my favorite of the older ones, but it's at least a tie with 'Raiders'. If nothing else I think that this installment is easily the most fun. It's got Sean Connery! I mean, come on. And he's great in this as the father of Indiana Jones (nice nod to James Bond).

The set and action pieces are really creative and smart, from the train at the opening, to the catacombs, the tanks, they're all really smart and well thought out. I mean, you always know that Indiana is going to get out of a jam, but the real joy is in watching him do it.

Some fantastic scenes, there's Harrison doing his Scottish accent, the Hitler autograph....

I'm going to go into the new one (hopefully tomorrow night) and just expect to have nothing but fun. I'm gonna get a big bag of popcorn, sit back and hope it takes me away.

1052 - Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

Still gearing up for the newest Indiana flick. Like Raiders I haven't watched this film in I don't know how long. I remember that when I was a kid I had this taped off of T.V. and the tape ran out when they were in the tunnel at the end, just as the water was coming towards them. I guess for me they always ended in that tunnel. It wasn't until I was in my teens that I finally saw the actual ending. Gotta be honest, I don't remember being that blown away.

Having just come off of re-watching Raiders and being really excited to re-watch Last Crusade I think this is my least favorite of the series. Not to dis it, it just feels... different. In a bad way? I don't know. We don't see a lot of voodoo dolls or blood drinking potions in the other installments, nor people ripping hearts out of people's chests with them still alive. I realize that there is a not quite realistic feel to the whole series, but this one's just a tad over the top. Don't get me wrong, it has great set pieces. I love the opening with the plane and the raft, love the oriental 'Anything Goes' dance number. In fact, the beauty of this being the first film (if you're thinking in chronological terms) Indy does have the biggest arch in this film in terms that he starts off as a selfish treasure hunter after glory and riches, and ends up realizing that artifacts actually mean something to people.

First time I ever noticed that the club at the beginning is called "Club Obi Wan", or that Dan Akroyd appears at the airport in the films first reel.

So although I don't think it's the best of the series, it still has a special place in my heart.

And come on, who doesn't love Short Round?

1051 - Raiders of the Lost Ark

Am I gearing up for Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Hell's yes! Again, like Ghost Busters it's been forever since I've seen this film and I'm looking forward to watching the other two in the upcoming weeks. I almost bought the new DVD set today but then I stopped myself knowing that I'll just eventually pick up the blueray set (when I break down and buy a blueray player, that is).

First off I was surprised to recognize Alfred Molina as the guy at the beginning that tries to double cross Indy and gets a spear through his head. If I did my research correctly this was his first role. Also apparently Danny DeVito was originally cast as Sallah. I can't imagine anyone other than John Rhys-Davies in that role.

This film is just a lot of fun and there's no surprise that it's turned into the franchise that it has. Especially this installment. When I was a kid we used to go to MGM as Disneyworld and watch the live action stunt show that had them recreate several scenes from this film live. The opening, the market place, and the plane/Nazi Bully scene where the guy gets cut up by the chopper. Watching those scenes never fails to bring me back to those vacations. Ahhh memories...

I love Karen Allen in this and I'm really excited to see her in the new film. It makes me happy that they're bringing her back.

I love how this film ends, it's a really unique statement in a way. That giant room with all those boxes and you just can't help but wonder what's in all of them, what adventures brought them into here? What secrets are they hiding???

It's also interesting when you think about what else was going on at the time. Both Ford and Lucas were splitting their time between Indiana Jones and Star Wars with the two series both making films one after another. I think I always just assumed that Indiana Jones came way later, but by the time the sequels kicked in the films were almost simultaneous.

Ho hum. Two more weeks to go until the new Indy...