Pop Culture Movies and More: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

During the Cold War, Soviet agents watch Indiana Jones closely when a young man brings him a coded message from an aged, demented colleague, Professor Harold Oxley. Led by the brilliant Irina Spalko, the Soviet's tail Jones and the young man, Mutt Williams, to Peru. With Oxley's code, they find a legendary skull made of a single piece of quartz. If, Jones can deliver the skull to its rightful place, all may be well. However, if Irina takes it to its origin, she'll gain powers that could endanger the West. Ageing professor and young buck must face the dangers of the jungle, Russia, and the supernatural. Set 19 years after the search for the Holy Grail in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), we take a bit of a jump in time as we follow an older Indy in 1957. I think this is easily one of the weaker movies in the franchise, but I don't hate it as much as most people. I can admit its flaws and still have a good time with it. I do like some elements and ideas throughout still it has always been an oddball in the franchise for a few reasons. For one, it came out a lot later after the original trilogy released during the 1980s, which makes it feel somewhat out of place. Plus, there is a bit of reliance on CGI that (at times) felt like it hindered the product, even though it wasn't prevalent all the time. Some of it does look pretty good, contending with today's, but some of it looks very out of place or even unnecessary. On a positive note, the film doesn't feel completely disconnected. I can totally see Indy still going at it in his late 50s, mainly thanks to Ford's performance and how able he still looks during fight sequences. To think how this Indy was considered the old one now feels funny with another releasing later. I think another aspect of its dislike among fans is the focus on extraterrestrials. It is an unusual choice to have Indy dealing with aliens though I see where Lucas and Spielberg were coming from in terms of the concept. Having an alien storyline in the 1950s was fitting considering their popularity during that era. Personally, I don't dislike the idea, except it is the most peculiar of them all. The opening segment at Hanger 51 is a great deal of fun. From the set-up with uncovering the mysterious magnetic crate to the invigorating action, there's so much to be enthraled by. Seeing Indy leaping between beams, using his whip to swing to vehicles, crashing into crates and fighting mini-boss-style characters, culminating in many mechanics setting off incinerating other soldiers. You just can't help but grin throughout this explosive introduction that captures the original movie's aesthetic. My favourite moment from this piece was one of the crates they crashed into during the chase reveals the Ark of the Covenant from Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), which was a neat callback. This scene leads to probably the most infamous part of the Nuclear explosion test in the fake village. Indy ends up escaping completely unscathed by hiding in a fridge. It is a strange moment indeed that is not completely silly for this series but is certainly the craziest. Despite this, the imagery of Indy's silhouette in front of the mushroom cloud was phenomenal. Another notable aspect of this adventure was Indy's relationship with Mutt, the young greaser, who is later revealed, as his son. Their conversations and the relationship they grow is very entertaining, seeing them both get to know each other better. His mother is revealed as Marion, from the first movie, who was an absolute delight to have back in the franchise, which led to a beautiful conclusion when Indy finally gets married, making for a satisfying bit of closure. I also enjoyed all the globetrotting that sees them enter a jungle chase sequence that has all that Indy action we know and love although, admittedly, some strange CGI additions. The villains are pretty standard and they do their job. I missed seeing Indy duke it out with the Nazis, yet it is understandable for their departure. Overall, whilst not the best this is hardly the worst movie ever made and is not a bad instalment to the series. It has its problems but if you tend to overlook them, you will be surprised how entertaining it can be. Check out the final entry in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023).