Fourths Of July: INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (2008)

What can one say about Steven Spielberg’s fourth installment of Indiana Jones that many have already said?  Shortly after it was released in May 2008 after years of anticipation some fans and critics were disappointed, while others were enraged. It’s no secret when one starts discussing INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL  there are automatically groans and dismissive encapsulations like “the one with the stupid aliens” or “the one with that Shia LaBeouf monkey scene.” However, the movie is probably best known for the “nuking the fridge” scene in which Indy survives an atomic blast by securing himself in a 1950s refrigerator. Yes, even seeing that in theaters was pretty ridiculous.

Despite all the hate as the worst Indiana Jones film, I have a hot take: THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL is good. Not great, and not a masterpiece but better than many of us remember. I remember speaking with my film professor after it was released, and he reminded me “Weren’t the others just the same and as ridiculous?” Good point. The Indiana Jones franchise from the beginning with RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK (1981) are campy old-school action adventures. The opening of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is iconic, but not the most realistic action sequence. If you like gritty serious conflict  then an Indiana Jones film may not be your thing.

The Summer of 2008 also had films like IRON MAN, which launched the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and the game-changing THE DARK KNIGHT which not just dominated the box office but also was lauded by critics and audiences.  Maybe audiences weren’t as eager to see and appreciate a new Indiana Jones adventure 19 years after THE LAST CRUSADE?  Don’t get me wrong, the movie still made over $300 million at the domestic box office, but it was underwhelming to many that year.

Why is KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL actually good? Here are three main reasons:

THE CAST: Harrison Ford. Karen Allen. Cate Blanchett, and even Shia LeBeouf.

One can argue some of the supporting cast members are underutilized like Ray Winstone and John Hurt’s characters. Maybe the acting is a little over the top, but it works. The film is at its best when Ford, Allen, and LeBeouf are on screen together.

The scene where Indiana Jones sees Marion Ravenwood for the first time after the events of RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK is great. Ford’s facial expressions when he firsts see her are hilarious. The chemistry between the two remains palpable. You can tell throughout the whole film Ford is also giving it his best and, despite being a lot older, it works. LeBeouf gives a great performance as the character Mutt Williams who (spoiler alert) is also Jones’ secret son.

THE ACTION SEQUENCES: Spielberg is still at the top of his game with directing these. The epic opening at the secret government warehouse, the chase scene at the college, and—my personal favorite—Jones fighting Russians in the Amazon jungle atop a swarm of killer ants are all fantastic. Each previous Indiana Jones film has a gross memorable scene. Melting faces, a heart ripped out, ridiculous body decomposing, just to a name few. The “killer ant sequence” is easily fits in on that list, with the killer ants start eating Russian soldiers alive and then go after our heroes. Spielberg keeps the suspense going to make it terrifying, over the top, and memorable.

THE ALIENS: Okay, many people hate that the “Crystal Skulls” are alien. It’s a departure from artifacts like the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail. Aliens in an Indiana Jones movie? Yes, and I love it. Since when did an Indiana Jones movie have to only deal with fighting Nazis and after biblical artifacts? The film takes place in a much different period post-World War II. It would make sense that the plot would revolve around something completely different. I find artifacts that may be out of this world fascinating.

Interdimensional aliens are fresh to the franchise and more interesting than just another typical MacGuffin. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas themselves have delved into aliens many times before in their films, so it’s not much of a surprise they add this premise to Indiana Jones. Composer John Williams’ musical cues when the Crystal Skulls are mentioned or shown in each scene are also ominous and creepy.

However, looking back on the film the idea that aliens helped build pyramids and educated previous ancient civilizations is a little problematic.  The idea that Mayans and aliens interacted hundreds of years ago is interesting, but do we need to further the idea that God-like creatures educated indigenous people? That’s a whole other conversation and topic of debate.

KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL will always be a personal favorite of mine, and in terms of a “Part 4” still on par with the quality of the rest of the franchise.

It’s nostalgic but also has fresh ideas and develops the character of Indiana Jones. He’s older, but that’s what makes the movie fun. Is it the worst Indiana Jones installment?

Maybe, but that’s more of a testament to the quality of the whole franchise. All four are good in their own ways and very re-watchable. Yes, even INDIANA JONES AND THE TEMPLE OF DOOM (1984) which is my personal favorite and the first entry I ever saw.

Audiences will get to see Harrison Ford as Indy one more time. Next summer there is a fifth Indian Jones coming to theaters. What makes this installment most interesting is that neither George Lucas nor Steven Spielberg are involved in directing or writing the story (Spielberg is still a producer). Instead, LOGAN and FORD V FERRARI director James Mangold takes the reins. Plot details remain a secret, though you can search the internet for glimpses of set photos for clues. It will be very interesting to see how they may wrap up the franchise. Will audiences buy into an 80-year-old Harrison Ford playing Indiana Jones? What stories are left to tell after CRYSTAL SKULL wrapped things nicely for our characters? Also, who can fill in the shoes of Steven Spielberg? One thing for sure is the film has many fans intrigued and rumors are it may be Harrison Ford’s swan song for his film career and the character which will be both bittersweet and an event. As the saying goes “haters going hate;” but Indiana Jones forever—even if the fridge was nuked years ago.