I mean, it just is. Indiana (he's mostly "Henry" in this one) is still cool even though he's old. There's a hot Russian chick with a totally implausible accent. There's wicked chases and killer fights. There's weird old temples. Shia The Beef is actually really great and proves again that Transformers was, like, a fluke. There's a couple stupid moments you know Lucas added ("I really think we need the groundhog from "Caddyshack," can we get that in there?" "Uh -- okay, George, whatever, just let us film and release this shit now, okay?") but mostly its really credible. And the ending -- I LOVED THE ENDING.
The thing is this. The first 3 were their loving tributes to the serial films of the 1930s, because they were set in the 30s. This new one is set in the 50s -- so it makes total sense that its their loving tribute to the sci-fi films of that era. So I wasn't shocked at all by the ending. In fact, I expected it, and I got it, and I loved it.
And I'll take two Marian Ravenwoods to go, please. ROWWWRRR!
12 comments:
It was effing awesome. I was mesmerized by Cate's accent! I loved how it had elements from each of the preceedings movies but was it's own 50s pic instead of adventure serial. So, so awesome.
I'm so excited to hear your feedback here because I have only heard from people who were apparently expecting I don't actually know what.
Even though I still haven't seen Iron Man yet, I can't wait to see this!!
I think they were expecting the film to grow up with them. They wanted that from Star Wars, too -- grown-up films more like the first Matrix or Blade Runner or something, all dark and creepy and violent. In other words: not Star Wars.
I think to enjoy stuff like this, you have to sort of UN-grow-up, rather than expect the film to grow up with you.
Perfect point. That is what I was thinking too. That people were expecting a level of sophistication, but it's a serial adventure. C'mon! And Harrison...smokin! And could Karen Allen be any hotter? I only hope I look that good when I'm in my 50's. Must be all the yoga.
xoxo
Trix
Yeah, I've been missing Karen Allen.
Also missing Karen Black. Lot of Karens I need to see more of.
I am so glad to hear positive responses. YAAAY! We are going to see Indy this weekend. I have been humming the theme song non-stop for a month. :-)
LAP. you are totally going to love Iron Man. Be sure to sit though the credits for a special treat.
xo
I loved it too. I always wanted the series to grow in time with the actual age of the actors. Cold war commies instead of nazis is great, and add a bit or black listing to the mix. Brilliant. I thought the opening scene gave Lucas the car culture boner he needed to approve the script. I loved how 50's it was. "Get that greaser" was shouted as we heard the Everly Brothers. Yum! It brought Indy into our time. Pre rock and roll is really a time that is alien to our current view of popculture. And I really liked Jones as a slightly slower and more wise hero still taking punches in the cartoonish way that captures all of the films. Bravo.
With your positive take, I feel more upbeat about going to catch Indy 4 come Sunday. My best friend who's an Indiana Jones nut from the custom made whips, the hat and all told me he thought it was "pretty bad" (his words).
But I keep going back to a great recent interview with Lucas saying "We're not trying to reinvent the wheel, it's just an Indiana Jones movie". Sounds like the right kind of mindset everybody should take going into the theater....
The whole thing with Indiana Jones was always just that it was great fun, right? Shouldn't everyone lighten up a bit? I remember people whining about Temple of Doom being such a letdown when it was released and now the same folks call it a classic.. I mean this is a return to the gorgeous-smart brunette sidekick, so how can it not rule?
I agree -- with only minor reservations. Lucas really needs to be hit over the head with a coconut so he forgets everything he knows about CGI; it makes him a lousy storyteller.
But it absolutely WAS an Indy movie. Dude's ability to take a punch really is his leading feature. And it was a nifty 50s story. Even the plot holes were appropriate for the genre, just like the charming "wha?" moments in the other movies were.
Lucas said in EW that fans were going to bitch, no matter what, because the movie in their heads probably wouldn't be this movie. And in that he's right. I was really into the implied stuff that's happened in between, but this was a lot of fun, and it was genuine stuff, with only a little of the cynical re-treading I feared.
Basically, people who want to see a movie from sexy young Lucas and Speilberg should travel to the 1970s, cuz that's where those dudes live and make movies.
i think the only two things i didn't like were the caddyshack groundhogs mentioned....and the tarzan swinging on vines. anybody notice the seemingly tribute-ish music going on? close encounters. star wars. ?
I thought it was great! Throughly entertaining. If you try and get into the mindset of the kid that saw the previous three films and leave old cynical adult head at home, you'll have a blast. I loved, 'the fridge'..
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