I was bored. My wife was bored. We were both Indy fans, and were really eager to see this film. Unfortunately, this was the biggest letdown since "Mission to Mars", which had a stronger script and much better cinematography, and that was still a yawn.
This film is akin to suffering through watching someone over-the-shoulder play an early-'80s Japanese video-game, only in that scenario, you at least want to have a try at the game.
The dialogue was weak, the action was filmed mostly in front of a green-screen, which may be why the acting seemed flat. There was no passion or chemistry between the actors, little character development, and an entire history of Indiana's wife and child are explained in a single argument that lasts an intolerable 10 minutes.
Within seconds of the argument being over but unresolved, they are suddenly and inexplicably best friends again.
Indy's wife also seemed strangely happy and disconnected from the reality of life-threatening situations. Since this was the 1950's, it is impossible that she was on Lorazepam.
There is the cliché quicksand scene, and if you look real closely, it seems they wearing a burlap bag when they are extracted. Their clothes aren't even dirty or wrinkled. Amazing.
And then there is the classic Spielberg-ish "cutesy" groundhogs and monkeys that are fine for the kids, but are distracting and annoying.
Ultimately, I cannot feel that I can "believe" this film, which is a shame, because I really wanted to get into it.
Go see this film with the kids, because it is more of a cartoon for them. If you are a fan of the first three, you will be disappointed.
This film is akin to suffering through watching someone over-the-shoulder play an early-'80s Japanese video-game, only in that scenario, you at least want to have a try at the game.
The dialogue was weak, the action was filmed mostly in front of a green-screen, which may be why the acting seemed flat. There was no passion or chemistry between the actors, little character development, and an entire history of Indiana's wife and child are explained in a single argument that lasts an intolerable 10 minutes.
Within seconds of the argument being over but unresolved, they are suddenly and inexplicably best friends again.
Indy's wife also seemed strangely happy and disconnected from the reality of life-threatening situations. Since this was the 1950's, it is impossible that she was on Lorazepam.
There is the cliché quicksand scene, and if you look real closely, it seems they wearing a burlap bag when they are extracted. Their clothes aren't even dirty or wrinkled. Amazing.
And then there is the classic Spielberg-ish "cutesy" groundhogs and monkeys that are fine for the kids, but are distracting and annoying.
Ultimately, I cannot feel that I can "believe" this film, which is a shame, because I really wanted to get into it.
Go see this film with the kids, because it is more of a cartoon for them. If you are a fan of the first three, you will be disappointed.
Tell Your Friends