Official Reviews: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Unlike the early screening reports, which were mostly negative mind you, the first two official reviews to surface online are more on the positive. One of them actually claims that the film has too much action, leaving character development on the sidelines. Well, at least we are guaranteed an above-average summer romp.
Variety
One of the most eagerly and long-awaited series follow-ups in screen history delivers the goods -- not those of the still first-rate original, 1981's "Raiders of the Lost Ark," but those of its uneven two successors. "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" begins with an actual big bang, then gradually slides toward a ho-hum midsection before literally taking off for an uplifting finish. Nineteen years after their last adventure, director Steven Spielberg and star Harrison Ford have no trouble getting back in the groove with a story and style very much in keeping with what has made the series so perennially popular. Few films have ever had such a high mass audience must-see factor, spelling giant May 22 openings worldwide and a rambunctious B.O. life all the way into the eventual "Indiana Jones" DVD four-pack.
Hollywood Reporter
"Crystal Skull" will have its huge audience when it opens worldwide Thursday. Indeed it had that audience the day the project was announced. What is disappointing to those who fondly remember "Raiders of the Lost Ark," lo those 27 years ago, is the loss of wit and romance. This film feels like work, whether it's poor Harrison Ford straining to keep pace with his younger self or Spielberg and writer David Koepp piling on the thrill-ride acrobatics that have only scant connection to the plot. In the first 22 minutes, old Indy survives a kidnapping, shoot-outs, auto crashes inside a mysterious warehouse, a ride in a desert rocket and an A-bomb detonation. Spielberg is only getting warmed up.
You can check out both official reviews for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull by clicking the bold links above.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull opens to theaters
May 22nd.
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