«Harrison Ford	«Karen Allen	«Shia LeBeouf

Any attempt to describe how thrilling it is to finally see another episode in the Indian Jones saga is quite frankly going to fall short of the movie. You'd probably be better off spending your time figuring out how you're going to get a ticket this weekend to the movie that is kicking off the blockbuster summer movie season in huge way.

All of that said, here goes.

The Quick Critic

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

µµµµµ Go See it Opening Night!

10 Word Movie Review:

Thrilling stunts, action and an incredible cast, script and story.

3 Sentence Synopsis:

Russian Agent Irina Spalko tries to find and return a Crystal Skull that will give her ultimate knowledge and power. The world's favorite adventurer and archeologist, Indian Jones uncovers clues, secrets and works to stop her. Who'll succeed?

The time period moves forward into the era of Area 51, spaceships and America's obsession with aliens. No kidding! It's an archeological expedition into South American Indian ruins built hundreds of years ago that poses answers to many contemporary questions. How could huge ancient structures have been constructed with the tools and knowledge of the time? Indian Jones meets Sci-Fi.

For me, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull started out a little slow. At one point I had to remind myself that the movie was going to get more exciting. The slow part lasted about 10 minutes! From there on out it was a thrill ride in true Indiana Jones style. From car chases, motorcycle stunts and KGB villains to hidden vaults, snakes and flesh eating bugs, nothing was left out. Indiana even survives being at ground zero in a nuclear blast.

Russian Agent Irina Spalko, played by Cate Blanchet, makes a formidable foe as she attempts to keep keep Indiana, Marion, played by Karen Allen, and Mutt, played by Shia LeBeouf from returning the Crystal Skull to it's original resting place. Assuming that you've seen a previous episode of Indiana Jones, I don't think I'm giving anything away when I tell you that all hell breaks loose when that skull makes it's way home.

The sets and stunts are spectacular. Obviously you have to suspend your basic belief in reality a few times, but that's what makes grand movies like this so much fun. They got a little carried away with the artistic license more than a few times, but I loved it.

If you think we've given a lot away, no need to worry! There are many surprises left, including one that I'm amazed wasn't leaked out. All in all, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is exactly what I expected and hoped for.