So far, we have always accompanied Indy back into world history. Together with the renowned archaeologist, who is also sometimes referred to as a grave robber, we discovered the lost Ark of the Covenant in Africa. This is how we were able to stop the Nazis on their foray. In India, it was called finding magic stones to protect a village. And then, finally, with the help of Henry Jones Senior, we discovered the Holy Grail… where was it hidden? Even if our path doesn’t lead to a galaxy far, far away, it gets futuristic in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL STORY & CHARACTERS
It’s hard to believe that this fourth “new” Indiana Jones episode, the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, came out almost 15 years ago. Where has the time gone? The inhabitants of the Amazon in Peru thought something similar, just in the other way, when they found a strange crystal skull ages ago. But in order.
INDY (HARRISON FORD), THE RUSSIANS & A UKRAINIAN (CATE BLANCHETT)
It’s the year 1957. The Cold War is in full swing. So, this time it’s not the Nazis who make life difficult for Indy but the Russians. Among them is the very intelligent Ukrainian agent Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). Along with the Russian mercenaries, she forces Indy to help them find an alien corpse that is said to be stashed in a very strange storehouse in Nevada, cataloged as 51.
Long sentence, short story. Although Indy helps the villains, he can escape them at the speed of sound. Only a few moments later, his knowledge expands when he learns what lies behind nuclear fission. So far, so good. Or not. Because the FBI believes that Indy is in collusion with the Russians. No wonder one of his best friends, Mac, defected to them.
MUTT WILLIAMS & OX (Shia LaBeouf, John Hurt)
As if that wasn’t enough, young motorcycle-riding greaser Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) soon annoys him with his airs. At the same time, however, he also impresses Indy.
From him, Indy learns that his friend Harold Oxley, or Ox (John Hurt) for short, has been kidnapped. He had been looking for the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for a long time. And Ox disappeared right after he found a crystal skull in Peru. Well, does something ring?
MARION WILLIAMS A.K.A. RAVENWOOD
But not just Ox, even Mutt’s mother, Marion, has disappeared. She only left Mutt a letter with a riddle that Ox wrote in an ancient language.
Hence, the chaos is complete. Because Marion is none other than Indy’s girlfriend, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), whom we already met in Raiders of the Lost Ark.
And so, Indy and Mutt embark on a dangerous rescue operation to free Marion and Ox from the clutches of their kidnappers. After this is successful, Indy has to realize that Marion hasn’t changed at all. Of course, she accompanies him on his quest to find the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. And that’s how the fun really begins.
INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL CONCLUSION
Even if Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is nowhere near as good as its predecessors, this film should not be missing from any Indy, Ford, Spielberg, or adventure collection.
On the one hand, it has some weaknesses. This includes Spielberg letting the Peruan Incas speak Mayan. Of course, the language of the Maya was only spoken where these people lived, namely in the area of Mexico.
On the other hand, Spielberg dared to tell a slightly more modern story and allow Indy – and therefore Harrison Ford – to age. Of course, there wasn’t any need to present the Russians as adversaries. However, in 1957, the Cold War was raging.
In addition, this quarrel resulted in some funny digs at both systems. However, the exaggerated Russian accent could have been dispensed with. A highly educated Ukrainian like Irina Spalko should be able to speak relatively accent-free English.
Either way, the action in The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is Indiana Jones worthy. It’s actually very funny in many places. With a lot of self-mockery, Harrison Ford shows an aging hero who knows a lot, but has by no means learned and understood everything. This is especially true when it comes to interpersonal relationships.
WIN AN INDIANA JONES 4 UHD STEELBOOK
We are sure that all fans will be thrilled that Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is now available as a 4K Blu-Ray and even as a cool steel book. Since we’re celebrating our special home entertainment month, leading up to Christmas, this time we’re making it very easy for you to win one of 3 UHD Blu-Rays.
Just answer the following question until December 16, and get the chance to be one of the lucky winners:
Images: Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.
Text: Marco Kokkot
