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Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date posted: May 31, 2008 6:18 PM  |  updated: May 31, 2008 6:26 PM
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Okay it seems many people (far fewer than those who DID like it) do NOT like the new Indy film.

I have tried to analyze why this would be and am stumped. I am stumped because every film basically starts the same way, has the same things happen and have the same ending.

What I mean is it starts with an action scene, then Indy is teaching, then he goes on a quest for an artifact, the artifact always has mystical powers he never believes in and can explain why it is hocus pocus YET every time it turns out to be real, then the movie ends.

We got the same thing with the new film yet the other fans who hate it but loved the OT (Oh my that sounds familiar) hated the NEW film many years later.

Now after seeing the new Indy in the theater twice I have no complaints. The action scenes are as far fetched as ever before. We have seen rubber rafts falling out of airplanes and huge waterfall survival things in the other films like Temple and some incredibly insane stunts and effects work in Raiders.

Iniana Jones was patterned and modeled after movie house serials that Spielberg and Lucas saw as kids. THEY ARE MORE OR LESS COMIC BOOKS on the big screen.

They are not supposed to be realistic.

Did you leave the original Superman film complaining about Superman flying around the world really fast and reversing time in the process? I don't think so.

Spiderman? He shoots webs from his wrists and flies around town extremely non-realistically. AND he was bitten by a radio active spider to get his "powers" which is completely ridiculous yet the Spiderman films are not thrown around in the same way the new Indy film is by the small portion who did not like it.

You can all remember the first prequel Star Wars film The Phantom Menace which outraged some OT fans to the point of feeling like the Star Wars saga had been vandalized and sacrileged.

My point here? Well I feel that solely because the first Indy trilogy was such a popular thing and has become a piece of culture itself that a new film somehow has to top it somehow and in the process make unrealistic expectations and then consequently are let down when seeing it.

THE ORIGINAL CREATORS MADE IT! How can it be false? it isn't like Hollywood got their hands on it and decided to try and make new films. THE PEOPLE WHO WROTE THE ORIGINALS DID IT. How can they possibly not know what they are doing or what should or should not be in the new film?

In The Phantom Menace we got something different. Jar Jar, a little boy Vader and a cool villain killed off way too early being that lovely Darth Maul fella.

We didn't get a blowing up of a Death Star for the third time and people couldn't take that.

The new Indy film has me even MORE puzzled as to how it could receive such criticism from SOME fans. They don't like the story for one ...

We have the Russians wanting the secret to the crystal skulls so they can control minds from across the oceans and control the leaders of the rest of the world to be their puppets. Irina Spalko, Cate Blanchett's character has some limited telpathic abilities and is the leading authority on the issue for the red communist Russian party. This is all explained well enough in the movie. maybe some young people won't get what the communist party doctrine was which was world domination and to be communist. The cold war etc .... they do teach this stuff in school right? History class?

Indy doesn't believe in aliens and laughs at Spalko literally at the suggestion (the same as the other films when super natural powers are mentioned to him) and he just wants to learn more about the civilization where the crystal skull is.

Professor Oxley is taken captive after previously finding the crystal skull and having returned it he is a mental case from staring at it too long not helping the Russians out as they cannot understand what he is talking about half the time.

We know the Marion tie in and the Mutt story etc. No need to go there in this blog, if you were in a coma at the theater I could understand not knowing how Indy gets dragged into this.

Oxley sends a letter with his map and notes in it to Mutt and Marion says the only one who can help is Indy as he could read it and sends Mutt to find him without telling him much of anything about Indy.

Pretty simple story and pretty basic to follow. Not sure what the complaint about the story is honestly. it is as good as any other Indy film.

I should remind people also that if you watch The Temple of Doom film the effects are pretty terrible even for ILM back then. After seeing that and then complaining about the cgi in the new film ... well I am just dumbfounded by that. Dumbfounded that the old films are acceptable and the new effetcs in this new one isn't which look so much better in virtually all areas.

It clearly points to not accepting new things because it is NEW just like some fans did with Star Wars and the prequels we got.

That is my opinion on the matter. Over-analytical in nature and over-critical which the pointing out of how unrealistic Mutt's swinging through vines yet they can watch Tarzan and also complain about surviving a nuclear explosion in a fridge yet accepting a film like Superman who reversed time by reversing which way the Earth spins .... well quite honestly you need help.

I feel if this same film were made in the 1980s nobody would be complaining about it. I for one liked this Indy better than Temple and Crusade.

TIE fighters really do not make noise in space since it is a vacuum .... so get rid of your false Star Wars dvds because they are false and unrealistic.

Point made!

MissPadme
Miss Padme's Naboo Love Nest
date Posted: May 31, 2008 6:31 PM
It clearly points to not accepting new things because it is NEW just like some fans did with Star Wars and the prequels we got.

Nail, meet hammer.
zam-eli
From the mind of ZAM-ELI
date Posted: May 31, 2008 6:51 PM
i saw indy again last week for the second time, and i still love it, and i've seen the OT, i was surprised to hear about how "bad" it was or how it didn't make sense or what not. the reason might be the whole alien story. i've said before that it's an Indy movie, and like you said, you'd expect the same thing, which is what everyone fell in love with right? all i can say is to get the 1st Indy Magazine.. the one they just got out, it talks about the idea of this 4th movie and so many other things... which is great. tell everyone else to get it to see why they did this movie.
may the force be with ya.
ty_fighter01
The Death Star Files
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:02 PM
My friend and I went to see it and it was awesome! In the beginning when it gets to area 51, my friend and I were like, " This looks just like the place that they put the ark of the covenant at." If you look real close you can see the ark. Again I do not see what the big deal is. Like you said it's no differant than the others! It's just newer! Geez.
leia19886
Someone get this big walking carpet out of my way ...
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:26 PM
I've seen Indy twice now. I'm hoping to be able to take my mom to see it in the next couple of days. I think most people problem with Indy is that in the 1st three Indy movies he was going after some sort of religious artafact. In this one he's trying to keep the Russians from getting a crystal skull that gives you the ability to control your enemy's mind.
It takes a lot of imagination to follow the story. It is a good movie. It just has a few moments that are a little corny. IMO.

Leia
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:41 PM
I think most people problem with Indy is that in the 1st three Indy movies he was going after some sort of religious artafact.

treu very true ... the crystal skull isn't a religious artifact indeed. Maybe a religous symbol to the people who wroshipped them (aliens) as Gods back then? What were they .... Mayans or close relatives or whatever?

Like you said it's no differant than the others! It's just newer! Geez.

Yeah that is my main complaint with trying to figure out why it isn't liked. Mostly though most fans liked it, just that certain few who did not.
  zach starwalker
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:43 PM
Point made!

Or over-made. Can that be done?
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:44 PM
the reason might be the whole alien story.

i think you are right on with that, it seems in most of the complaints the whole alien thing bugs them whether it is about 13 skeltons joining to make an alien or aliens period.

Nail, meet hammer.

I wish there were a graphic where we could see how many of the new indy haters also hated the prequel trilogy. I don't think there is a way to prove that but i may have come close on that.
usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
date Posted: May 31, 2008 7:58 PM
Well, seeing that aliens don't exist, I think the reality is pushed to the limit. However, I found it to be great entertainment. It was different from the first three, but maybe thats a good thing. I thought the movie was great!
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: May 31, 2008 8:01 PM
It was different from the first three, but maybe thats a good thing. I thought the movie was great!

Cool that you liked it, I didn't think it was any different than the old films other than Indy is old now. it is interesting to get other people's perspectives on this film which is why I made the blog I guess haha.
nob01
Oil Bath Bubbles
date Posted: May 31, 2008 8:25 PM
I enjoyed it.
Twice.
And what I say goes. Case closed.
:D
Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: May 31, 2008 8:29 PM
Point WELL made. B-)

Bud? You said everything I'd want to say... so RIGHT on.

I loved this movie!

Loved it for the sense of adventure I felt like I did with the original. Loved it for the nostalgia of Indy and Marion, for the sexy of Shia, for the "tiring excitement" as my 8 yr old put it.... for the ants that gave me the freakin creeps like the snakes and triantulas did in the original...

my favorite part?

That Jr didn't get the HAT in the end... not yet, jr. Must prove thyself. ;)

Awesome blog cowboy. :)
JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
date Posted: May 31, 2008 8:56 PM
And I've been told I write long blogs! ;) (sorry mt. I couldn't resist. ;))


It's a given there always will be naysayers. Some people just have to be critical. I don't know why that is. I, for one, get pretty darned tired of it. What's wrong with enjoying a film for pure enjoyment's sake.

I've seen the new Indy flick, and walked out of the theater loving it. It had the same excitement and energy as the first three (yes, I even liked Temple). Maybe I could relate to the jokes more because I was around when the first three came out, and, now much older, could relate to the age jokes.

(cont. . .)
JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
date Posted: May 31, 2008 9:02 PM
(cont. . .)

There was the banter. There was the mystique. There were the tie-ins to the other 3 films. It was an enjoyable way to spend a couple of hours.

Tonight, I watched (on the History Channel) part (unfortunately I didn't catch the entire 2 hours) of the Indy/History/Archaeology documentary. It goes into the background of all four films and their ties to real life. Everyone - and I mean everyone! - should watch it. It adds quite a bit to the films. :D

(cont. . .)
JediMelindaWolf
Try not. Do. Or do not. There is no try.
date Posted: May 31, 2008 9:05 PM
(the end. . .)


Another part of the problem is (and I know I'm generalizing here) that a good portion of the American film-viewing public wants to be razzle dazzled by what they see up on the screen. They don't want a story. They don't understand history and its impact on today's events (even in the "current" times of Indiana Jones).

You can't know where you're going unless you understand where you've been.

(can you tell I'm a history buff?)

Great blog, mt. (and I read every word of it!)

MTFBWY :)
DJ Maul: Got Feet?
DJ Maul's Dancin' Cantina Party
date Posted: May 31, 2008 9:38 PM
so funny, you rarely ever blog but when you do you're right on the money.

Indiana Jones is an Action Adventure style film franchise based on early serial styles of the early 50's that Lucas grew up on as a kid.

They are fun, fast paced popcorn films, nothing more or less.

to take them TOO seriously or critique their "realism" is silly beyond reason, they arent SUPPOSED to be realistic.

and to go in expecting the new one expecting it to live up to some self determined HYPE is stupid too: WE, the fans dont make the movie so we have no right to say what should or should NOT happen in them.
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: May 31, 2008 10:18 PM
Couldn't have said it any better myself! Great analysis... I might make my dad read this blog.... ;)
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: May 31, 2008 11:57 PM
so funny, you rarely ever blog but when you do you're right on the money

Quality and not quantity is my motto, thanks my friend for to compliment.

I might make my dad read this blog

Oh boy that should be fun! I wanna know what he says if he does.

Great blog, mt. (and I read every word of it!)

Well from one windbag to another thanks!
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:01 AM
That Jr didn't get the HAT in the end... not yet, jr. Must prove thyself.

Awesome blog cowboy.


Thanks! and yeah the hat transfer was cool ... it kinda hinted that maybe the torch could be passed if they make another film. Spielberg said if this one did well there could be another as it were up to the fans to decide that.

I enjoyed it.
Twice.
And what I say goes. Case closed.


Amen my brutha ...
jkthunder
Seven Pieces
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:02 AM
Every time I hear someone say how much they dislike the monkey scene, I like it more ;)
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:08 AM
Fine, let's take this fight to your blog then...

Let's compare KOTCS to a big diamond. It's bright, it's shiny, it's beautiful, and it's going to make somebody a whole bunch of money. At the end of the day, though, that's all it is: A big shiny rock, with no other purpose but to dazzle helpless viewers like mosquitoes to a bug zapper.

As for me, I want something that's more than just a mind-numbing sparkly. I want something with a bit of substance, even from a popcorn film.

It may have the same basic outline as the other films, but KOTCS is nowhere near as good.
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:11 AM
I wonder if this had been made with Brenden Fraser as the lead and titled "The Mummy 3", if I would suddenly be a movie critiquing genius. Hmmm?
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:13 AM
BTW, I love you too :)
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 12:15 AM
Every time I hear someone say how much they dislike the monkey scene, I like it more

A little monkey business never hurt anyone. It did well for Tarzan's career :)

I love that scene in the new film.
usetheforce19
MasterMonkey13
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 7:22 AM
Every time I hear someone say how much they dislike the monkey scene, I like it more
I love that scene in the new film.

Awwwww, I gotta disagree with ya there. The movie was great but the monkey scene? Gimme a break. (On the bright side I just made jkthunder like it even more!)
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 3:16 PM
As for me, I want something that's more than just a mind-numbing sparkly. I want something with a bit of substance, even from a popcorn film.

This is where we differ, I completely disagree with your initial assessment. meaning you are way off base to begin with but hey it is your opinion. I'm not trying to change it, I'm just very puzzled by it.

There is nothing in this film drastically different than the rest of the series. It just seems like we literally watched two different movies.
jkthunder
Seven Pieces
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 3:36 PM
I tend to disagree with the need for more "subtsance" in an Indy flick. All of them, including IV, are chock full of action, easter eggs, one-liners, and an already "wrap your mind around" supernatural theme of some sort. Any more than that and it spoils the soup IMO.

Nowadays, we've been exposed to a new kind of action film full of shaky cam and jump cuts, and yes - more progressive story lines. That the new Indy doesn't conform to new action styles and instead sticks to it's old serial standard, I think has made a lot of people look for the new updated stuff and therefore they are disappointed. It's just not there in I4, nor was it intended to be.
Jedidz23
Jedidz23's musings, anecdotes, and all around fascinating stuff! :)
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 7:04 PM
Yes! I do feel a bit better. So many naysayers are just missing the point. Thanks Psycho; I write these about as much as you do, so I appreciate your passion. As you know, I am a ginmormous Indy fanatic, so I tip my Fedora to ya bro. :)

The movie was a throwback to 50's communist propoganda/red scare, alien "theories", and "animal monster movies" (just go to the Hollywood Studios Sci-Fi Drive-in at Disney World for evidence of this). It was an insane amount of fun, Harrison still throws a punch as well as he does a one-liner, and the hat by Steve Delk of Adventurebuilt was beautiful. I love all the Indy movies for different reasons; this one is no different. I better just stop now. Heck, I may as well write a blog. :D
hansgirl3
Invoking the Squee
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 8:00 PM
Well done, Psych!! *applauds*

I got back from seeing it for the THIRD time a little while ago and still LOVE IT!!!!! I walked out in just as good a mood as the first time I saw it.

:D
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 8:48 PM
This is where we differ, I completely disagree with your initial assessment. meaning you are way off base to begin with
You're absolutely right! How can I be so foolish? All hail the superior opinions of the great Psycho! :p
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 9:06 PM
You're absolutely right! How can I be so foolish? All hail the superior opinions of the great Psycho!

Why do you feel I am acting superior, I expressed my opinion that you were expecting some holy grail of a film to fulfill your lost Indy youth because you never saw the older films in the theater.

Consequently you were let down by it. You built up such expectation and it was impossible to fill it.

That is what I saw from your blog. (Cont.)
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 9:07 PM
(Cont.)

I went and watched an Indy film that was serial like and comic book like and got exactly what I wanted. I even expected less when I first went and was pleasantly surprised. I got what i got in the other films when I saw those too back in the day.

I don't know why when someone disagrees with you that you get so ruffled. Firstly you should realize that you are in the minority to begin with about the film. If voted on in a democracy your points would lose overwhelmingly.

I can say that this film is not much different than the rest of them so when I say I cannot understand why YOU can't see that and that it was like we saw two different films don't be offended by it.
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 9:18 PM
I wonder if this had been made with Brenden Fraser as the lead and titled "The Mummy 3", if I would suddenly be a movie critiquing genius. Hmmm?

This comment warrants very little for a response since The Mummy III is not even out yet and you are assuming it will suck like you think the new Indy one did and that they are one in the same. Flashy cgi fest money making sellout going through the motions crap which imo makes you look bad because the third Mummy film isn't even out yet to make a comparison.

You already think it sucks ... so it will even if it is good ... that is being closed minded.
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 9:22 PM
Cont.

For the record I liked The Mummy, disliked The Mummy II and not much expectation that The Mummy III will even be very good but should a friend recommend it with a like interest as I a trip to see it may be in play.

I will at least rent it with little expectations ... maybe i will like it. unknown since it is not out and have not seen it yet.

it kills me that you already say it sucks YHOP and you haven't even seen it.
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 10:08 PM
Why do you feel I am acting superior
Sorry, maybe it's just me being paranoid, but sometimes in your writing I get the idea that you're poking fun at my intelligence. It's in the little things you say that does it. I'm happy to have a civilized conversation about the difference is opinions on movies or politics, but when I feel my intelligence is in question I tend to get a little snarky.
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 10:08 PM
The Mummy III is not even out yet and you are assuming it will suck
No I'm not, you're missing the point I was making. I actually enjoyed the mummy movies a great deal. All I was saying is that the Mummy III could have the same features as KOTCS, and everybody would agree in my assessments because the Indy Jones name is not slapped on it.
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 10:09 PM
BTW, I still love ya :)
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 10:54 PM
My opinion was that you are blind when it comes to this film. if that is an insult then so be it though it isn't.

You set the bar so high for the new film it was impossible for it to fill what you expected. I say you are blind because the new film is just about the same as the older ones.

All I was saying is that the Mummy III could have the same features as KOTCS, and everybody would agree in my assessments because the Indy Jones name is not slapped on it.

I know what you said and understand it ... and you are incorrect in that ASSumption. Take your sparkle accusations and thinking we are weak minded and put it back in the draw someplace :)

I will say it again, you watched a different film than I did.
The Stooge
Star Wars Joke-A-Day
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 11:15 PM
I think those who enjoyed it are in the vast minority... the others just tend to be louder.
Corterville
Yoda's House of Pancakes
date Posted: Jun 01, 2008 11:28 PM
Take your sparkle accusations and thinking we are weak minded and put it back in the draw someplace
Touche. In my defense, I was defending my intelligence... :D
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 12:17 AM
I think those who enjoyed it are in the vast minority... the others just tend to be louder.

Really? I disagree and think most people who go see it enjoyed it.

I think the newsweek review sums up the film best "the new indy meets every expectation ... it just doesn't exceed them". It did for me personally, I liked it better than the fir two sequels.

I also had not heard people applaud a film in years and they did so. it was not even the premiere showing but on that weekend and again on the following Tuesday when I saw it again.
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 12:18 AM
Touche. In my defense, I was defending my intelligence...

Well cool ... I wasn't insulting your intelligence though, at least without trying to on purpose if that makes sense.
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 1:18 AM
Heck, I may as well write a blog.

Where is it sonny! I looked!

Yes! I do feel a bit better. So many naysayers are just missing the point.

It would seem that way. If this film came out in the 1980s it would have been received as well as the other films.

I made an ASSumption with that statement. The effects could not have been dione then as well and the film would have been a landmark film on that basis alone but nowadays with all of the cgi that Lucas and ILM invented being done by everybody it is now common place and the new film doesn't stand out among other films.

I suppose if the kiddies these days prefer the camera jerking around like it is mounted on a paint can mixer like most action films then so be it.
  PrincessAngel39
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 4:03 AM
I agree with you. I have seen it this weekend and have enjoyed it as well as I did with the other ones. In my country there is a TV channel that has shown the old three ones in successive weeks. I told my mother to watch the third one yesterday - she is 90 years old and not used to new films, ahd she told me she enjoyed it a lot because she was aware that the film never pretended to be realistic, but to make you spend a nice time. My mother got it in the right way. Do not pretend to find realistic stories in an Indy film. You go there to enjoy its rythm, its original ideas and to laugh at their incredible scenes. (cont'd)
I
  PrincessAngel39
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 4:04 AM
(cont'd) I have enjoyed old Indy and young Mutt and the old charrning Marion. And I also loved the scene of the hat flying into the church and disputed by old and young Henry Jr ... for the time being, Indy is his rightful owner .....:)
comanderbly
That's Impossible. Even for a Computer.
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 7:24 AM
It's not that I disliked the movie - its more that I did not enjoy it as much as the past Indy movies. I totally recognize the serial theme of the films, I was not going in expecting a masterpiece. One thing that did not work so well was the cold-war era baddies. The Nazi's worked better as bad guys - pure evil bent on world domination - greatness. There was some stuff that felt kinda over the top and unnecessary.

Still I am glad I saw it and enjoyed myself - just a splash of disappointment. ;)
JediPug1
Like My Father Before Me
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 11:56 AM
My dad read your blog... and stands by his dislike of KOTCS. I guess he's looking for a documentary or something since he insists that all the Indy films stretch credulity beyond all reason. In his defense, he also dislikes Superman for the Earth spinning, Spiderman for the web slinging.... etc.

Why does my dad even see movies?? :p



Michelle1968
M68- Star Wars Kid at Heart
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 8:03 PM
I have two wonderful, smart, witty friends in Pyscho and YHOP. You guys are like my dad and his brothers. LOLZ... Wrestling in the yard for fun and then gettin pissed.... fighting to the end.... and then crackin beers laughing about it. So love you guys. You're like family. :x

And there's nothing like a good debate! Great blog Psycho dear!
The Stooge
Star Wars Joke-A-Day
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 8:41 PM
Really? I disagree and think most people who go see it enjoyed it.

Honestly, that's what I meant. I for some reason wrote minority when I meant majority... blame it on the booze. Sorry! :8}
megatrends
Confessions of a Psychotic Jawa
date Posted: Jun 02, 2008 9:25 PM