10/09/08

Bob's Big Screen

Indy's back---what more could we want?

by Bob Connally

This issue: A legendary character comes out of “retirement” and a look at the new TV season that’s just gotten underway.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

(Avail. 10/14, PG-13)

After years of hype, expectation and building excitement, the world was collectively let down. "Star Wars: Episode I-The Phantom Menace"...well, I think we all died inside a little bit that day. Thankfully the return of Indiana Jones is far more enjoyable.

Nineteen years after Indy's last adventure, he's cracking the whip once again, having traded Nazis for commies. "Crystal Skull," set in 1957, is honest about the passage of time. For Indy it's now the years and the mileage. But the man has aged gracefully, still finding a way to make it up as he goes.

As far as plot is concerned, Soviet villain Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) wants Indy to help her find a legendary crystal skull and unlock its secrets. After a wild opening sequence, Indy's back in the classroom, but as always, this never lasts long.

Young greaser Mutt Williams (Shia LaBeouf) finds Indy, in hopes of helping him seek treasure and his kidnapped mother. "She said you'd help me," Mutt tells him. With that, the adventure kicks into gear, with Indy and Mutt heading to South America.

The question most have regarding "Crystal Skull" is not if it stands up to "Raiders." Of course not. That's the greatest action adventure film ever made. The questions are: can Harrison Ford still hack it, and does it stand up to "Temple of Doom" and "Last Crusade"?

I can answer a definite yes to the first question. Keep in mind, though, that this is not the same Indy. He's aged appropriately and believably. Ford shows sides of the character not previously seen. This is a less rash, more patient Indy. As for how it ranks with the sequels, I wouldn't rate it as high as "Last Crusade," but it's better than "Temple" if only because there’s no sign of Kate Capshaw.

It's nice to see a Steven Spielberg action sequence again and we get plenty of them. In the era of jump cutting and fight scenes that are difficult to focus on, Spielberg's "old school" filmmaking is most welcome. We can always clearly see what's going on and the level of fun and invention is high.

From the old Paramount logo to the first appearance of the fedora and beyond, "Crystal Skull" made me smile again and again. That's all I wanted from this movie and the crew delivered. I could have done without the CG animals, and a few elements here and there didn't quite click, but I have no serious complaints. Blanchett's Spalko is a menacing villain and Karen Allen's return as Marion is a treat for all of us who missed her in the other sequels. There are also wonderful nods to Sean Connery and the late Denholm Elliot's Marcus Brody. Like many others, I missed Sallah this time around but you can’t have everything.

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is a thoroughly enjoyable movie and a nice addition to one of the most beloved film series of all time. Just remind yourself it's not going to be "Raiders" and you'll have a great time too. 8/10

Each fall Americans can count on leaves changing, pennant races, and new shows on TV.  In what is easily the weakest TV season in recent memory, I have not found a single new series that interests me. Thankfully there are some returning favorites that keep the tube worth watching. Here are a few.

Mad Men: Ten episodes into its second season, the Emmy Winner for Best Drama has only gotten stronger. Delving further into the lives of Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and the rest of the men and women of Sterling Cooper, “Mad Men” is Appointment Television. Only three episodes remain but AMC repeats them constantly and the entire series is available if you have On Demand. (Sundays at 10 on AMC.)

It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia: The most fearless, twisted, and probably funniest show on television got its fourth season off to a hilarious start with an episode about cannibalism. Filled with characters that make the “Seinfeld” gang look like humanitarians, “Sunny” is showing no signs of slowing down or backing away from topics that no other live action sitcom would touch. (Thursdays at 10 on FX.)

Chuck: The ongoing tale of an unassuming electronic store employee-turned-secret agent began its second year with one of the best episodes of its run thus far. Zachary Levi’s performance as Chuck makes us buy into this fantastic set up. Chuck is under the supervision and protection of CIA agent and potential love interest, Sarah (Yvonne Strahovski), and hard-bitten NSA man John Casey (“Firefly’s” Adam Baldwin). A highly entertaining blend of spy-fi, action and nerd humor, “Chuck” is just a ton of fun. (Mondays at 8 on NBC.)

Heroes: After a mediocre second season, year three is off to a great start. An episode showcasing the two most interesting characters on the series (Zachary Quinto’s Sylar and Jack Coleman’s Noah Bennet) forming an unlikely alliance brought “Heroes” back into top form. The great storytelling of season one seems to be back and it is most welcome. (Mondays at 9 on NBC.)

The Office: While I’ll never love it as much as the original British series, the goings-on at Dunder-Mifflin are far funnier than most sitcoms of the last several years. Shows can often begin to wane in their fifth season, but if this year’s premiere is any indication, we have nothing to worry about. (Thursdays at 9 on NBC.)

Also coming to DVD:

10/14

The New World: The Extended Cut (PG-13) (An underappreciated masterpiece)

CSI: Season 8

Notorious

Mongol (R) – 7/10

The Matrix Ultimate Collection (Blu-ray)

Casino (Blu-ray)

10/21

Incredible Hulk (PG-13)

Looney Toons: Golden Collection – Vol. 6

Expelled: No Intelligence Allowed (PG)

The Strangers (R)

Casino Royale (Blu-ray)