Dr. Jones, I Presume?

FINALLY. Probably one of the most anticipated sequels ever, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull arrived in theaters a few weeks ago. I went with my son to the midnight showing the night before it opened to the "non-crazy" public. I say that because it seemed like only people who are a little off the deep end go to these early-morning teasers aimed at either die hard fans or teens looking for some excitement in their lives. I am the former. In fact, looking around the theater, I notice that I am probably the only person seated who was actually ALIVE on opening day of the first installment of the series, Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. *sigh*

Okay, so I'll admit, my expectations for this movie are....low. I've read the Vanity Fair article, all the on-line speculation and predictions -- but I am hopeful. The plot is reaching, the jokes are lame and the overall look screams cornball but....in my book, it's all about Harrison Ford. Even at 65, he looks exactly how we expect Indy to look after almost seven decades: grizzled and probably worse for wear but nonetheless, same old Indy. As he famously ad-libs in the second movie, "It ain't the years, it's the milage." LOL This movie, for me, and most likely for many fans, a chance to see Indy in action again, regardless of the vehicle he arrives in. Like an old friend, we're just happy to see him. It's also nice to see Karen Allen, although Marion seems to have lost some of her spunk. I guess that happens. Shia LeBoeuf is not terrible as love child, Mutt, either as he shows off some of his inherited skills in the form of a knife (not a whip). Heir to the legend? Maybe not, as the last scene indicates when Mutt bends over to pick up Indy's wind-blown fedora and looks up in surprise as Indiana himself snatches it from his son's hand. Not yet.... Movie snobs will pan this one but I say, if you're a true fan, how could you NOT take a chance on an old friend who won't disappoint.