In Defense of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

The Indiana Jones franchise is one of the most popular of all time. However, after three films in the 1980's: Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), it took 19 years for a fourth installment. While many critics gave Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull high marks, most of the fan community voiced disgust. I did not have a strong reaction either way in theaters, but after a viewing yesterday evening it occurred to me that this film took a great deal of undeserved criticism, and is a good addition to the Indiana Jones franchise. Let's address some of the grievances against the film. Reader input welcome.

Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) uncovers the crystal skul

                              Aliens
I have heard this one too many times to not offer a response. Many say that ancient aliens are too ridiculous  for a 'believable' story. So the plot is ridiculous? Yeah. No kidding. This is Indiana Jones. The guy uncovered the Ark of the Covenant, the Holy Grail, and witnessed a man get his heart ripped out by an occult priest. Why are ancient aliens so hard to take? Having exhausted a good deal of traditional religious lore, it seems a fitting progression from the previous three films. 

 The Refrigerator and the Ants

The scene to the left caused a great deal of outcry and negative feedback. As with the aliens, it is pretty ridiculous. That is the point! What is cooler than a hero that survived an atomic detonation? 

The giant ant sequence is the second most often maligned in the film. Tough to argue with that one. If you are unfamiliar, a fight scene is interrupted when the combatants come upon a massive hive of hive-minded giant ants, so mentally connected that they climb on top of one another to reach prey. It's out there, but that's Hollywood.

                            Too Much Hindsight?

Marion Ravenwood returns

When we wait many years for a sequel, nostalgia can become overehelming. Overindulgence in this nostalgia can ruin films. The reboot of the Star Trek franchise in the last few years has taken its fair share of criticism in this regard, and Star Wars fans pensively await Episode VII. Some argue that Crystal Skull is overindulgent, but there is just enough to make the film work cohesive with the earlier trilogy. My favorite moment in the movie comes when Dr. Jones informs his students that to be good archaeologists they should spend more time in the field, reversing his mantra from the previous films, "Seventy percent of archaeology is done in the library." Bringing Marion Ravenwood back provides a good link to the past and welcomes a character that many wish had been present in Doom and Last Crusade. Filmmakers did not make the mistake of bringing back Connery or Rhys-Davies. One character was enough, and it felt more than satisfying. To answer the question, there was just enough hindsight to make sure it was Indiana Jones, but not so much as to repulse.

No words- just awful

  

The Complaint I Will Concede - Shia LaBeouf is TERRIBLE

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the best of the four films, in large part because of Sean Connery's role as Henry Jones Sr. It seems that the Ford and Connery's terrific father-son dynamic inspired Lucas and Spielberg to make another attempt by introducing Indiana's son, Mutt. I stand by their decision to introduce a son, but LaBeouf's greaser-bad boy-wannabee was terrible, and he failed to deliver anything close to a good result. Mutt's character does not develop throughout the story and has no rapport with his father. Every exchange degenerates to him calling Jones "old man." In my mind, LaBeouf's performance and character is the only inexcusable misdeed done by the filmmakers.

STRONG POINTS

Harrison Ford

The years did not take away anything from his portrayal of Indiana Jones. Everything is still there: the fighting, sly smile, moral fiber, intelligence, and resilience. Even more impressive, Ford did all of the stunts he possibly could. His physical fitness showed. The result? An Indiana Jones who has gotten older, and maybe lost a step or two, but is still tough as nails. He owns the character and the screen throughout.

Villains 

Vladimir Putin

Col. Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine)

The main antagonist is Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett). Spalko's goal is to tap into the psychic power of the titular skull to use psychological warfare against the United States. While more covert than previous plots it fits well with the Cold War theme. Blanchett plays the possessed and dutiful servant of the state well, and the swords are a nice touch ("an elegant weapon, of a more civilized age" anyone?). What she lacks in physical presence is filled in by her henchman, Colonel Dovchenko (Igor Jijikine). He was one of the best surprises. Something about the character was humorous while intimidating (uncanny resemblance with Putin, right?). 

Final Thoughts

The purpose of this outpouring was to give a maligned film a fair review. Casting, with the exception of LaBeouf, was excellent. John Hurt put in a solid performance as the crazed Dr. Harold Oxley, and believably transitioned into a lucid version of his character for the final ten minutes. Karen Allen's return as Marion Ravenwood was welcome and vital to tying the film to its predecessors. If anything there could have been more of her. All the hallmarks of the old days are there: the hat, the deductions, Indiana getting out of absurd situations, exotic locales and a hero who can somehow always manage a grin. It may not be the Indiana Jones of years past, but I thoroughly enjoyed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of Crystal Skull and highly recommend it to anyone.

As always, comments welcome below.

Panic! to Death

Panic! at the Disco's new single "Miss Jackson" hit the airwaves on Monday. The song is  If you haven't heard it yet, give it a listen below.

"Miss Jackson" is an unwelcome departure from the material on Vices and Virtues. Vices and Virtues returned the band's sound to the realm of their debut record, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out, after a tryst into Beatles land with their sophomore effort, Pretty. Odd. 

After giving a few listens to "Miss Jackson" the prognosis for Too Weird to Live, Too Rare to Die! is poor. My initial excitement at a favorite band releasing new material wore off instantly. For some reason the new trend for pop-punk bands is to embark on a R&B/pop odyssey adventure or something (read my review of Fall Out Boy's Save Rock and Roll here). Panic! appears to have aimed for Fall Out Boy's new 'pop sensibility,' missed, and hit a bus full of puppies. I can't wait for an attempt at this song live. Energy has always been Panic! at the Disco's best attribute, and songs like this give them no way to display it. The song is a snooze.

As much as I disliked Ryan Ross' contributions to Panic! at the Disco, the most noticeable difference post-split is a decline in lyrical quality. Choruses have turned into wannabe-anthemic pop hooks. 

I don't want to leave you with the idea that I hate bands for changing their sound. I am a proponent of developing sounds and musical exploration, just not when it is terrible.

I'd love to hear other opinions. 

Time for a Coffee Shop Post

The facade of Cafe Grumpy

It's been a month in New York now, so it must be time to write a post about a hipster coffee shop. Fortunately I found one within the first week. I journeyed to Cafe Grumpy once more last weekend, and returned with photos to go along with this review. I can not claim to be a coffee connoisseur, but I can distinguish from the dregs I normally drink and what Grumpy had to offer. There are several locations throughout New York, but I have only been to the one in Chelsea, on 20th Street between 7th and 8th Avenues. Their website can be found here.

View of from inside the door

The first thing you notice, or not notice, is that there is a distinct lack of signage. The facade in the picture (above and right, can you find yours truly?) contains all of the visible markings, save a small picture of a grumpy face above the door. While I was saved by someone sitting on the stoop with a coffee cup, my friend was not so lucky and walked past the door several times before realizing what it was.

A variety of sweets

Once inside, the feel of the shop is much of what you would expect from a Chelsea coffee house, a worn in physical environment with a youthful feel and creative set up. The main room reminds me of the older homes in Charleston, South Carolina, very long front to back but narrow from side to side. The interior walls are brick, providing a homey feel. There is a variety of seating, with elevated tables in the photo above, an open seating room in the back, and a back patio for sunny afternoons. 

Open seating in the rear

On my first visit I played it safe and ordered their Colombian blend. Going along with the youthful feel, your order is taken on an iPad, and you write your signature with your finger on the touchscreen. Each cup is hand brewed in front of you, and served in quality dishware. I cannot emphasize how nice it is to get a cup of coffee in a ceramic cup, instead of the cardboard I have become used to. The Colombian blend was delicious, and only sets you back $3, more than reasonable for coffee these days, especially in New York. My friend ordered a cappuccino and gave it high marks. 

The back patio

 My second visit I ordered my usual Americano, which was also excellent. On this visit I also sampled their banana nut bread that mixed well with the flavor of the espresso. After two visits this has become my favorite coffee shop and I highly recommend it to anyone. The staff was friendly and service was prompt. Check out Cafe Grumpy next time you need a cup of coffee New York City, that is, if you can find it.