Acho
Posts: 3903
Joined: 3/10/2005
From: Dublin, Co. Ireland
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Maybe hold off on some spoilers there antdaviesuk. The film makers went to great lengths to keep the bulk of the plot a surprise, so everyone's entitled to go into it fresh.
Saw the film at an advance screening last night in Dublin. Overall I'm happy. From the opening bit (old Paramount logo, 50's soundtrack, good camera work) through the various action, and even exposition, sequences, I felt the film sustained a very good pace. Indy is looking nicely lived-in (Harrison Ford's still got it!), Mutt was a surprisingly (for me) decent addition (Shia la Boeuf holds his own very well, and not one instance of "No, no, no, no"!). There was nice interplay between the various characters, with plenty of laughs and nice moments. The odd character felt, if not superfluous, then at least over-cast (actors of the high calibre of John Hurt and Jim Broadbent weren't given a whole lot to do). Although I'm happy to accept that as a mark of quality and ambition, when even smaller roles are given to solid actors (the janitor from Scrubs!).
There are a number of very well done action sequences. I particularly liked the one through the university campus. As well as being a great set-piece, it was also a very good opportunity to admire the production design (not that that was the conscrious thought running through my head at the time!). The 50's setting of the film works very well and there is a lovely feel to the proceedings.
There were a couple of others moments, alright, where suspension of belief was required. Above and beyond the norm, that is (we'll always accept certain stretches of credulity and physical laws with Indy!). The general direction of the final act didn't sit too well with me, but I will accept that that is a reflection of my own personal preference (let's just say I prefer Last Crusade to Raiders), but I certainly wasn't the only person after the film who was a little disappointed with it.
That said, my own view, and general consensus, was certainly one of appreciation, delight and, needless to say, relief. The worst thing that could have happened was for this film to feel completely unnecessary and an embarrassing addition to a quality franchise. It holds up on its own merits (a few quibbles aside) and compares well to the previous installations (without running the risk of becoming the front-runner in any 'Best Indiana Jones' polls). I loved the final scene, felt it had real warmth and humour to it, so a nice end note to a very enjoyable, entertaining evening at the cinema.
On a ten point scale, I'd give it a solid 7, approaching 8, so I'm happy with 4* out of 5.
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RE: Why are stupid people rating this - 
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