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I’ve already comprised a list of must see movies for this summer and while I have not been able to cross Iron Man off my list yet, I can cross off number two, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

This past Sunday, Beth and I saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Originally, I was worried that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull would not live up to the reputation that all the other films had made or worse yet, it would be updated in some way. Fortunately, all my fears were for nothing. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull did an excellent job recapturing the look, the feel, and everything else that makes an Indiana Jones movie… an Indiana Jones movie. Sure, there might be a few more visual effects this time around, but this film still offers the same mix of action, adventure and comedy that we’ve all come to expect. In fact, I believe the film’s strength is definitely in it’s campy fun. It’s because of this, that the Indiana Jones franchise so endearing.

Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf and Karen Allen all did an awesome job. Even though it’s been almost 20 years, since Ford has worn the legendary fedora, he still deliveries a great performance as Indiana Jones. Also, seeing Karen Allen return as Marion, Indy’s love interest from Raiders of the Lost Ark, was enjoyable. The chemistry of romance and witticisms that the two characters share are perfect. However, it was Shia LaBeouf’s performance that surprised me the most. Shia LaBeouf as Mutt was definitely a wise casting choice. He gave the character the right balance of intelligence and impetuousness. I could easily see his character continuing to carry the torch if more squeals were to be made.

The great news is that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is what you would expect of Steven Spielberg, George Lucas, and Harrison Ford. It doesn’t surpass Raiders of the Lost Ark or Temple of Doom, but this time around it’s not trying to. I’m not going to spoil anything for you so you don’t have to worry about that, but they do answer the question that everybody is curious about, so your just going to have to find out for yourself. I will say, the ending is a little over the top, but it’s does do a great job paying homage to classic sci-fi B-movies of the 50’s (the same era that Kingdom of the Crystal Skull take place).

I give Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull an A.