Indiana Jones und das Königreich des Kristallschädels (Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull)
U.S.A. 2008

Opening 22 May 2008

Directed by: Steven Spielberg
Writing credits: David Koepp, George Lucas, Jeff Nathanson, Philip Kaufman
Principal actors: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone

Indy is back. It is the year 1957, and nineteen years have passed for Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford), aka Prof. Henry Jones, (and us) since his last adventure. A little older and grayer, the man is still indestructible. At the start of his new adventure, he survives being nuked using a fridge as a nuclear shelter. (Don't try this yourself!) Finally, decontaminated and no longer a nuclear hazard, he loses his job as an archaeology teacher because over-eager FBI agents suspect him of going undercover for the communists. When young Mutt (Shia LaBeouf) asks Indiana Jones to help him rescue the archaeologist and expert on crystal skulls Prof. Oxley (John Hurt), high-school-drop-out Mutt and teacher Indy become an unlikely team. Together, they go on a breathless hunt for the kidnapped archaeologist, a crystal skull, and a secret city. Of course, the hero has a worthy adversary. As the crystal skull allegedly has the power to influence peoples' minds, Russian scientist Irina Spalkow (Cate Blanchett) wants to use the mysterious artifact to turn Americans into communists.

Indiana Jones IV has the familiar look, feel and humor and doesn't take itself too seriously. While the story is not the most original, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is very entertaining and fun to watch. Indiana Jones is still quick with the whip and scared of snakes, but he has also changed and does some things which would have been unthinkable for his younger self. Indy and his young sidekick Mutt work well together, and pretty, spirited Marion (Karen Allen), Indy's old flame, adds spice to the team. Creating a more interesting adversary by fleshing out the Irina Spalkow character would have further enhanced the film.

This film, directed by Steven Spielberg and written by David Koepp and George Lucas, is for everyone who likes action and adventure with a little fantasy and sci-fi in the mix. A treat for old and new Indy fans, it was nominated for an MTV Movie Award as Best Summer Movie So Far. (Christa Greiff)