Film Review - Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

***
I'm always dubious when it comes to these remakes. Their very existence confirms a lack of new ideas. However, being a massive fan of the original trilogy, I have to admit that, despite myself, I'd been rather looking forward to this film.

And does it disappoint? Well, yes and no. 'No' in the sense that it does nothing to taint past glories but 'yes' by way of not quite living up to those glories either.

Initially, the signs are good. It's 1957 and the Russians are led, by a suitably sinister Cate Blanchett, to find a mysterious artifact located in Area 51.

After Indy escapes the clutches of the 'Reds', and not before surviving an atom bomb test by taking refuge in a lead lined refrigerator (possibly the films most endearing moment), he's placed under suspicion by the FBI and suspended by the Dean of the School. Then, prompted by the arrival of Shia Laboeuf, who introduces the unsolved mystery which you just know Indy can't resist, it's off to discover a mythical city of gold using clues and riddles left by 'Ox', an eminent Professor and friend of Dr Jones, played by an underused John Hurt.

The foundations are laid firmly, but its at this point where things start to go a little awry. In the ensuing race between Indy and the Russians, all the initial charm seems to ebb away. What was an interesting FBI angle and a unique 1950's take on the ageing hero, is left almost completely behind and instead we start to get Indy by numbers.

In itself that need not be a problem, there being plenty to enjoy in the tomb raiding, jungle trailing and supernatural qualities of the enigmatic 'crystal' skull. However, we're met also by clumsy action sequences that feel more like filler than centre pieces.

For example, an extended military vehicle chase, mirroring 'Raiders of the Lost Ark' but more bloated, is free from any real sense of peril. By the time it culminates in an attack by super-sized, killer ants, you're left looking at your watch and wondering what silly circumstance might come next. Actually, the answer is promptly provided by a 3 tiered waterfall plunge. The problem is, having survived the 1st drop, there's no thrill in seeing it happen twice more!?

Having said all this, the climax of the film is genuinely thrilling and the extraterrestrial element adds an interesting new slant on things too. It's good, clean fun then, has all the ingredients required and it's great to see Ford excel revisiting a much loved character. I just wish I'd been more spellbound.