This is about as simple and subtle a news story as there can be, but considering the topic, it is indeed well worth a mention.
While promoting Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen over in the U.K., the BBC was able to obtain a tiny little morsel out of star Shia LaBeouf in regard to potential next Indiana Jones movie. Oddly enough, you can actually hear everyone take a deep sigh while reading that last line. When asked about the next movie, LaBeouf seemingly announced that director Steven Spielberg had actually figured out what the next story would be and that he was “gearing up” for it. This of course does not confirm or guarantee another movie is going to actually be made, but consensus seemed to be: if they figured out a good enough story, they would be up for doing another movie.
After the critically crucified fourth installment in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, fans were enraged and heartbroken and it was all just a really large mess. If they do plan on making a fifth film, it’s going to have to be remarkably better in order to win hearts back. Rumors have circulated that there was a possible plan to make Crystal Skull, and then keep making new Indiana Jones movies as the lead was slowly passed along from Harrison Ford to LaBeouf. This would take the Indiana Jones franchise to a veritable James Bond level where the character out-grows any particular face and different actors and directors could come along and create various stories of adventure. Some people seem to like this idea; others weep at the thought. I’m personally on the fence about it. All that I do know is: make one hundred movies using the formula that you used to make the first three, and many of them will be loved. Step away from that original formula again, and you will likely fail.
With that I shout out a plea to Mr. George Lucas and Mr. Steven Spielberg, both of whom I know will never ever read this. If you do in fact head out for another Indiana Jones adventure, I — along with the millions of fans who cherish your work — beg of you: please lose the CGI! If you’re making another film, just go back to the original trilogy, and watch the making-of features on those movies. You will in fact be reminded of the wonderful gathering of brilliant talents that you put together to construct some of the best special effects and shots ever conceived. Find a storyline that mixes fantasy and adventure with historically-accurate settings and artifacts; put the work back into physical shots and effects; win the fans’ hearts back!
That is all that us humble consumers can wish for.
[Source: via /Film]
A barista at a local coffee shop convinced me I need to grab the dvd of Crystal Skull and watch the special introduction/commentary with Spielberg and Lucas and watch it again with new eyes. He says hearing why they made certain decisions for the style of film (besides the awful CGI overuse), there was a reason for why it had a pulp lens on. Once this guy watched it again with that, he said he enjoyed it for what it was. I’m gonna try checking it out once again, but that doesn’t excuse the fact they alienated so many fans of the originals. I actually think Staff of Kings (see every game console) looks like it would of been a much better story/script altogether.
Comment by Slipstream — June 17, 2009 @ 12:29 am
you shouldn’t listen to baristas, unless it’s about coffee.
the first 10-15 minutes of that movie have to be the worst dialogue i’ve ever heard in a film, nearly as bad as the happening.
just uncomfortable.
Comment by mo — June 17, 2009 @ 11:16 am
I have to watch it again I think but I didn’t consider it a bad movie. If I was to hold it up to other movies that have come out over the last few years, I’d say it is not anywhere near the worst movie. If I was to compare it with the other indie movies well that’s a bit tough. When most people in my age brackets ( 25-35 ) watched their first indie movie it was when we were kids, when our imaginations were at their highest and everything was new and fascinating. Those movies showed us peoples and places we had never seen before. It’s hard to reproduce that feeling 20 or more years later when we have now seen almost all the people and places. But that’s just my 2 cents :)
Comment by Ttandc — June 18, 2009 @ 12:27 am
I hate to say it, but if they were to do new movies, start by recasting Indy and stick to the Pulp timeline of the 30’s. And keep the Nazis and classic villains. I’d miss Ford, but I don’t want to see another geriatric Indy movie. And I sure as hell don’t want to see Shia.
The 1950’s suck and Commies are no fun.
Comment by Steve — June 18, 2009 @ 10:03 am
There’s nothing wrong with Crystal Skull. It’s a far more entertaining movie than Temple of Doom. Sure a little to much cgi in this last installment, but still has the old feeling of the earlier films.
Harrison Ford IS Indianna Jones. He brings humor and humanity with his performance that is second to none. Not many new actors of his caliber.
Many should do themselves a favor and re-watch this movie.
Comment by Dave — August 15, 2009 @ 12:05 pm
Dave…BLASPHEMY! Temple of Doom was better than Crystal Skull. From jumping out of the window at club Obi-Wan, to short rounds epic saying “Hey lady! You call him Docta Jones!”, hearts being ripped out, epic rollercoaster mine cart sequences…dude I could go on and on.
Comment by SilentJay74 — June 11, 2010 @ 10:57 am