There were times while I was first watching INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL that I felt like I was watching a proper Indy film. Ridiculous chase scene? Check. Crawling through tombs? Check. John Williams’ score? All of the check. Unfortunately there were also times that I felt like running to the top of the nearest hill and screaming in despair. Shia LaBeouf swinging through the jungle with a bunch of monkeys… Seriously? THE FRIDGE?? And then there was that reveal…
Director Steven Spielberg has admitted he had doubts about INDY 4’s story but went with it as he respected screenwriter George Lucas’ decisions. I personally think the film is enjoyable overall (though nowhere near as good as the classic trilogy), but a lot of fans lost faith in the franchise’s future from the moment they saw it. The big question became this: is there a demand for INDY 5?
When Disney purchased Lucasfilm last year there was a lot of talk about STAR WARS, while the whip-wielding archaeologist was hardly mentioned. Now it is looking like Dr Jones may return after all, as Paramount and Disney have reached an agreement about the rights to the INDIANA JONES series. Whereas Paramount will retain the rights to distribute RAIDERS OF THE LOST ARK, THE TEMPLE OF DOOM, THE LAST CRUSADE and KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, Walt Disney Pictures has the rights to market and distribute any further installments.
George Lucas reportedly already has the story for a fifth film, which will presumably be linked with another mysterious ancient artefact. Whether the 71-year-old Harrison Ford will return for the film is yet another question. There has been speculation previously that the story would involve Indy handing over his hat to his son Mutt (LaBeouf), but I am of the firm opinion that an INDIANA JONES film without Indy at the centre just wouldn’t work. Should a new film be made, or should the series be left alone and spared from potential damage? Let us know your thoughts.
If you’re a fan of the man who always looks good in a jacket and fedora, you may be pleased to know that new remastered versions of the original three Jones films have been released individually in stunning high definition on Blu-ray. Be sure to pick them up, but try to guess their weight first and quickly swap them for a bag of sand.
Source: Walt Disney Pictures
