Indiana Jones...5?

As a dedicated movie fan, there are certain movies that you just “have” to be familiar with. Star Wars and The Godfather films are on this list of “must-sees” as are the Indiana Jones films. George Lucas originally created the character in homage to the action heroes of the 1930’s, and the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, was released in 1981. The film, set in 1936, was followed by the 1935-set prequel “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom,” which was then followed by the 1938-set “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

Then, nineteen years later, in 2008, another Indiana Jones was released. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” was released on May 22, 2008 to somewhat mixed reception. Although Rotten Tomatoes reported that 77% of critics gave the film a positive review, most reviews could best be described as “respectful, but far from glowing.” This is where things get tricky, as I am a huge Indiana Jones fan. Raiders of the Lost Ark is defiantly one of my favorite movies, and the whole trilogy serves as a source of inspiration, so naturally I was a bit skeptical when I heard that Indy would be coming back after nearly twenty years.

Normally, such a thing wouldn’t have bothered me, but after seeing what Lucas had done with the Star Wars prequels (especially Attack of the Clones, quite possibly the bane of my existence) I had my doubts. Fortunately however, “Crystal Skull” opened and provided exactly what I was looking for, Indiana Jones in another throwback adventure. Nostalgia kicked in and I was a kid again, watching Indy get himself into ridiculous situation after ridiculous situation. Apparently though, those ridiculous situations Indy got himself into this time around proved to be a little too ridiculous for some fans.

“Crystal Skull” was ripped apart by many die-hard and purist fans, with main points of criticism being Shia Labeouf swinging in trees with monkeys, Indy surviving a nuclear blast simply by hiding in a fridge, and the whole alien plot in general. The refrigerator incident even inspired the phrase “nuked the fridge” to point out a spot in a movie series when it finally passes it’s peak and crosses into absurdity (similar to the phrase “jumping the shark.”)

As much as I enjoyed the new installment of the Indy series, after reading all of the negative buzz from critics and fans alike, I was sure I had seen the end of Dr. Jones’ adventures. However, I apparently failed to account for the power of the almighty dollar.

That’s right, after nearly $800 million in worldwide box office, and many more millions expected when the DVD is released, a fifth Indiana Jones movie is being considered. Harrison Ford talked to the L.A. Times revealing “George Lucas is in think mode right now,” about another installment.

George Lucas, the mind who brought Attack of the Clones, is thinking of where to take Indy next. If that sentence didn’t induce panic attacks then I don’t know what will. This is both literally and ironically a battle between one of my favorite movies, and one of my most despised. Now I did enjoy “The Phantom Menace,” and I found fan boy glee when I watched Anakin take the turn to the dark side in “Revenge of the Sith” but I can find almost no redeeming qualities when it comes to “Attack of the Clones” (and believe me, I’ve tried.)

After hours of deep thought, and the realization that no matter how much I disliked Attack of the Clones, it won’t stop George Lucas from doing more projects (maybe writing some letters would help), I came to the conclusion that another Indy film would be more than welcome in my book.

I could defend almost every point of criticism of “Crystal Skull” simply by pointing out what makes me love the Indy franchise in the first place, they’re a throwback to the hay-day of action movies and Indiana Jones is one of the old fashioned American Heroes, and one of the most iconic figures in American Film. So whether or not another Indiana Jones film actually comes to fruition, I’ll be ready either way.