Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

[The Dream Master]

The man with the hat is back.

Indy arrives on set. (http://indianajones.com/community/news/indyarrives.html)

Also, check out that shirt that George Lucas is wearing. Eat it, fanboys. :lol:

[The Taff]

Damn. Indiana is back.

It's like seeing John McClane come back...

[CanadianFonzie]

I'm looking forward to this to see how Harrison does, concidering Indy is one of few roles I've actually liked by Harrison...I'm not really a Ford fan

I've always loved Indiana Jones, The Last Crusade has always been my favourite, hopefully this one equals up to it

[The Dream Master]

I think I'm one of about seven people on the planet whose favorite is Temple of Doom. Short Round owns.

[CanadianFonzie]

don't feel left out, I love Temple of Doom, if there was no Crusade, than that would be my favourite...I think I'm the only one who calls The Last Crusade his favourite, lol, I don't know why, in Raiders the melting facespart really disturbs me...and I'm not THAT wimpy of a guy...it just spoils the movie for me

[The Dream Master]

I know in my mind that Raiders is probably the best film in the series, but TOD is a sentimental favorite. I really enjoy Last Crusade, too, though. You can't go wrong with Indy, regardless.

[CanadianFonzie]

well Raiders IS a classic, while the others are just sequels...but I have more fun watching the other two other than Raiders, I just hope they don't try to recreate Raiders in this upcoming 4th film

[Wheatjedi]

Naw.... there was one sequel and one prequel to Raiders. :)

[CanadianFonzie]

what do you mean prequel???

[Wheatjedi]

Temple of Doom took place in 1935. Raiders was 1936, and The Last Crusade was in 1938.

[CanadianFonzie]

ooo, you smart ass you:p, and let's not forget that Young Indiana Jones movie

[Wheatjedi]

Yep! :)

Speaking of Young Indy, the series is going to be released on DVD in three volumes beginning later this year (October/November).

[CanadianFonzie]

you mean...there was more than one?:o

[Wheatjedi]

Yeah. There was a whole series of them. They were called The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles but will be called The Adventures of Young Indiana Jones on DVD. Harrison Ford did a cameo as an older Indy in one episode.

[CanadianFonzie]

wow, I only saw once with my nephew the one about the Hawk's Eye...r was it an Eagle...damn it I forgot

[Wheatjedi]

You can read all about the series here:

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Young_Indiana_Jones_Chronicles

For the most part, it was a pretty good series. I'll definitely be getting the DVDs.

[CanadianFonzie]

ooo it was a tv show, wow I truly do know nothing

[Wheatjedi]

Naw..... now you know, and knowing is half the battle. :) I've seen too much G.I. Joe......

[killingvector]

There are rumors of a Roswell/ Area 51 connection.

Another insider report had Indy searching again for the Ark again.

[CampNewBlood]

This is gonna be another big blockbuster for Paramount.

[The Dream Master]

Check out the update at the official Indy site (http://www.indianajones.com/site/index.html).

[Wheatjedi]

Okay.... now that's just too cool. I got to meet her last year, and she was really nice. Her being in the new movie is just.... too cool!!!

I have a way with words....

[killingvector]

Great stuff.

The latest rumor is that this is still called Indiana Jones and the City of the Gods with an alien artifact standing in as the MacGuffin.

[hack slash]

COMICON VIDEO
http://www.aintitcool.com/node/33487

[killingvector]

Karen Allen's presence in this film leads credence to the rumors that the Ark of the Covenant will play a role in Indy's final film.

[Germaniac]

Whoa! If somebody told me 3 weeks ago that Marion woulkd be in Indy 4 I would have laughed at him and his "fanboy" ideas. Marion is the best Indy girl and Karen Allen still looks hot. But I begin to wonder about the story. This seems to be a bit of a nostalgia trip. I surely hope that the Ark of Covenant is not part of the story. They should come up with something new and original (that means a new adventure for Indy with other artifacts). On the other hand: Those rumours about Aliens don´t get me excited as well.

[Wheatjedi]

Theraider.net is reporting that Lucasfilm has registered six possible titles for the 4th Indy film with the MPAA. They are:

1. Indiana Jones and the City of Gods

2. Indiana Jones and the Destroyer of Worlds

3. Indiana Jones and the Fourth Corner of the Earth

4. Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

5. Indiana Jones and the Lost City of Gold

6. Indiana Jones and the Quest for the Covenant

[DRE]

I'll take "The City of Gods" for $100, Alex.

[CosmoBubba]

Well, folks, the title is official: "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull."

[The Dream Master]

Indeed, the thread title has now been updated to reflect the news.

For what it's worth, I like the title. It's a bit wordy, but not as generic as "City of the Gods" would have been.

[ChoKo]

Overall, I like the title. It sounds epic, to me.

[Just Jeans]

It is a bit wordy. I probably would have preferred Indiana Jones and the Destroyer of Worlds, but I suppose this will do.

[killingvector]

Crystal Skulls have an interesting history; created in Mesoamerica with supposed healing powers. I will be happy if there are no aliens or Roswell in this film.

[Scarecrow]

Awesome title. Looking forward to this film. :D


- Scarecrow

[French Friday]

Great title ! I love the sound of it.

[Spade]

I really like the title. I can't wait for this movie to come out.

[Cody]

An extra spills beans (http://www.nypost.com/seven/09252007/gossip/pagesix/pagesix.htm) -

BIG-mouthed extra working on the new "Indiana Jones" flick has blown his fledgling movie career to smithereens by spilling the film's major plot points.

Director Steven Spielberg and producer George Lucas made the entire cast and crew of "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" sign nondisclosure agreements. But Tyler Nelson - cast as a "dancing Russian soldier" - gave an interview to his hometown newspaper, the Edmond Sun in Oklahoma, in which he revealed that:

* Indy, played once again by Harrison Ford, and the Soviet army are both searching for a priceless skull made of crystal in the jungles of South America.

* The Russians take Indy hostage and then blackmail him by threatening to kill his ex-girlfriend and mother of his son, Marion Ravenwood, portrayed by Karen Allen. Cast as the son is Shia LaBeouf.

* Cate Blanchett plays an evil Russian who grills Indy. "I saw Harrison Ford strapped to a chair and being interrogated," Nelson told the paper.

Nelson's own big scene comes when he celebrates Indy's capture by dancing to balalaika folk music. But it's doubtful the footage of the 24-year-old actor - a professionally trained ballet dancer who studied at the Bolshoi Academy in Moscow - will make it into the final cut. Spielberg, furious Nelson blabbed, has reportedly snipped his scene.

Spielberg's spokesman, Marvin Levy, wouldn't say whether any of Nelson's spoilers are accurate, but noted: "Who knows whether that particular person will ever work in this town again?"

Reached by Page Six yesterday, Nelson told us, "No comment. I'm not supposed to talk about it." But his rep at the Thomas Talent Agency said, "He's in trouble. He's got to know that he can't do that."

[Geddy Peart]

An extra spills beans (http://www.nypost.com/seven/09252007/gossip/pagesix/pagesix.htm) -

What an idiot.

[Just Jeans]

:shifty:

Hmm...

:lmao:

God bless the Stupid.

[Darth Sinister]

He shouldn't have used his name. In other news,AICN reports (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34218) that a scene is being shot in a recreation of the warehouse from Raiders. Where the Ark was put into storage.

[Just Jeans]

http://www.indianajones.com/site/media/downloads/wallpapers/IJ4-WP-7-1024.jpg

[Shoesalesman]

I cannot wait for this movie. :shy:

[Cody]

A few pictures (http://www.aintitcool.com/node/34908)

Cameo spoiler (http://www.movieweb.com/news/17/24617.php)

[killingvector]

Huge spoiler in the cameo link, Cody.

Pretty much confirms all my fears and all my hopes.

[The Dream Master]

Must...resist...clicking link.

[El Rooto]

I don't know how much longer I can stop myself.

[Just Jeans]

That's... stupid.

Not that I mind the idea of aliens somehow playing a part in the film, but the rubber dummies from Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Yikes.

And frankly, I don't rate this very high on the "Surprise!" meter. I've suspected for ages -- years, in fact -- that something of this nature would occur. I'm well conditioned for it. Honestly, fellas, don't bother clicking it. It's not exactly spectacular, although I have to warn you that it's probably going to run rampant on the internet, so avoid headlines and whatnot.

[killingvector]

That's... stupid.

Not that I mind the idea of aliens somehow playing a part in the film, but the rubber dummies from Close Encounters of the Third Kind?

Yikes.

And frankly, I don't rate this very high on the "Surprise!" meter. I've suspected for ages -- years, in fact -- that something of this nature would occur. I'm well conditioned for it. Honestly, fellas, don't bother clicking it. It's not exactly spectacular, although I have to warn you that it's probably going to run rampant on the internet, so avoid headlines and whatnot.

Well, the mayan temple doubling as a space craft is quite a huge matza ball to digest.

Avoid the link if possible.

[Just Jeans]

I dunno why, it just doesn't move me. I'm still as excited to see this as I ever was, that link doesn't phase me one way or another.

[NETRA]

I have faith in Spielberg. If he wants to add aliens, I'm down with it. Even if they are rubber puppets. I think the FX in Close Enounters looks great to this day. It's all in how you shoot/light it. And Spielberg is no fool when it comes to directing. Having said all that, I doubt this info is true anyway. He may have dusted off the puppets but I bet they're only to be used as models for the new FX.... In much the same way that Jackson dusted off the old 1933 model dinos for his King Kong.

[Lance Lives]

The new title reminds me of Mastodon's newest album which is about a fella searching for a crystal skull. I think that Last Crusade is the best of the series but I enjoy them all and I hope this doesn't taint a great thing. I have faith in Shia though, I've liked him since Even Stevens and still think he rules so at least I have no worries there.

[El Rooto]

Three pics:

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/indyskull1.jpg
http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/indyskull2.jpg
http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/indyskull3.jpg

[The Dream Master]

Nice pics here. I am absolutely amped for this. Ford looks great to be over 60 years old.

[Just Jeans]

I wonder if that middle picture is in character? He looks down right reflective.

[Jigsaw]

He hasn't aged very much. He's looking great.

I can't wait for this movie. I've always been a big Indiana Jones fan (still have to get the DVD boxed set sometime) and hope this movie delivers.

[Jack Bauer]

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/indyskull2.jpg

That looks just says, "I can still kick your ass." or "I'm too old for this shit."

[Mr. Undertaker]

I'm really looking foward for this one...

[French Friday]

And he's always wearing the same stuff, even 20 years later. Indy seems to have no time for shopping. :D

[Geddy Peart]

And he's always wearing the same stuff, even 20 years later. Indy seems to have no time for shopping. :D


It's a classic look that never really becomes dated.

[hack slash]

Teaser Poster
http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=12850

[Jigsaw]

That teaser poster kicks ass.

[El Rooto]

Holy shit, that is an awesome poster. I want it.

[Spade]

That's a pretty cool poster.

[Just Jeans]

That poster is fucking awesome. No need to treat it as a teaser, just release that as the proper poster. I hope the theater I go to see this in is offering mini-poster versions.

[The Dream Master]

Word, Jeans. It doesn't really tease much at all. I swear if the final poster is nothing but some floating heads, I'm gonna be pissed.

Forget a mini-version, though. I'd pay a decent price to have a full-sized one on my wall right now.

[Just Jeans]

I'd love to have a full size version, too, but I mostly only have mini-posters due to lack of funds.

[annericelover]

Damn. Indiana is back.

It's like seeing John McClane come back...

Actually that I think is the whole point. The 80's are coming back, music and movies. Let the good times roll :)

John Rambo is also coming back January 2008

[The Dream Master]

My local theater already had the poster for this hanging in the lobby when I saw I Am Legend. I wanted to steal that shit. I should have at least asked if they had any extras, but I doubt they did considering how tight Lucasfilm is with their promotional material.

[nickmeece]

Actually that I think is the whole point. The 80's are coming back, music and movies. Let the good times roll :)

John Rambo is also coming back January 2008

And classic Jason ;)

[Just Jeans]

Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull LEGO Sets (http://indianajones.moviechronicles.com/2007-12/indiana-jones-lego-sets-revealed/)

[Cody]

And the possible scene spoilers (http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=12922) that go along with the Lego sets.

[Jigsaw]

Those Legos are awesome :D

[Cody]

Vanity Fair article (http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/features/2008/02/indianajones200802) with some publicity stills mixed in through its pages.

[Cody]

A big still. (http://www.comingsoon.net/imageGallery/Indiana_Jones_and_the_Kingdom_of_the_Crystal_Skull/large/hr_Indiana_Jones_and_the_Kingdom_of_the_Crystal_Sk ull_4.jpg) Gawk.

[Jigsaw]

This movie is looking more incredible. I can't wait for it and have to get the DVD set of the first three movies eventually.

[The Tall Man]

There was some magazine at the supermarket that had a great fullpage still of Ford (with his sidekick I presume?) as Indy on the cover. Sorry I can't remember what magazine it was... but it was in with the Cosmos and Enquiorers and Teen Magazines and such.

T.M.

[The Dream Master]

Trailer to debut Valentine's Day (http://www.chud.com/index.php?type=news&id=13327).

I'm guesing it'll definitely be attached to The Spiderwick Chronicles, but I hope it's attached to Jumper as well (which I'm not really looking forward to, but I'll probably be roped into seeing it).

[Darth Sinister]

There was some magazine at the supermarket that had a great fullpage still of Ford (with his sidekick I presume?) as Indy on the cover. Sorry I can't remember what magazine it was... but it was in with the Cosmos and Enquiorers and Teen Magazines and such.

T.M.

Vanity Fair. It's Indy and Mutt Williams on the cover.

[Cody]

Bazooka Jones (http://www.empireonline.com/news/story.asp?NID=21881)

[DouglasJ]

Don't know if this has been seen, but:

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u307/cjvelg/crystalSkull.jpg

crystal skull... freaky looking thing...

there are still Indy meets some Aliens rumors, huh?

[Cody]

Trailer info (http://www.latinoreview.com/news/official-crystal-skull-teaser-trailer-to-hit-feb-14th-3868)

the first teaser trailer ... will debut in theaters across the globe on February 14, 2008.

The trailer will air exclusively on ABC's "Good Morning America" that morning between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. Immediately thereafter, the footage will be available at the film's official site IndianaJones.com, Yahoo! Movies and in motion picture theaters.

[hack slash]

TRAILER!!!!!!!! a little early

http://chud.com/articles/articles/13652/1/FUCK-GOOD-MORNING-AMERICA-HERE039S-THE-INDY-4-TRAILER-NOW/Page1.html

[Cody]

And now on Yahoo Movies (http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/indianajones.html;_ylt=AsY7qv8MSH6wl3g1GC6bw55fVXc A)

[TheShowstoppa]

Ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod. I can't wait now. *Goes to find his Indy Boxset.* I wasn't really anticipating this movie until I saw that... Only 3 more months too ;)

It looks really good and the "Damn. I thought it was closer." line rocked.

[The One and Only]

Loved that shot with the villaness and the crate marked Roswell, New Mexico where her necklace is stuck to it. Heck one could probaly do a whole flick based around that, especially if you believe the effect it had on history. If the stories are true ? Anywho can't wait. What I can wait for is the inevitable trashing of Ford's co-star, Shia LeBeoff(sp?), who seems to be the internet's newest whipping boy.:rolleyes:

[El Rooto]

Yea! Must be there opening night!

[Jigsaw]

Cool trailer and can't wait for the movie.

[Biosynthnut v.2]

I AM SO F'N THERE!!

[Heart]

HD Trailers:

HD 480P (http://downloads.paramount.com//mp/indianajones/trlr1/IJ_KOTCS_trailer1_480p.mov) (42.5Mb)
HD 720P (http://downloads.paramount.com//mp/indianajones/trlr1/IJ_KOTCS_trailer1_720p.mov) (161Mb)
HD 1080P (http://downloads.paramount.com//mp/indianajones/trlr1/IJ_KOTCS_trailer1_1080p.mov) (282Mb)

I'm going to convert this sucker and put it on my PSP. :funky:

[Deathscythe]

Prett cool trailers, at least Harrison Ford is still in shape.

[Spade]

Ohmygod-ohmygod-ohmygod. I can't wait now. *Goes to find his Indy Boxset.* I wasn't really anticipating this movie until I saw that... Only 3 more months too ;)

It looks really good and the "Damn. I thought it was closer." line rocked.

Yea! Must be there opening night!

I AM SO F'N THERE!!

Cool trailer and can't wait for the movie.


You guys pretty much summed up my reaction.

I am so hyped for this now.

[Cody]

Final theatrical one sheet

http://www.aintitcool.com/images2007/KOTCSfinalposter.jpg

[Jack Bauer]

Bad ass!

That's all I have to say about that. Although Ray looks like Dom Deluise for some reason.

[Jigsaw]

Cool poster, although I personally prefer the teaser.

[Just Jeans]

I think I prefer the teaser too, but the final one-sheet is much more in keeping with the posters of the previous three films, and it's pretty sweet.

[The One and Only]

Looking at the Crystal Skull in the poster, I take it that flick has something to do with aliens. That along with the Roswell crate in the warehouse has me suspecting that.

[Darth Sinister]

Possible spoilers. You were warned.

The rumor is that it has to do with aliens and the aincent Mayan civilization. It also rumored that the aliens may be similar to those from "Close Encounters Of The Third Kind". It's said that Speilberg went and had those costumes brought out of storage and were seen on location.

[Just Jeans]

New Trailer This Week (http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/hr/content_display/film/news/e3ifff588c2bae9eaff00ab28b1722457e7)

NEW YORK -- When a second trailer for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" premieres online this week, it should spread as fast as the first thanks to a widget.

Paramount is counting on the small, portable applications that can be posted on blogs and social networks to maximize the exposure for its trailers. The first "Skull" trailer, released in February, has racked up millions of views.

[Cody]

George Lucas says his new 'Indiana Jones' is 'just a movie' (http://www.usatoday.com/life/movies/news/2008-03-24-lucas_N.htm?csp=34)

By Scott Bowles, USA TODAY

To hear him talk, you'd think George Lucas would have preferred to call his movie Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: Don't Get Your Hopes Up.

Lucas, who co-wrote and produced the May 22 film, can sound downright sullen when it comes to his expectations of fan reaction to the year's most highly anticipated movie.

"When you do a movie like this, a sequel that's very, very anticipated, people anticipate ultimately that it's going to be the Second Coming," Lucas says. "And it's not. It's just a movie. Just like the other movies. You probably have fond memories of the other movies. But if you went back and looked at them, they might not hold up the same way your memory holds up."

The remarks appear to be part of a larger strategy to build interest yet temper expectations for the fourth installment of the Indiana Jones franchise. Only one trailer is playing, and when director Steven Spielberg shows up for talk shows, he doesn't bring footage.

Lucas says he learned his lesson about unrealistic expectations when he revived the Star Wars franchise in 1999. "When people approach the new (Indiana Jones), much like they did with Phantom Menace, they have a tendency to be a little harder on it," he says. "You're not going to get a lot of accolades doing a movie like this. All you can do is lose."

Except when it comes to money. Analysts expect it to rake in well more than double its reported budget of $125 million. But Lucas says that doesn't hold much sway for him, Spielberg and Harrison Ford.

"We came back to do (Indy) because we wanted to have fun," he says. "It's not going to make much money for us in the end. We all have some money. … It would make a lot of money if you weren't rich. But we're not doing it for the money."

It's fan and critic reaction for which the team is bracing, but Lucas says he has quit trying to appeal to everyone. "It was really a blast" to make. "And it turned out fantastic. … I like to watch it."

Lucas concedes that it will be impossible to water down expectations, even among fellow filmmakers.

The Dark Knight director Christopher Nolan met Lucas at the ShoWest convention this month and says he's impatient to see the competition. "Come on, he's George Lucas," Nolan says. "I felt like I should have kissed the ring."

[Just Jeans]

Dear George,

I can't believe you're still being all emo-broody over fan reaction to The Phantom Menace. It was nearly 10 years ago -- time to move on, m'old son. You can't win them all, you're going to produce the occasional duffer. But that's okay, because even Shakespeare turned out the odd pile of pigeon dung.

Re: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- why not just tell people to skip the film entirely and save yourself the effort? Just lock it in a vault, Prince-style, and don't let anyone see it ever. You've got more money than God, you can afford to do that.

Love and kisses,
-James

PS: If the money's not important, I could do with a shilling or two. Call me. :callme:

[The Dream Master]

Lucas is absolutely right. Mark my words: people will be claiming that he and Spielberg raped their childhoods in a couple of months. It's inevitable. If anything, Lucas isn't brooding at all--he's just saying he doesn't give a fuck what people are going to say (not that he ever seems to care).

[Jigsaw]

I'm trying to keep my expectations low for this movie so I won't be disappointed. I remember the huge hype surrounding The Phantom Menace, and I remember enjoying it when I saw it theatrically (haven't seen it since, almost a whole decade :eek: ), but I do remember hearing how a lot of people were let down by it.

[The Dream Master]

If anything, The Phantom Menace haters are the ones who should get over themselves. I can't believe how many people carry that grudge to this day. It's fine that they didn't like the film, but some have taken it to an extreme. I can think of plenty of flicks that have let me down (see Jason X), but I don't have a Sean Cunningham voodoo doll that I poke everyday.

[Jigsaw]

I can sort of understand and even sympathize where TPM haters are coming from (I felt similarly towards Darren Lynn Bousman and Leigh Whannell after seeing Saw III), but I agree that that degree of hating and bashing gets ridiculous after a while.

[The Dream Master]

Don't get me wrong. I can understand disappointment, but I can't fathom the fact that people actually hold grudges and hate a man they don't even know and all because he made a flick that couldn't live up to impossible expectations.

[Jigsaw]

I still harbor a grudge against the Saw III crew after my disappointment with that movie, but there comes a time when enough is enough.

[Just Jeans]

Lately Lucas has struck me as a bit of a whinger. His new trilogy doesn't seem to have hit the mark with a lot of the old school fans, but it really jazzed millions of kids. There are children today who will want to get into the industry and do what Lucas did because of the new trilogy. You'd think he'd look on the bright side rather than hold a ten year old grudge against those people that the film didn't click with.

Ultimately, who gives a damn what a bunch of jaded old fan boys think? If Lucas thinks the new Indy film is the Bee's Knees, he should say so, to hell with what the fan boys think of it on release day. If they did this film to appease themselves and not the fan boys, they shouldn't let the fan boys dictate how they react to their own work when promoting it.

I subscribe to the Russell T Davies method of promotion -- grin a lot, ignore the fan boys that just can't be pleased, love on your work and the work of those who collaborate with you unashamedly in interviews, and say "Hooray!" a lot.

[Jigsaw]

The door swings both ways. The creator has the right to do what they want with their stories, but at the same time, you have fans who love their work as if it were their own, and if the story is taken in a direction that some fans aren't pleased with, the fans too have the right to express their distaste.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, fans certainly have a right to criticize the work, but on the other hand, the creator has the right to say "I don't give a damn." And that's what Lucas did. He never apologized for The Phantom Menace or anything else he did with the prequel trilogy. He told his story the way he wanted to tell it.

[Jigsaw]

The door swings both ways on that as well. Even if I wasn't particularly pleased with the direction that was taken, I could at least accept it and give the creator credit, but if I feel the direction it was taken in was terrible, I wouldn't feel so forgiving with my feelings.

[Deathscythe]

Lucas is absolutely right. Mark my words: people will be claiming that he and Spielberg raped their childhoods in a couple of months. It's inevitable. If anything, Lucas isn't brooding at all--he's just saying he doesn't give a fuck what people are going to say (not that he ever seems to care).

I wonder if Lucas will eventually get sued for raping someones childhood.

[Just Jeans]

...the fans too have the right to express their distaste.

Fans have a right to criticize the work, but they have absolutely no right to dictate that work's direction. The people that think they do need to get a little perspective. This stuff belongs to the creator, they're not in any way, shape or form required to steer their creative material in the direction other people want it to go.

A very loud minority of demanding fan boys is a bit of a problem in Doctor Who fandom at the moment, so much so that the UK rag mags have reported that fandom is completely at wits end and is mad as hell (which, of course, isn't the case). Russell T Davies has openly renounced certain sections of fandom, saying that if he did it the way they wanted it to be done, not only would he be compromising his artistic vision, but the show would never survive.

And he's right -- there are fans that think they know what's best for someone else's creative property, but when a storyteller is making something that has to appeal to a wider audience, someone is always going to be displeased.

At the end of the day, there's no point in dwelling on it (as Lucas seems to have done) and there's no responsibility on the part of the creative team to pander to their critics (which Lucas hasn't done). It's a pity he's let a mouthy subsection of fandom drain his enthusiasm when it comes to promotion.

[Jigsaw]

It's a tough issue. Sometimes I admire the creators for doing what they wanted to do and not giving a damn what others think about it, but if I absolutely despise the choices the creators made, you bet I won't have good feelings on the matter.

[Just Jeans]

I don't really think there even needs to be an issue. It sucks when a franchise goes in a direction you don't like (I'd kill kittens if it meant getting the Doctor off Earth a little more often in series 5, or at least out of London/Cardiff) but as fans we should accept that it's going to happen from time to time and hope that, eventually, it'll swing back in a direction we're more comfortable with.

As for The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- I think the film looks really promising. Of course we've only seen the one trailer, but it looks and sounds like true-blue Indiana Jones. It would have to put a foot really wrong for me to be too upset.

(For the record, while I do have some criticisms, I don't hate any of the new Star Wars films, so I'm hardly in the "Die, Lucas! Die!" brigade.)

[Jigsaw]

While the Star Wars OT is definitely better than the PT IMO, the PT is still good and is a worthy companion piece to the OT.

[Scarecrow]

I enjoy Attack and Sith but no way i can defend phantom Menace... it's a gigantic mess of bad acting, grating lines and misjudged comedy. It's frankly, one of the worst films ever made.... EXCEPT the stunning Darth Maul fight sequence. But I enjoyed the other two, especially Sith and I think this will will be excellent.

- Scarecrow

[Jigsaw]

I'll have to get TPM on DVD one day and give it my first watch in nearly a decade, see how it's held up for me.

[The Dream Master]

The Phantom Menace is one of the worst movies ever made? That's just crazy talk. There are hundreds of thousands of flicks that are much, much worse than The Phantom Menace.

[French Friday]

I enjoyed TPM and Jar Jar Binks and the genetic explanation (midochlor-whatever I don't remember the word) a lot. I was the only one in the group of friends I went with with a smile on my face after the viewing. The others were all very disappointed. I had great expectations and wasn't disappointed at all. It surely isn't the best of the six movies but it's like ROTJ, I never understood the hate for the ewoks for an example.

So for that new Indy, I will go with the same open mind, except I'm less a fan of Indy than I am of SW, so there's no way I can be disappointed.

[Darth Sinister]

I don't think Lucas is being emo or a whinger. I think he's making a very fair and valid point. People are going to piss and moan no matter what. Face it, people like to bitch. And unfortunately fandom has gotten too full of themselves over piddly ass shit. And frankly, he just doesn't give a fuck. Believe me, when it comes to Lucas, people will never let it go that the prequels weren't what they thought they should be. And anytime you tell the bashers to get over it, they get all pissy and cry foul. Claiming that they have the right to speak. It's one thing to speak. But it's another to make it your life mission to bitch about it. They are essentially becoming the very thing that sci-fi/fantasy fans are being laughed in general.

[Just Jeans]

I don't think Lucas is being emo or a whinger. I think he's making a very fair and valid point.

Couldn't he make that fair and valid point whilst still showing a little enthusiasm for his next picture? Just sayin'.

The Phantom Menace is one of the worst movies ever made? That's just crazy talk.

It's subjective, surely?

I think Citizen Kane is one of the most boring films in cinematic history (which would automatically put it on my "Worst Films Ever Made" list) but it's often touted as one of the greatest movies ever made.

"Best" and "Worst" is all a matter of personal taste.

[The Dream Master]

It's subjective, surely?

I think Citizen Kane is one of the most boring films in cinematic history (which would automatically put it on my "Worst Films Ever Made" list) but it's often touted as one of the greatest movies ever made.

"Best" and "Worst" is all a matter of personal taste.

When I talk about "best or worst of all time," I'm making a distinction between personal opinion and objectively looking at something. I can see how The Phantom Menace can be one of the most disappointing films to someone personally, but I can't fathom that someone can sit there and tell me that it's one of the most poorly made films ever from a technical standpoint. I can think of plenty of films that I dislike, but I won't deny that they're well made films.

And as far as Citizen Kane goes, you might find it boring, but surely you don't think it's poorly made, do you?
ADDED:


Couldn't he make that fair and valid point whilst still showing a little enthusiasm for his next picture? Just sayin'.


"And it turned out fantastic. … I like to watch it."

:)

[Just Jeans]

And as far as Citizen Kane goes, you might find it boring, but surely you don't think it's poorly made, do you?

It's been nearly ten years since I've seen it and I've only seen it the once, so I can't really remember. I just know I was intensely bored, and that's more likely to get a film on my "Worst" list than how well it's made (Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is in my top ten favorite films and it's probably one of the shoddiest films I've ever seen. Not quite Manos bad on the production front, but not far off either.)

And it turned out fantastic. … I like to watch it."

:)

Yes, I expect the raw enthusiasm nearly knocked the interviewer off his pins. :doggy:

[The Dream Master]

Attack of the Killer Tomatoes is in my top ten favorite films and it's probably one of the shoddiest films I've ever seen. Not quite Manos bad on the production front, but not far off either.)

I enjoy plenty of films that are absolutely shitty, so I agree with you here. Like I said, I think personal taste is entirely subjective, to be sure.

And Lucas has always been a low-key guy. I think that quote there is about as enthusiastic as it gets, I'm afraid.

[Cody]

The Asylum (http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=143)'s DTV alternative.

http://www.theasylum.cc/images/posters/aq_large.jpg

[The One and Only]

^Where's Richard Chamberlain ?

[French Friday]

The Asylum (http://www.theasylum.cc/product.php?id=143)'s DTV alternative.

http://www.theasylum.cc/images/posters/aq_large.jpg

Is this real ???????

If it is, I think they really have now found their "way of life" for the next 50 years ! (and at least, they're not hiding it, contrary to the many rip-off we get after each success, and I can applaude them for that)

[Just Jeans]

The Asylum has never made an attempt to hide the fact that they blatantly rip off these big features. In fact I'd say they're proud of it.

[Jigsaw]

The executives at Asylum sure have balls to be blatantly stealing and copying other peoples' works.

[Just Jeans]

They've got good lawyers.

There was a pretty long article a while back about The Asylum's films and how people in the public get duped into thinking they're the actual films rather than cheap knock offs. Their lawyers went on about how nothing they've put out has violated any sort of copyright laws. It was a pretty eye-opening read, and it was interesting to see just what these folks can get away with so long as they tap dance around the right laws.

[Jigsaw]

That's pretty surprising to hear. Their work is downright and obvious plagiarism.

[Just Jeans]

But the thing is, it's not downright plagiarism. The storylines in these knock off films are different enough (usually radically so) that there's no worry of getting sued. Generally speaking, they're only visually similar to the film they're ripping off, but they're also visually distinctive enough that they're not actually crossing a legal line.

This sheds a little light on the matter:

The Asylum's practice of producing so-called "rip-off" movies was brought to light in July of 2006 on The Today Show on NBC, featuring perspectives on the matter by The Asylum co-founder David Michael Latt, a consumer advocate, and some people in a video store. Latt contended that he is running a business and is merely trying to get the largest audience possible to see his films (as most all filmmakers attempt to do), but also says his company puts their own spin on the tales. He also noted that The Asylum had released over 200 films, and claimed that only six were "studio tie-ins". The consumer advocate noted that, while it is very misleading and unfair to customers, it is perfectly legal and, from a business standpoint, very clever. Customers at the video store expressed bewilderment, as one who picked up a copy of Pirates of Treasure Island was prompted to ask, "Is Johnny Depp even in this?"

Director Leigh Scott (Dracula's Curse, Beast of Bray Road, Dragon, The 9/11 Commission Report) defended The Asylum's practice of doing cash-in films during the commentary for his film The Hitchhiker, stating that numerous books and TV specials come out around the same time as much-publicized films (such as The Da Vinci Code and Pirates of the Caribbean) covering the topics or eras covered in those films. Scott defends The Asylum, saying that it is also just doing what numerous other people are doing, but they are the only ones making feature length films.

The folks at The Asylum are simply extremely smart businessmen. It's like when porn studios put out films like Rambone or Pirates.

[Jigsaw]

Still, the cover artwork for many of their films is more than enough cause for a lawsuit.

[Just Jeans]

Why is that?

[Jigsaw]

Just take a good look at the cover for Allan Quatarmain, that speaks for itself.

[French Friday]

The Asylum has never made an attempt to hide the fact that they blatantly rip off these big features. In fact I'd say they're proud of it.

That's exactly what I said.

And I'm very happy with that kind of behavior.

At least, Asylum markets what they're doing straight to the truth, contrary to other studios.

[Cody]

140 Minutes Plus (http://hollywood-elsewhere.com/2008/04/140_minutes_plu.php)

Indiana Jones & the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (Paramount, 5/21) is locked and runs around two hours and twenty-something minutes.

Screened for the first time only recently (and apparently due to be shown "internally" once more early next week), the final elements will be sent to the printer next week, in part so the subtitled Cannes version can be prepared in time.

[Scarecrow]

This is going to be EPIC.

- Scarecrow

[Just Jeans]

I was hoping it'd be over two hours. Su-weet.

[The Dream Master]

I just secured my ticket to the midnight showing to this in a few weeks. Absolutely stoked.

[Deathscythe]

While you wait in anticipation, why not buy a fellow friend a free ticket. :)

[The Dream Master]

:lol:

I made it out surprisingly cheap this time because no one wants to go see this at midnight with me. Of course, this probably means that I'll end up buying tickets again the next day when everyone else wants to go see it. Unless it sucks, in which case I won't see it again. I don't see that being a problem though.

[El Rooto]

Here's the new trailer:

P5bvLbl-Ul0

The release date seems further off than it actually is, to me.

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, I saw the new trailer in front of Iron Man last night, and I must say that I'm impressed by how well Janusz Kaminski has been able to replicate Doug Slocombe's cinematography from the first three. This looks like something Spielberg would have shot twenty years ago, and that's a good thing.

[El Rooto]

The audience went crazy when it appeared.

[Just Jeans]

For those looking for something slightly better than YouTube, right-click and save-as one of the following:

Trailer HD 480P (http://downloads.paramount.com/mp/indianajones/trlr2/Indy_KOTCS_Trailer2_480p.mov)
Trailer HD 720P (http://downloads.paramount.com/mp/indianajones/trlr2/Indy_KOTCS_Trailer2_720p.mov)
Trailer HD 1080P (http://downloads.paramount.com/mp/indianajones/trlr2/Indy_KOTCS_Trailer2_1080p.mov)

[Just Jeans]

Question for those of you in the know -- should I get this box set (http://www.amazon.com/Adventures-Indiana-Raiders-Temple-Crusade/dp/B00003CXC5/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1210376168&sr=8-1) or this one (http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-Jones-Adventure-Collection-Editions/dp/B0014Z4ONE/ref=pd_bbs_sr_4?ie=UTF8&s=dvd&qid=1210376168&sr=8-4)? I hate that there's two different versions of this out now, because I've no clue which is superior.

[Jigsaw]

As someone who wants every possible available bonus feature, I would get the newer set and look for the bonus disc from the original set used at a place that sells used DVDs.

[Just Jeans]

Are there no bonus features on the individual discs in the previous box set?

[Deathscythe]

So tomorrow I'm gonna have a marathon of these flicks, should be fun.

[El Rooto]

I'm gonna do the same thing.

[Deathscythe]

Haha, good luck.

[Jigsaw]

Are there no bonus features on the individual discs in the previous box set?


As far as I know, no (I don't own them and could be wrong, though).

[DouglasJ]

Are there no bonus features on the individual discs in the previous box set?

No, there isn't.

Box Set 1 (The Adventures Of Indiana Jones) has the three movies on the first three discs, no special features.

Disc 4 has a really enjoyable Documentary that runs just over two hours. It looks at all three films in detail from conception to release. It's really really good. There's also a look at stunts, music, sound and special effects. And trailers, six of them.

Box Set 2 (Indiana Jones: The Adventure Collection) has,

Disc One:
An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas

*Indiana Jones: An Appreciation - The cast and crew of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull pay tribute to the original trilogy.

* The Melting Face - A recreation of the amazing physical effect of the villains' melting face in Raiders of the Lost Ark, including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas commenting on the evolution of visual effects and CGI.

Storyboard Sequence - The Well of Souls

Galleries

Disc 2:

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas

*Creepy Crawlies - Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Frank Marshall reminisce about snakes, bugs and rats.

*Locations - Travel across the world to discover where the films take place and where they were shot.

Storyboard Sequence - The Mine Cart Chase
Galleries

Disc 3:

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade: An Introduction by Steven Spielberg & George Lucas

The Women: The American Film Institute Tribute - The three Indiana Jones women (Karen Allen, Kate Capshaw and Alison Doody) reunite for a discussion.

* (Minus Crystal Skull) Friends and Enemies - Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and Indiana Jones writers discuss how they created the most iconic characters in film history, including a look at new faces in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

Storyboard Sequence - The Opening Sequence

Galleries

All three have a trailer for the Indy Lego Game.

The ones with the * beside them are issues that are covered in the Documentary in the first box set. The only thing that really interests me is the Special Effects Feature, hopefully it would be more detailed than the one in the original box set.

[Deathscythe]

Just rewatched the whole trilogy on USA (8 fucking hours as well), unpopular opinion, but Temple of Doom has become my favorite now.

[The Dream Master]

Welcome to the club. Temple of Doom has always been my favorite. I hear that Lucas and Spielberg actually apologize for the film during the introduction on the new DVD. :shifty:

[Jigsaw]

Temple Of Doom is my favorite as well. I love the rip-roaring pacing, the intense and in-your-face action and it by far has the most gritty and badass Jones of the series IMO, and I also love how incredibly dark and grim it is with it's tone and presentation, it's almost like a Horror movie in parts. Kind of sad to hear Spielberg and Lucas both seem to hate it.

[Deathscythe]

Haha, I thought I was gonna get roasted for that. Thanks, I also fogot that the Goonies kid was in that film.

[Jigsaw]

I remember being shocked to go online and find out how much TOD is seemingly hated. I had no idea it was that critically and commercially panned until I started using the internet nearly a decade ago.

[Deathscythe]

Hmmm....when part IV comes out, I'll be sure to poll this forum on their favorite of the series.

[The Dream Master]

I remember being shocked to go online and find out how much TOD is seemingly hated. I had no idea it was that critically and commercially panned until I started using the internet nearly a decade ago.

Same thing with Return of the Jedi for me, which I also enjoy a ton.

[Deathscythe]

Also Rocky V.

[Jigsaw]

ROTJ is also my favorite Star Wars movie. There's no denying the greatness of The Empire Strikes Back (which has dramatically grown on me in recent years and is my second favorite of the series after ROTJ), but I just love the epic scope of ROTJ and the relationship between Luke and Vader. The action is breathtaking and exciting, and the movie brings perfect closure to the series for me. I honestly won't be upset if we never get another live-action Star Wars film, because for me, ROTJ ended the perfectly, and the prequels filled in the gaps with the backstory for the original trilogy.

[The Dream Master]

I remember Rocky V being hated before I ever got online. For me, it was refreshing to see other fans of it online because everyone else that I know hates it.

[Deathscythe]

Well on the flip side, I've only seen people talk postive on The Godfather Part III on the internet.

[The Dream Master]

Same here. That's another one everyone seems to hate. The internet gives a wider range of opinions for me, considering I only talk to a few people otherwise.

[Jigsaw]

Another seemingly hated sequel I love is Ghostbusters II. I love both of them but I always favored GB2 over the original, and don't think it deserves it's negative reputation. Sure, at times it's a borderline remake of the original, but most sequels tend to copy and follow the basic formula of their predecessors to some degree.

[Deathscythe]

I actually don't think I ever saw Ghostbusters 2, I also know Beverly Hills Cop III gets a lot of shit but I never saw that one either.

[The Dream Master]

I've never heard anything negative about Ghostbusters 2 myself.

[Jigsaw]

On the IMDB and plenty of movie review sites I've been to, I often see GB2 put down.

I also agree on Beverly Hills Cop III. I love that movie and find it hilarious and entertaining, but it has a bad rap. Saw II has also gotten somewhat of a bad rap over the past couple of years, I often see people deriding it as the worst Saw movie, but I find it to be the most entertaining and rewatchable of the series.

[Just Jeans]

Just rewatched the whole trilogy on USA (8 fucking hours as well), unpopular opinion, but Temple of Doom has become my favorite now.

Temple of Doom has always been my favorite.

Yes, Willie Scott is the most annoying character in the franchise. Yes, the film lacks the emotional resonance of either Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Last Crusade. But damn, it's just such a fun film (in spite of how dark the second act is).

Hmmm....when part IV comes out, I'll be sure to poll this forum on their favorite of the series.

I wouldn't be at all shocked if The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull becomes my favorite film in the series, at least for a little while.

Another seemingly hated sequel I love is Ghostbusters II.

Really? I've never seen anyone hate on Ghostbusters II. The most stern criticism I've ever heard has been "Well it's not quite as good as the first." I've certainly never seen any hate.

On the IMDB...

In fairness, the people on IMDB hate everything.

Avoid IMDB's forum. You'll live longer.

[El Rooto]

Avoid IMDB's forum. You'll live longer.

QFT.

I'm not a huge fan of Temple of Doom for whatever reason, but it's grown on me.

[Deathscythe]

Temple of Doom has always been my favorite.

Yes, Willie Scott is the most annoying character in the franchise. Yes, the film lacks the emotional resonance of either Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Last Crusade. But damn, it's just such a fun film (in spite of how dark the second act is).

I dind't mind Kate Capshaw actually, my sister hates her tho. I just hope I can tolerate that Transformers guy.

[Just Jeans]

Kate Capshaw didn't bother me at all when I was a teenager. Having watched Temple of Doom on USA last night (for the first time in something like 10 years), she made me want to pull my teeth out.

Nice rack, though.

[Jigsaw]

Temple of Doom has always been my favorite.

Yes, Willie Scott is the most annoying character in the franchise. Yes, the film lacks the emotional resonance of either Raiders of the Lost Ark or The Last Crusade. But damn, it's just such a fun film (in spite of how dark the second act is).


I remember Willie being pretty annoying, but she never ruined TOD for me. There's plenty of movies I love that have annoying characters that still manage to be great.



Really? I've never seen anyone hate on Ghostbusters II. The most stern criticism I've ever heard has been "Well it's not quite as good as the first." I've certainly never seen any hate.


On various movie forums I've been to as well as some sects of the Ghostbusters fandom, I've seen GB2 mercilessly panned.



In fairness, the people on IMDB hate everything.

Avoid IMDB's forum. You'll live longer.


Quoted for truth. IMDB = full of people who hate anything and everything.

[Deathscythe]

IMDB is pretty addicitive tho, oh well.

[Just Jeans]

The novelization of the film (http://www.amazon.com/Indiana-Jones-Kingdom-Crystal-Skull/dp/0345501284/ref=pd_sim_b_title_5) is going to be released in hardback, and Amazon.com has got the description off the back of the book listed on their page:

He’s back. Everyone’s favorite globe-trotting, tomb-raiding, wisecracking archaeologist is finally at it again–hurtling headfirst into high adventure and relying on his wits, his fists, and his trusty bullwhip to get him out of deep trouble. But the man in the jaunty brown fedora and battered leather jacket is no ordinary digger in the dirt. From the fabled lost Ark of the Covenant to the legendary Holy Grail, he’s salvaged the world’s most amazing artifacts, while beating the baddest villains and defying the most breathtaking odds.

Now it’s 1957, the atomic age is in full swing, and McCarthy-era paranoia has the nation on edge. But for Indiana Jones, the Cold War really heats up when his latest expedition is crashed by a ruthless squad of Russian soldiers. Commanded by a sword-wielding colonel who’s as sinister as she is stunning, the menacing Reds drag an unwilling Indy along as they brazenly invade American soil, massacre U.S. soldiers, and plunder a top-secret government warehouse. Their objective: a relic even more precious–and powerful–than the mythic Ark, capable of unlocking secrets beyond human comprehension.

Fast thinking and some high-speed maneuvers help Jones turn the tables, and a one-in-a-million escape narrowly saves him from certain death. But when he’s tarred as a suspected spy and fired by his university, Indy thinks it may be time to hang up his hat.

Fate, however, has other plans. Suddenly the road to retirement takes a sharp detour when a colleague’s kidnapping leads Jones into the depths of the Amazon jungle on a desperate rescue mission. With a hot-headed teenage biker as his unlikely wing man and his vengeful new Russian nemesis waiting for a rematch, Indy’s back in the game–playing for a prize all the wonders of the world could never rival.

[Just Jeans]

The track list for the John Williams score is now available. There's really no spoiler titles, but I tagged it just in case:


1. Raiders March (05:06)
2. Call Of The Crystal (03:49)
3. The Adventures Of Mutt (03:12)
4. Irina's Theme (02:26)
5. The Snake Pit (03:15)
6. The Spell Of The Skull (04:24)
7. The Journey To Akator (03:07)
8. A Whirl Through Academe (03:34)
9. "Return" (03:12)
10. The Jungle Chase (04:23)
11. Orellana's Cradle (04:22)
12. Grave Robbers (02:29)
13. Hidden Treasure / The City Of Gold (05:14)
14. Secret Doors / Scorpions (02:17)
15. Oxley's Dilemma (04:46)
16. Ants! (04:14)
17. Temple Ruins / The Secret Revealed (05:51)
18. The Departure (02:27)
19. Finale (09:20)

I've heard the full 5 minute rendition of The Raiders March from this soundtrack, and it's gorgeous. It's been changed very little, but there's some nice flourishes there that don't appear in the version used in the original film, and of course it's nice to hear a version recorded in 2007 -- every instrument used to perform the piece stands out beautifully clear.

Track 6 is very interesting -- the opening is a redux of the Ark theme, as heard in the original film.

[The Tall Man]

Has anyone noticed that in the TV Spots for this movie, they seem to be billing it like "Rocky Balboa" and "Rambo"?

The voice over announcer NEVER says "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". It's always merely "INDIANA JONES".

T.M.

[The Dream Master]

They did the same thing with those Pirates of the Carribean flicks a couple of years ago. All the tv spots merely said "Pirates."

[DouglasJ]

Has anyone noticed that in the TV Spots for this movie, they seem to be billing it like "Rocky Balboa" and "Rambo"?

The voice over announcer NEVER says "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". It's always merely "INDIANA JONES".

T.M.

It's probably because they reckon that all anyone needs to know is that it's an Indiana Jones film.

[Darth Sinister]

This would be the third time the Ark theme has been used, second in the sequels. It's heard briefly when Indy and Elsa are in the tomb of Sir Richard and he spots some writing that talks about it. He mentions it and Elsa asks if he is sure, he says that he is. We hear it very briefly.

The word that I've heard regarding the original scores seems to be that the master tapes are either too badly damaged or lost. And that Williams would have to re-record everything to put it out. Otherwise, they'll have to rely on second hand masters, which will be noticably different. It'll be like the Rhino release of the Superman soundtrack. Those were second generation masters. By the time the original masters for the first four films were found, the Rhino release had been pressed and released. Thus the DVD versions of those films and the recent soundtrack boxset are all made from the originals. So unless the Indy scores are being held somewhere and in good enough condition to be restored, we'll never have a true release of the trilogy like with Star Wars and Superman.

[Just Jeans]

I sort of wish they'd re-record the scores for the the first three films, sort of like they did in 2000 with the JAWS score (http://www.amazon.com/Jaws-2000-Rerecording-1975-Score/dp/B00004XSP5/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=music&qid=1210884044&sr=1-3). I'd love to hear re-recorded versions of Slave Children's Crusade and Belly of the Steel Beast.

[Jigsaw]

I love the Underground Chaos track from TOD. It never fails to give me chills.

[Just Jeans]

I've just been listening to the new version of The Raiders March again, and I've suddenly realized that the middle of the song is Marion's Theme, so the new version is basically identical to the version used over the ending credits of Raiders of the Lost Ark.
ADDED:
Best piece of music written by Williams for the Indy franchise:

x2_dtBqUZO8

And possibly my favorite composition by Williams altogether.

[El Rooto]

I always liked the Motorcycle Scherzo.

[Jigsaw]

I LOVE that track to death, hands down my favorite of the Indiana Jones series. It gives me a surge every time I listen to it.

[Just Jeans]

I always liked the Motorcycle Scherzo.

That's probably my third favorite track from the franchise, after Slave Children's Crusade and Belly of the Steel Beast. Slalom on Mt. Humol is another great piece.

[Cody]

As assumed (http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,356282,00.html#2)

George Lucas tells me it’s more than a strong possibility there will be a fifth "Indiana Jones." He says that he and director Steven Spielberg have left the door open for a sequel to "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." ...

"I haven’t even told Steven or Harrison this," he said. "But I have an idea to make Shia [LeBeouf] the lead character next time and have Harrison [Ford] come back like Sean Connery did in the last movie. I can see it working out.

[Jigsaw]

That would be an awful idea IMO, having Shia be the lead of the next film. Harrison may be old, but he still has it in him for a few more IJ films before finishing with it.

[The Tall Man]

Nobody wants to see an Indiana Jones movie where Indiana Jones isn't the lead hero.

T.M.

[Deathscythe]

Nobody wants to see an Indiana Jones movie where Indiana Jones isn't the lead hero.

T.M.

Me nither,

Shia LeBeouf and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull...no thanks.

[The Dream Master]

I thought that Lucas, of all people, knew when to end a good thing. And please, no shots at the prequels. Those were always intended.

While I suspect a lot of people will dislike this idea because it's Shia LeBeouf, who has seemingly become the internet's new whipping boy (and that's not necessarily a shot at anyone here, just what I've observed). I wouldn't want to see it for the reason TM gave: I don't care to see a film where Indy just makes a cameo and passes the reigns over to the next generation, unless it's done in a way that is absolutely meaningful to the character's arc. I wouldn't want it to just serve as a springboard for a new franchise. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I'm least bit open to the idea, but it has to be something brilliant.

[Jigsaw]

I don't despise Shia, but nobody would argue that Indiana Jones is Harrison Ford's series and his character. He's the star of the series and it should remain that way. I could see Shia's character maybe getting his own spin-off film or TV series, but as far as actually having him replace Ford, Hell no.

[The Dream Master]

Well, obviously, Shia won't ever be replacing Ford as Indy because he's starring as Mutt Williams in this new one, and, for all we know, Lucas and/or Spielberg might have a great story in mind for that character.

[Jigsaw]

A story that IMO would best be saved for Mutt's own TV series or spin-off film, not him being the new face of the Indiana Jones series and in the process screwing up the series.

[The Dream Master]

If it's a film about Mutt Williams, I highly doubt it'll be called Indiana Jones, and, whatever form such a film will take will always be a part of the Indiana Jones series anyway.

[Jigsaw]

That's fine being a spin-off portion of the IJ series, but to actually be the IJ series itself is something a lot of fans wouldn't take well to and I wouldn't, either. IMO, that's a recipe for disaster.

[The Dream Master]

I honestly don't see your point. A spin-off would be just that: a spin-off. I don't see how "it could become the IJ series itself" because a spin-off, by nature, doesn't replace what came before it. And besides, an Indy spin-off (the Young Indy series) served as the face of the franchise for a while, and it's in fine shape.

I just don't want to see the Indy character in a cheap, gratuituous role that hands the reigns over to another character. If he's going to appear in a film, it needs to be absolutely meaningful to Indy's character arc. If Lucas and Spielberg want to make a series of Mutt Williams flicks that don't feature Indy, they can make them to their heart's content for all I care.

[Deathscythe]

I thought that Lucas, of all people, knew when to end a good thing. And please, no shots at the prequels. Those were always intended.

While I suspect a lot of people will dislike this idea because it's Shia LeBeouf, who has seemingly become the internet's new whipping boy (and that's not necessarily a shot at anyone here, just what I've observed). I wouldn't want to see it for the reason TM gave: I don't care to see a film where Indy just makes a cameo and passes the reigns over to the next generation, unless it's done in a way that is absolutely meaningful to the character's arc. I wouldn't want it to just serve as a springboard for a new franchise. So, I guess what I'm saying is that I'm least bit open to the idea, but it has to be something brilliant.

I'm just irritated by the face that theres a sidekick again, they could have casted Val Kilmer or Denzel Washington and it would still annoy me.

[Just Jeans]

Indy has had a sidekick in every film...

[Deathscythe]

Indy has had a sidekick in every film...

Well I did say "sidekick again", anyway they always annoyed me. Except for Connery but I never really thought as him as one and more of so as a partner.

Christopher Nolan's Batman Part III - Starring Christan Bale as Batman, Michael Caine and Alfred, and Shia LaBeouf as Robin.:p

[The Dream Master]

Come on, sidekicks are kind of a staple of the series. Raiders had Sallah, Temple of Doom had Short Round, and Last Crusade had Henry Sr. along with Sallah and Marcus Brody.

[Special Killa B]

I honestly don't see your point. A spin-off would be just that: a spin-off. I don't see how "it could become the IJ series itself" because a spin-off, by nature, doesn't replace what came before it. And besides, an Indy spin-off (the Young Indy series) served as the face of the franchise for a while, and it's in fine shape.

I just don't want to see the Indy character in a cheap, gratuituous role that hands the reigns over to another character. If he's going to appear in a film, it needs to be absolutely meaningful to Indy's character arc. If Lucas and Spielberg want to make a series of Mutt Williams flicks that don't feature Indy, they can make them to their heart's content for all I care.

I see your point DM. A good example would be The Mummy movies. You have Mummy, Mummy Returns and a possible future Mummy 3 then you have The Scorpion King. The Scorpion King has something in common with the Mummy trilogy being in the second one but that movie will never replace the original Mummy idea.

[The Dream Master]

Right. I think what Jig is saying is that he doesn't want to see a Shia-centered series in lieu of any more possible proper Indy flicks, but, honestly, I'm just happy that part 4 finally got made, and I've never, ever expected to get anything after that anyway. Of course I'd rather take a proper Indy sequel instead of a spin-off, but the odds are that it isn't going to happen anyway.

[Darth Sinister]

I think the reason Lucas wants to do a spin off series has to do with the fact that while Spielberg enjoys doing Indy films, he's not as keen doing a good number of them as Ford and Lucas. Lucas wanted to do more, which is why we have Young Indy. Ford said that he has a lot of fun doing these films, so he's not an issue. And since neither wants to do another without all three on board, this is one reason why it took so long to get to TKOTCS and why Lucas wants a Mutt Williams series.

[Deathscythe]

So all 3 reviews at Chud.com were negative. :/

[The Dream Master]

That's Chud.com for you. I'm sure as hell not about to let an internet review affect me.

[Just Jeans]

Roger Ebert gives it (http://rogerebert.suntimes.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080518/REVIEWS/969461084) 3 and a half stars:

"Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull." Say it aloud. The very title causes the pulse to quicken, if you, like me, are a lover of pulp fiction. What I want is goofy action--lots of it. I want man-eating ants, swordfights between two people balanced on the backs of speeding jeeps, subterranean caverns of gold, vicious femme fatales, plunges down three waterfalls in a row, and the explanation for flying saucers. And throw in lots of monkeys.

The Indiana Jones movies were directed by Steven Spielberg and written by George Lucas, but they exist in a universe of their own. Hell, they created it. All you can do is compare one to the other three. And even then, what will it get you? If you eat four pounds of sausage, how do you choose which pound tasted the best? Well, the first one, of course, and then there's a steady drop-off of interest. That's why no Indy adventure can match "Raiders of the Lost Ark" (1981). But if "Crystal Skull" (or "Temple of Doom" from 1984 or "Last Crusade" from, 1989) had come first in the series, who knows how much fresher it might have seemed? True, "Raiders of the Lost Ark" stands alone as an action masterpiece, but after that the series is compelled to be, in the words of Indiana himself, "same old same old." Yes, but that's what I it to be.

"Crystal Skull" even dusts off the Russians, so severely under- exploited in recent years, as the bad guys. Up against them, Indiana Jones is once again played by Harrison Ford, who is now 65 but looks a lot like he did at 55 or 46, which is how old he was when he made "Last Crusade." He has one of those Robert Mitchum faces that doesn't age, it only frowns more. He and his sidekick Mac McHale (Ray Winstone) are taken by the cool, contemptuous Soviet uber-villainess Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) to a cavernous warehouse to seek out a crate he saw there years ago. The contents of the crate are hyper- magnetic (lord, I love this stuff) and betray themselves when Indy throws a handful of gunpowder into the air.

In ways too labyrinthine to describe, the crate leads Indy, Mac, Irina and the Russians far up the Amazon. Along the way they've gathered Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), Indy's girlfriend from the first film, and a young biker named Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf), who is always combing his ducktail haircut. They also acquire Professor Oxley (John Hurt), elderly colleague from the University of Chicago, whose function is to read all the necessary languages, know all the necessary background, and explain everything.

What happens in South America is explained by the need to create (1) sensational chase sequences, and (2) awe-inspiring spectacles. We get such sights as two dueling Jeep-like vehicles racing down parallel roads. Not many of the audience members will be as logical as I am, and wonder who went to the trouble of building parallell roads in a rain forest. Most of the major characters eventually find themselves at the wheels of both vehicles; they leap or are thrown from one to another, and the vehicles occasionally leap right over one another. And that Irina, she's something. Her Russian backups are mostly just atmosphere, useful for pointing their rifles at Indy, but she can fight shoot, fence, drive, leap and kick, and keep on all night.

[Deathscythe]

That's Chud.com for you. I'm sure as hell not about to let an internet review affect me.

Yeah but lets face it, you would would this if all 3 (Speil/Lucas/Ford) called it the biggest piece of self-admiration shit ever made.

And we'd all watch it too, haha.

Edit: Ebert doesn't do ****1/2 stars.

[Just Jeans]

Edit: Ebert doesn't do ****1/2 stars.

Typo corrected. My bad.

[The Dream Master]

From what I read of Ebert's review (didn't read the tagged parts), it sounds like we're getting exactly what we've come to expect from these films, and I have no problem with that.

[Deathscythe]

Yeah I clicked it and it turned out to be 3 and 1/2

Anyway he gave Temple of Doom 4 stars and Last Crusade 3+1/2 stars, for comparison sake.

[The Dream Master]

Ebert gave Temple of Doom 4 stars? That's kind of surprising. Looks like the TOD-loving crowd is bigger than we all thought.

[Deathscythe]

Ebert gave Temple of Doom 4 stars? That's kind of surprising. Looks like the TOD-loving crowd is bigger than we all thought.

Yeah, I was surprised as well.

Other Ebert gems:

Die Hard 1: **
Die Hard 2: ***1/2

The Godfather Part II: ***
The Godfather Part III: ***1/2

:D

[Just Jeans]

The three CHUD reviews complained about the fact that the film was just "more of the same", whereas Ebert (and some others, like the guy at the Boston Globe) were pleased as punch that it was "more of the same".

So if you want more of the same, you'll probably be pleased. If you want something fresh, you'll probably be disappointed.

[The Dream Master]

And I also suspect that, had the film been wildly different, most internet users would be complaining just as much and would be accusing Luca$ of raping their childhood again.

[Deathscythe]

Personally I would prefer the darker Temple of Doom formula, but I know that will never happen again.

[The Dream Master]

You know, I don't get why Spielberg and Lucas have disowned TOD because of its violent nature when Raiders features a guy getting shot in the face, melting faces, and an exploding head.

[Deathscythe]

Tell that to the MPAA, wasn't TOD the reason PG-13 was created?

[The Dream Master]

Yeah, it was. It wasn't the first to receive the rating, but it was the film that caused it to come into creation.

[Just Jeans]

Temple of Doom and Gremlins are the two films that are most commonly associated with the creation of the PG-13. Both were too violent for a PG rating, but not violent enough for an R. Spielberg went into the MPAA and helped them conceive the PG-13 rating to offer a bit of middle ground.

Raiders of the Lost Ark was almost slapped with an R rating, but Spielberg went in and altered the exploding head scene to obscure it some, thus securing a PG.

[Deathscythe]

Wow, imagine a universe with R Indiana Jones films.

[Jigsaw]

Has the uncut exploding head scene from ROTLA ever been released?

[The Dream Master]

No, not to my knowledge, but what's in the film isn't cut--it's just got fire imposed over it so as to obscure it a bit.

[Jigsaw]

I was always surprised that ROTLA got a PG rating, the scene with the melting faces is pretty gruesome even today and would easily secure an R-rating if made today.

[The Dream Master]

Nah, it'd be PG-13 these days. The MPAA is a lot more relaxed now than they were back in the 80s.

[Jigsaw]

When was the last time a face literally melting off of it's skull was something seen in a PG-13 movie released lately? :side:

One series of movies I was always surprised got a PG rating was Star Wars. Some parts are very violent for a PG movie, though Revenge Of The Sith was PG-13 because it was more intense with the burning scene.

[The Dream Master]

There you go: Revenge of the Sith featured Anakin Skywalker being burned alive, and it only got a PG-13. It was far more realistically portrayed than what we saw in Raiders, too.

As for the other Star Wars films, those don't even approach anything above a PG rating.

And if you want to get into era comparisons, dig on this: do you really think The New Blood would have been cut to shit if it had been released these days with all the other violent shit that gets released, like Saw and Hostel?

The MPAA is way more lenient these days than they were 20 years ago.

[Jigsaw]

Censorship was insane back then during the time The New Blood was released. Some Horror films still get trims to avoid being rated NC-17 these days, but they got away with a lot more than they could back then.

[The Dream Master]

Exactly. So, if Raiders of the Lost Ark could get away with a PG back when "censorship was insane," why would it get an R-rating now? I think it's possible that it would get a PG-13 rating, but not an R rating.

[Jigsaw]

Censorship became much more strict around the later 1980s. Earlier in that era they were more lenient. Compare how much gore is in the original Friday The 13th compared with Parts 2 and 3 (TFC got away with it's gore because at the time the MPAA thought it really would be the final installment).

[The Tall Man]

You know, watching the three Indys on Sci-Fi this weekend, I had forgotten just how much ass Indy kicks in "Temple of Doom"... I LOVE that shot of him illuminated in cart light as "Slave Children's Crusade" cranks up.

"SHORT ROUND! STOP FOOLIN' AROUND WITH THAT KID AND GET IN THE CART! NOW!!!"

T.M.

[The Dream Master]

Censorship became much more strict around the later 1980s. Earlier in that era they were more lenient. Compare how much gore is in the original Friday The 13th compared with Parts 2 and 3 (TFC got away with it's gore because at the time the MPAA thought it really would be the final installment).

That might be the case, but the fact is that the MPAA is more lenient now than it ever was at any point during the 80s. Besides, I'm sure even the first 3 or 4 F13 films still required cuts that wouldn't have to be made today.

Anyway, there's no doubt that Raiders contains its share of violent moments, but there's no way it'd be rated R these days. It'd possibly be PG-13 (and it probably would have secured that rating in '81 if that rating would have exsisted). Same thing with Jaws: that'd defintely be PG-13 these days. In fact, when it was released, it carried a special warning that it would be intense for younger viewers.

[Jigsaw]

I read there were protests when Jaws came out that it was too violent for a PG rating.

TM, I agree. I always liked TOD Indy the best. He's such a badass in that one and he's at his edgiest there.

[Just Jeans]

Exactly. So, if Raiders of the Lost Ark could get away with a PG back when "censorship was insane," why would it get an R-rating now? I think it's possible that it would get a PG-13 rating, but not an R rating.

Considering Spielberg walked into the MPAA and single handedly scored Transformers a PG-13 when it was in danger of getting an R, I have no doubt in my mind that Raiders of the Lost Ark would get a PG-13 as well.

Spielberg has a way with words when it comes to the MPAA that verges on the supernatural. Maybe he fed them the Blood of Kali?

[The Dream Master]

I don't even think Spielberg would have to do much convincing. I'm surprised to hear that about Transformers, though, because nothing about that seemed to border on R-rated material. Then again, I've only seen it once, so I'm probably just not remembering everything.

[Jigsaw]

Transformers had a lot sexual humor in it which may have been borderline R-rated territory in the MPAA's eyes, but I also read somewhere that the scene with Scorponok attacking the soldiers almost earned the movie an R-rating.

[Just Jeans]

I LOVE that shot of him illuminated in cart light as "Slave Children's Crusade" cranks up.

My favorite moment from that shot is when he's still lit from behind, before the cart is pushed forward to illuminate him, and all you see is his silhouette standing there.

Combined with Williams' score, it is by far the best Hero Shot that Spielberg has ever constructed.
ADDED:
Transformers had a lot sexual humor in it which may have been borderline R-rated territory in the MPAA's eyes...

I doubt that. The humor in that film -- sexual or otherwise -- isn't any more risqué than what you might see on prime time television.

I think the near-miss with the R rating was down to violence and language (they got away with a lot more recursions of the word "shit" than most modern PG-13 films).

[Jigsaw]

The masturbation reference in Transformers could've possibly pushed the rating into R territory. Some of the sexual humor is quite risque for a PG-13 film, especially one aimed at a kid audience.

[Just Jeans]

Some of the sexual humor is quite risque for a PG-13 film...

That same sort of risqué humors turns up on prime time television all the time. Off the top of my head, I've seen such humor in Scrubs, My Name is Earl, The Office, The Simpsons and Futurama.

Unless you're Kevin Smith and your film is full of dick and cum jokes, risqué humor -- like gore -- is easier to get past the censors now than in the 1980s.

[Jigsaw]

I only saw Transformers once (and don't ever plan on it again :X), but I don't recall too many uses of "shit" in it.

[SlasherFreak]

I only saw Transformers once (and don't ever plan on it again :X), but I don't recall too many uses of "shit" in it.

Was Transformers really that bad? Im askign because I plan on watching it on n Demand later and I dont want to completely waste my time.

[The Dream Master]

Nah, it's not that bad, but it's not that great, either. It was your typical Michael Bay movie: tons of eye candy and action, with little substance beyond that. Most people seemed to enjoy it a lot, though. I guess if you enjoyed Armageddon and his other films, you'll probably enjoy Transformers.

[Just Jeans]

Transformers wasn't horrible, but it wasn't brilliant either. I'm hoping the second film will focus a little more on the Bots.

I only saw Transformers once (and don't ever plan on it again :X), but I don't recall too many uses of "shit" in it.

Frenzy swears a bit (although in it's little high pitched voice, it comes across almost unintelligible) and when Barricade is chasing Sam through the parking garage, Sam let's loose the longest repeating stream of "Shit!" that I've heard in a (recent) PG-13 film.

Mind you, I've only seen the film once as well.

[Cody]

I'm giving up on Transformers as unwatchable. Three times I've tried, haven't been able to get through the whole movie once.

[El Rooto]

Considering Spielberg walked into the MPAA and single handedly scored Transformers a PG-13 when it was in danger of getting an R, I have no doubt in my mind that Raiders of the Lost Ark would get a PG-13 as well.
Actually, I heard that story was a mistake and it was Disturbia that he had to earn a PG-13 for.

[SlasherFreak]

some mixed feelings...I guess I'll watch it for myself later on and see.

[Jigsaw]

Was Transformers really that bad?


In my opinion, Hell yes :X

[CosmoBubba]

Was Transformers really that bad?

It depends. If you're a hopelessly devoted Transformers fanboy, you'll probably be let down because Shia LeBouf gets more screen time than any of the Transformers, save for maybe Bumblebee. If you go in with no preconcieved notions of the Transformers franchise, you might find it entertaining.

But as has been said, you could probably stand to skip it if you don't like big loud action movies like Armageddon. It's basically Armageddon with giant robots instead of a meteor. (Though I can't say I remember Armageddon having a long, uncomfortably awkward scene about the lead character's masturbatory habits.)