The Treasure of the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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- čas přidán 28. 06. 2023
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The film so many people eagerly anticipated in 2008, and the film that left so many people disappointed. Does the movie stink? Is it a masterpiece? I don't think I can answer that -- I think that's a question people need to answer for themselves. BUT -- I do think the film has some fascinating themes tightly woven through it, which I try to pick apart in this video.
George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford, David Koepp, and so many others certainly put in the effort to make a great follow-up to Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, and the Last Crusade... an Indiana Jones film unlike anything we'd ever seen before. And on that latter front at least, they clearly succeeded. With James Mangold ending the saga of Ford's famous archaeologist with Dial of Destiny, it seemed fitting to take a look at the way the Indiana Jones franchise softly rebooted itself for a new era.
I was one of the few who liked it
Perhaps we're not as alone as we thought!
Me too
Me three
And film 5
Me four
Huh... so I'm not alone
In my personal opinion this movie was a good finale for the character. He ends the story with his dignity and a happy ending with his family.
Dial of Destiny added to it in a way I thought was not possible. It gave Indy a definitive ending and was fairly deeper in meaning than Crystal Skull. It was honestly a perfect ending for the character.
@@currymitch5119it was depressing
@@currymitch5119 Sure,... This is your opinion, and it's fine, but
When Indy literally begged to let him die in the end,... it brings me to tears. And not in a good way.
Its just sad. Sad and incredibly depressing.
I think the 5th film should not exist.
Say what you want about KoCS, but this was his happy ending.
Crystal Skull is about how great knowledge can destroy and cause unfathomable suffering, or create and bring understanding between people. Its a gem of a movie
Nicely put! You said in one sentence what I tried to get across in half an hour.
@@peterwojtechkojr I think you did a great job with your analysis. Thanks for making this video!
@@chungkingexpress94 Well thank you so much for watching and for the compliment!
Which is why the atomic bomb image is so… poignant
@@harmonlanager2670 it's a classic Spielberg image
Finally a great and realistic review of this wonderful film. I'm sick of the hating on the KotCS because of the stupid bandwagon effect. You have my thanks and appreciation!
You have my thanks as well, I appreciate you sharing your positive reaction to the video! I've been happy to see all the positive responses so far. I think KOTCS got a bad break, and in time it'll be accepted and appreciated more, like Temple of Doom before it.
I'll edit this to preface it with a hey, to each their own. But it is far from all bandwagon jumping.
Just so you know, I hated it the very first time I saw it. And it was before a consensus had formed. There was no bandwagon jumping going on here.
The snake rope scene is UNFORGIVABLE. The same Indiana Jones that went down into a pit of deadly snakes despite his fear because he needed to recover a treasure wouldn't grab a non-venomous snake to save his own life without throwing a massive tantrum. That's not Indy behaviour.
The fridge nuke is stupid. As is the vine swinging. And oh god the overuse of CGI in a franchise previously known for incredible practical sets and stunt sequences.
And an addendum added later too. It takes a lot of things being right to make a great movie. But it only takes a few, a couple of suspension of disbelief breaks, a few sequences that don't look real, a couple of character behaviour moments that don't ring true, to bring an otherwise good one way down.
yes im very glad to the videomaker too. it's very interesting that you noticed the bandwagon effect and im sure it's happening again with the new indiana jones movie
@@mattp6089 I didn't mind the fridge nuke. It was up there with the TOD raft stunt, and it fit in with the OTT adventure vibe.
My issue was just how much the film was quite dull. There were good moments, but it was a bit of a drudge, and the greenscreen/CGI has not aged well at all. It seemed to take a few cues from the Mummy and Uncharted too, which is ironic.
It just feels very confused. If they leaned heavily into the 1950s sc-fi/atom age stuff with actual flying saucers and giant ants etc then it may have worked, but the inter dimensional beings felt like a cop out.
@@stefanocibarelliexcept most of the hate for the new one is from butthurt Star Wars fans that want everything in Lucasfilm to burn no matter what. Most people are surprised at how good it is. It’s going far better than when Crystal Skull came out and the box office has nothing to do with the reception of it because a lot of people are actually just scared to go, or want to wait for streaming, but once they do…
I love that there are people out there who greatly enjoy Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
I’ve always defended the movie. I loved it than, and loved it now. First indy film I saw in theaters never got the hate, ppl just be makin up shit
@@skywalker2676 Definitely, this movie needs more recognition.
Same here!
Its ok. Cgi is awful and the fridge scene is too goofy imo but its still fun
People actually care for this movie
I saw it as a kid in theaters. Honestly, I was just grateful to see an Indy movie on the big screen instead of video tapes or DVDS. I of course bought the action figures and merchandise. I thought people blew it out of proportion with how ridiculous it was. I mean, its not like Indiana Jones was never ridiculous before. I love this movie.
You're absolutely right that Indy movies have always had intentionally ridiculous elements. I can't begrudge anyone who doesn't enjoy this movie -- I'm sure 19 years of expectations can make it hard to accept a movie that tries to be different. But I'm always happy to see people who love it! I love it too.
@@peterwojtechkojr Yeah me too
@@peterwojtechkojr I guess sometimes, fan bases are unfair. If they can look past the effects, and certain scenes which to be fair, the nuke the fridge scene was pushing it, maybe they could enjoy it
@@Lucasfan375 I'm reminded of something Harrison Ford said about it to The Hollywood Reporter earlier this year. "I think that everyone has a right to their opinion," he said, but noted that some fans were "imposing their rules on what the movie should be," instead of looking at it according to George and Steven's rules.
When you look at KOTCS on its own terms, I think there's a lot to appreciate!
@@Lucasfan375I love the fridge scene. It hits my funny bone. It’s such a great way to poke fun at his seeming invincibility and there’s a clever internal logic to it even though it’s beyond impossible. It’s one of my favorite action sequences in all of Indians Jones.
I’ve never understood the hate for this film. It’s a fun action adventure that adds so much to the series. I particularly like the juxtaposition of Indy compared to the last crusade where he is in the father figure role like Henry Sr when Mutt is introduced in the story. I like that they gave Indy a family and decided to end the movie with a wedding and hope for the future. That’s why I hate dial of destiny, the movie takes that all away and makes Indy miserable and alone. I will admit the nuke scene and the vine scene may have been a bit much, but i still enjoy the movie with those scenes.
It was hard to see Indy lose so much in Dial of Destiny. But yes, I also like seeing Indy in the father role in KOTCS... he even gets to use his dad's "this is intolerable" line! It's a nice, interesting development in Indy's life.
Very thoughtful video. I've always been a defender of Crystal Skull even though it does have some issues.
Thanks! Yeah I think it's a lotta fun.
first everyone hates a movie, a sequel gets made, they now love that movie. It's hysterical
I have a feeling that if another one gets made down the line, the same thing's gonna happen to DoD. Not that it's a bad movie or anything (it's not) but that's just the pattern. Same thing happened to the Star Wars prequels, and I'm sure it'll happen to the sequels eventually as well.
There's this old saying. It can always get worse
This is a really good essay! I've never considered looking at this film as trying to be something different to the original trilogy. I'm excited to see what other videos you make!
I really appreciate hearing that you enjoyed it, thank you! I do hope you'll enjoy what I make in the coming months (Fantastic Four comics and Doctor Who are up next, I believe)
47 likes...interesting 11:49
This is incredibly well-produced! I love videos that go in depth to describe the hidden meaning/significance of movies that weren’t received well by their audiences, and this essay did a fantastic job at doing just that. Keep up the great work!
Thanks so much, I really appreciate hearing your positive reaction! I love those kind of videos too -- I'm sure filmmakers don't set out to make movies audiences will hate, and I like to see videos that illuminate what they were trying to accomplish.
I agree! This is a very intelligent and well-supported argument. I wish someone had put this much thought into the action sequences in this movie...
I love crystal skull,its the logical next step in what these flims where based on.your not alone,this is a criminally under-rated flim.
Well thanks for watching and sharing your thoughts! I hope its underrated nature continues to change over time. Although I'm reminded of something Harrison Ford said in an interview for The Call of the Wild: "I don't think anything's underrated. Just misunderstood."
@@peterwojtechkojr no problem enjoyed the video alot. I feel the crystal skull is a classic,hope it gets the respect its due.
I love Crystal Skull. Rewatched it last night and it's so magical and fun. Classic Lucas/Spielberg
I couldn't agree more. I think its reputation will improve over time, as with Temple of Doom. Although this movie disappointed a lot of people, I've been really happy to see how many people get something positive out of it!
@peterwojtechkojr you're right, Temple of Doom's reputation actually did improve a lot since I was a kid. I remember when people disliked it almost as much as Crystal Skull, but recently I've heard some say it's either their favorite of the original series or just put it on the same level as Raiders and Crusade. When I was younger people would never have spoken of it in those terms. It was the silly black sheep
@@chungkingexpress94 I'm happy to see its reputation shift, but it's a shame it took so long. Sequels are a tricky balance. People want something new, but not different. The channel ArTorr recently posted a great video essay examining the challenges Lucas and Spielberg faced crafting their sequels, called "Indiana Jones and the Perilous Art of the Sequel."
@@peterwojtechkojr It's a loveley extension of Indy's story. He can't just be a son forever, he became a dad and husband and it is beautiful.
Excellent analysis! The haters of this movie can't seem to get this one simple idea through their skulls: the Indy movies are reflections of the time period in which they are set and, in particular, of the cinematic history of those periods. The original trilogy was a reflection of the 1930s and the movies (and serials) from that time period. The haters can't seem to comprehend that a movie made 20 years later simply cannot be set in the same time period and hence cannot be the same as the original trilogy since the movies always reflect the time period in which they are set. It's such a basic idea; I don't know why the haters can't get it through their skulls. I love the way Crystal Skull reflects the themes of the 50s: the B sci-fi movies about alien visitations, the Cold War paranoia that those movies express, the search for a "mind weapon" to win the Cold War (since it was a conflict between different ways of seeing the world). Perfect (chef's kiss)!
Well thank you for sharing your appreciation for my analysis! I'm glad you enjoyed it and found it interesting.
Incredible analysis that gave me a new found appreciation on the film. Such a high quality video, I find it strange you've only got one more video on the channel.
I really appreciate you sharing that with me! And I've shuffled some of my video plans out of respect for the SAG-AFTRA strike, but I have another Fantastic Four comic analysis and a Doctor Who analysis coming soon as they can😊
Well-said! I think the main reason that so many people hated 'Crystal Skull' was simply their conviction that 'this isn't Indy'. Well, no, it wasn't the OLD Indy - but it didn't have to be. Characters progress and change over time; they fight different bad guys and have different thematic elements to their adventures. Everyone agrees that original-flavor Indy is the best, and I do, too, but 'Crystal Skull' Indy isn't BAD, just different, as he would have to be. He doesn't have to stay EXACTLY the same to retain his coolness. He's still an archaeologist/adventurer; he still fights bad guys with his whip, his fists, his gun, and a ridiculous amount of luck, and he still faces off against paranormal threats - sounds like Indiana Jones to me.
I thoroughly agree! I'd say Indy is a little different in each flick, but he's most different here. And I understand how that would be disappointing. But at least in this case, I don't think different is bad... and in fact I think it's pretty rewarding, when we accept Indy and the movie for what they are rather than what we might want them to be. Thanks for sharing that!
No it was because Aliens don't fit in an Indiana Jones Film
@@soeffingwhat Why not?
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@@soeffingwhatAliens ufos Area 51? Lol it’s all over the News currently, the reason was the atom bomb and freezer plus those gophers and silly monkeys
I saw Crystal Skull at exactly the age George Lucas intended for me to see it. Dial of Destiny proves that Kathleen Kennedy with a $300 million dollar budget can’t even touch George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s “worst” Indiana Jones movie. Thank you, George and Steven.
the fact that you commented this is absolutely laughable. I was 7 when this movie came out and i loved it, my niece is 7 now and he loved Dial of destiny
@@wargattack8837no wonder she liked it.
@@wargattack8837 As someone who grew up with all of them on some level (I was 11 when Last Crusade came out), I love Crystal Skull AND Dial of Destiny.They each have different lessons. The one I care for the least is Temple of Doom - and I still like it quite a bit.
DIAL OF DESTINY is great fun... knock it off
@@theessentials450awful movie
Amen! I liked the film when I saw it in theaters years ago and loved it when I re-watched it the other day. I was always confused at why people disliked the film. This video does a great job of defending the film and builds a case for why it is actually great. Thank! I'm excited to see more videos from your channel.
Glad you enjoyed the video! I've always loved KOTCS as well. I understand it may not be what people wanted, but I don't think that makes it a bad movie in its own right. I hope you enjoy my next videos too!
Let me help you with your confusion: It's a thrown together, lazily written, cynical attempt to cash in on fan goodwill, that above and beyond anything else is absolutely hideous to look at, with enough digital color correction and bad CGI to make you think you're having a stroke. It's not a real movie. It's literally a financial scam. Paramount put up the money and Lucas as producer gave his own company the VFX contract, then inflated the budget by putting CGI in every frame. Before it even reached theaters, they had all made tens of millions. They shot most of the movie inside a studio a short drive from the director's house. Nobody wanted to make it for creative reasons. They wanted to take a year off and cash in.
This really helped me appreciate the aspects of this film that I wasn't able to appreciate as a kid in the theater. I've been very interested in esoteric knoweldge and consider myself in a stage of gathering at the moment, and taking a look back at films like this, I can understand why those things speak to me so clearly. Thank you for making this, it was amazing.
This is a great video. Adds a lot of context and thought behind the making of the movie. Honestly looking back it’s a great reflection of the time period it’s set in. Despite it being a pretty campy and goofy movie, isn’t that what Indiana Jones is all about?
Thanks for your kind words, I'm glad you enjoyed it. And I agree, each of the Indy movies are campy and goofy in their own ways! I'm glad we can appreciate KOTCS for what it sets out to do.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has become my favorite Indiana Jones movie over the years. I just love it. It never deserved all the hate it got.
KOTCS your favorite, that's really cool! I was never able to pick a favorite, they all excel at something different I think. I do think KOTCS is pretty fascinating and fun, and I'm sorry it disappointed so many people.
why 💀
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull took place in the 1950s ; the era of the B movies. KOCS was a perfect blend of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg; Saturday afternoon serials w interdimenional aliens👽. It was a fun adventure and the was great together. The complaints about the refrigerator scene is ridiculous; indiana Jones Is a cartoon he gets up and dusts himself off from everything. That's the fun of it. The CGI was cartooish, and it was fine for me. That's my opinion
.
@@BatGiant2005 ya know what I think it may be my favorite too, jury's kinda still out but I think it's the one I had the most fun watching. I just usually can't stand people expressing negativity at me when I show reverence for the film. Ah well. I'm glad someone else loves it too!
Notice that when Spalko is cutting open the mummified remains in the opening scene, and when later Indy is cutting open the mummified remains of the conquistadors in the tomb, they cut in a similar, almost identical, way: with the knife pointed straight in around the face area and cutting downward. In the novelization, the conquistadors are wrapped in the same metallic wrappings as the alien mummy in the opening scene. I've always thought this was a way of showing likeness between the conquistadors (explorers from another land seeking Akator who in death are wrapped up like mummies) and the recovered alien who, according to Spalko, was a distant cousin perhaps of the aliens at Akator and, like the conquistadors, had traveled from another land seeking Akator. Remember Spalko says, "Perhaps we're all searching for the same thing." Why make a connection of likeness between the conquistadors and the aliens? Because it plays on the tension between difference ("alienness") and likeness. The aliens are also archeologists (again, a likeness, in this case to Indy).
I like that, I do think it makes for an interesting parallel between the conquistadors and the aliens... perhaps we're not as different as we think. I also think watching Indy and Spalko perform the same action may even draw a parallel between them, on their parallel quests for knowledge.
@@peterwojtechkojr I would think that both the conquistadors and the alien in the opening scene being wrapped up as mummies must mean something.
I think that Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is Such an Underrated Movie !!!
Glad you feel that way... I'm right there with ya!
@@peterwojtechkojr Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Dial of Destiny is Also a Gem 💎
I didn't mind KotCS when it came out. To me it was sort of like the original 3 were the story with a succinct ending. And KotCS was just an epilogue; long after Indi's story had finished, there was yet one more adventure many many years later.
This was one of my favorite movies ever. I had been on an Indiana Jones obsession for about a year before this came out -- even the Young Indy series when it came on cable -- and was over the moon that I got to see this in theaters, on the first day of summer break.
15 years later, I still think it holds up with the originals.
Think about it -- the main complaint against Crystal Skull is the aliens, the introduction of new characters we haven't seen before, the aging profesdor motif, the cheesy dialogue --
But literally ALL those things are there in the originals.
In fact -- "interdimensional beings" is arguably LESS supernatural than literal Hindu gods, Medieval and Egyptian curses, and the literal Ark of the Covenant.
Indy surviving.a nuclear explosion in a fridge? How about "Indy surviving voodoo-doll torture" or "Indy somehow infiltrating a SEALED submarine at sea, or miraculously clinging to the side as it dives," or "Indy miraculously passing for a German soldier/naval officer countless times without actually speaking the language."
This movie perfectly fits the cheese of the originals -- and I love it.
The film has a lot going for it. I don't think it came together as well as it could have potentially (it's hard to balance spectacle and thematic subtext) but I think you do a very good job of putting the pieces together and showing what the film was capable of. If nothing else, it has much more going for it thematically than Dial of Destiny.
I just clicked on the video to comment finally someone who gives this movie good publicity. I loved the movie when it came out and I still consider it the best one in the franchise.
I agree, I never understood the hate for this movie. It has problems, but to me it still feels like Indiana Jones. Not sure about the new one though, lol.
New one is great
Great essay, I was 10 when Skull came out so it was my first and I’ve always appreciated it.
Thanks for watching and letting me know! I was young when it released too, and it definitely fueled my imagination. I've anecdotally observed that people who watch it without strict expectations enjoy it quite a bit.
@@peterwojtechkojr I couldn't agree more, I grew up just being astounded by Lucas and Speilbergs work before my time and I was happy to finally see one in my lifetime.
same, i remember watching this in awe and wonder. very good memories of good times. sadly the movie theater that i went too my whole childhood just closed due to losing so much money. seem to be the death of an era. and that genuinely upsets me :/
It's always been a great film, people just like complaining and tearing things down that don't meet the atomically-precise criteria for their narcissistic nostalgia feels.
I'm sure any sequel with decades-worth of expectations is going to have a rough time --- well, except for Top Gun I guess. But certainly, when looking KOTCS's merits on its own terms, I think it has a great deal to offer! I wish it had been better received in 2008, because I think it was a labor of love.
oh the "nostalgia excuse" - "it's not the same anymore" ...so why does Hollywood keep recycling old franchises long gone to resurrect them and CHANGE them to something different, instead of creating something UNIQUE?
no we don't like terring things down , we all so don't like being served a sugar coated turd and being told it's a brownie either. the only things wrong with this film was too many characture used for irrelivant story fillers and the forced excusses used for diologe and irrelivant scenes . it was a distraction of the one MAIN characture we were at the movies to see .😮
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Could you say the same for dial of destiny. Or is it just perhaps current day politics meddling for a reason to hate on that one.
Wow. This review on Crystal Skull was incredible! It was less of being critical of the film and more of understanding the film itself, and that by itself is refreshing to see.
I’ve always had a soft spot for this movie because it was still Indiana Jones doing things he normally does at an age where we might doubt his capabilities. But it isn’t the physically that makes Indy iconic, rather it is his mentality on others and history. At least that’s how I’m seeing it.
Overall, great work! Surprised you don’t have more subs with this quality!
If I remember, I watch this in theaters. It has soft spot in my heart. ❤
John Williams’s OST for Crystal Skull is brilliant! Some of my favourite tracks include;
Call of crystal
Siafu/ants theme
Motorbike chase
Hangar 51 chase and the flying saucer theme.
To me kingdom of the crystal skull is and always will be a childhood classic in my eyes.
Crystal Skull was the only logical move to make. The 50s are known for greasers, Russians, Atom bombs, and aliens. I think if the last scene had been done with less cgi, perhaps it would have received more love. I appreciated the subtly-done references to Roswell. It was so subtle I didnt catch it as a kid.
And yes, I actually liked Shia's character.
Less CG? HOW? EXPLAIN how to do it.
@@theessentials450 practical effects are nearly always charming to me.
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This is an excellent video. Stellar writing and editing. Although I have never seen this film as the best one, it was never the worst one to me either. While many are quick to look down on kingdom of the crystal skull for what are typically surface level criticisms, I’ve always enjoyed the movie seeing it as dumb fun much like older b movies, but you’ve put the film into a much more thoughtful light that I’ve never considered and as a result I’ve grown an even greater appreciation for the film. Fantastic work
Better than the new one, that is for sure!
The toughest part about writing any Indiana Jones movie is finding a great MacGuffin. And personally I'm not crazy about the crystal skull and e.t.'s being the object of his search. Nonetheless I really enjoy this movie and have watched it again and again. Great character interaction and excellent pacing/editing. 👍
He didn't know it was part of his search either.
Yeah, I can understand why it would take George Lucas so long to come up with a MacGuffin… let alone one he and Spielberg agreed on!
Chances are you are also probably not a science "fiction" fan, though I assume you understand why an alien story was written to match the time period of the 50's while also keeping in line with actual real life mythology, as all indigenous people around the world have mythology including other worldly beings, whether it's Quetzalcoatl, aka Kukulkan, aka the feathered serpent (most likely the serpentine alien being's aircraft ala the cargo-cult phenomenon) where humans describe things they've never seen before in images they recognize while revering these alien beings as gods.)of the Maya, the dolhpin-like beings who visited the Dogon tribe in Africa all the way from Sirius A/B constellation, etc. and yes, the Dogons knew that Sirius was a binary star system centuries before modern technology would be developed by the 1950's that could detect the same..
This is why the juxtaposition of the alien beings and the indigenous tribes depicted on the wall murals as having first contact with these beings and being given the knowledge of agriculture, animal husbandry, natural herbs and their uses, irrigation, masonry, etc, this is all true, as stated in various forms in mythologies around the world.
This is hands down the best Indy analysis I have ever seen. I’m deeply happy to be a part of the 4th film fandom, because yes, there is a ton to love here
This was a nearly perfect video. Growing up with this franchise, I’ve always had a subconscious desire for knowledge knowing that that is the real treasure in life.
I wonder if 1969 Indy ever watched a James Bond film and thought, "Hey, that looks like dad!"
i'm listening to a guy talk like johnny depp on the topic of an underrated indian jones film. perfection
one thing to add, i think the "interdimensional beings" is because of the consistant theme of the treasure of indiana jones is always something occult in nature.
Let’s pretend the latest movie never happened as this movie at least gives Indy a happy ending whereas the new one ends on a very depressing and bittersweet note
For those who think the nuke scen was stupid. Should look up at how close and stuff actual people survived the a-bombs in Japan. Some even survived both of them.
Really enjoyed this analysis. I saw this as a kid when it came out in theaters so, even though I can observe its flaws as a movie, I have a deep nostalgia for it. I appreciate this perspective on the movie and think it makes the film seem much richer than I initially took it for.
This video is outstanding. I’ve always admired action movies hiding their morale and ideological messages behind a fun, simple to follow story.
But I’ve never seen a video so openly talking about elements outside the main plot. The details that configure the way the film’s world has been crafted.
When you analyzed the meaning of “Hound Dog” for example, I was absolutely blown away.
Great video! Cheers.
I loved this essay. This movie is one that I saw as a kid. I had and I am still having fun watching this movie. You just gave an amazing point of view to understand deeper this movie!
I enjoyed this movie growing up too, and have only appreciated it more over the years. I'm glad you liked the essay and found it meaningful -- thanks for letting me know!
Your subscriber count is criminally underrated with how good this video essay was that got me to change my views of a film and see it with new context. I expected 75k subs. Definitely subscribed.
I think Red Letter Media sums up this movie the best; an Indiana Jones film thats been watered down.
Although, I agree with them, to some extent, I do believe there are some greats parts of this film. As ridiculous as it may be at times, I still enjoy it for the feeling of Lucas and Spielberg's heart placed into the story.
Love this analysis of the movie, and i feel it might even change a few minds on it! would love to hear your take on Revenge Of The Sith. Shocked you only have 400 subs. here's to the first thousand, and to hopefully many more. Thanks for the brilliant content. Keep it up :) let me know if you have a patreon or anything
This film, much like the newest entry Dial of Destiny, gets A LOT of unnecessary hate and I'll probably never understand why. Even with it being made in more modern times, it still felt like one of the classic Indy films that we all know and love. I noticed one of the main reasons for all the hate was the fact that there were aliens involved, as if something like that is "too stupid" to be involved in an Indy movie, but come on. Indy has seen many different things in his life that were otherwise inexplicable to understand like ghosts, voodoo magic, and holy powers from both the Ark and the Holy Grail, but aliens is where people draw the line?? Sure the CGI aspect of the alien at the end wasn't done in the best way, but so what? There's definitely been some worse CG than that (*cough* The Mummy 2 *cough*). KotCS is a fantastic Indy film and there's nothing that will make me say otherwise
I agree, I think the general feel of Kingdom fits very comfortably with the classic trilogy. And while I understand that some people preferred the more "spiritual" powers at play in the originals, I personally think the alien angle fit perfectly well. I do wish they woulda made that alien practical though, haha! I think that would've been really cool to see, but it's certainly not a dealbreaker... It's not like the earlier movies purposefully used outdated effects, they each used the most modern tools at their disposal.
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Loved #4, and for those who, for some reason, say nobody wanted a 5th film? You have obviously never lived because, as a kid, this movie showed nothing but possibilities for future stories! XD
This was a great video. I've always liked Crystal Skull. I like the idea that Raiders, Temple, and Crusade were 1930s movies made in the 1980s, therefore Skull was a 1950s made in the 2000s. I've always liked this movie, but there was something...off putting a out it visually. Like some sort of filter on the movie that makes it look weird. Also the jungle chase got a little too goofy. But I still like it overall.
Thanks! Yes I agree, the “glossy” look is a definite departure from the classic 3, and I think I would’ve preferred it otherwise. I suppose it’s a reflection of Spielberg’s more modern directing sensibilities, and I suppose the visual distinction does help reinforce the difference in era, which is important to the film. But it definitely took some getting used to…!
Good news: The weird glossy look was mostly removed in the Disney+ version of the movie. It's still present in a few shots, but the movie looks a lot better now!
Why do people wait DECADES for them to realize something was actually good and just ENJOY IT!
" Such human life is wasted in wait "
Oh, it's just the Lucasfandom syndrome.
Lucasfilm releases a trilogy, fans love it for decades, Lucasfilm releases something new made by the same creative team, fans hate it, Lucasfilm is bought and makes a new movie not made by the original minds, fans hate that too and realise they were to hash on the latest entry.
I love a well-timed Harold Oxley/Ralph Waldo Emerson reference! But that’s a good question. I presume some people are swayed by the predominant opinion of the time, then change as time passes and the fervor wanes. Or, separate from popular opinion, their feelings just evolve naturally.
On the other hand, I’m sure a great number of people (like myself) loved the movie then, but just quietly went about their business… until, maybe, they got better at video editing and decided to share their thoughts in an essay 15 years later (I might be projecting a little). If KOTCS is having a resurgence in popularity, I’m happy to see it!
What a wonderfully edited video essay. I wish I could make essays like this on classic films. But then my video and channel would be hit with a copyright strike. You did a great job, Peter.
Thank you so much for sharing, I'm so, so glad you enjoyed it. I was definitely worried about how the copyright situation would go down... I did have a small panic at one point: originally, I showed about 25 seconds of the slow zoom-in on Indy talking about the "Air Force fiasco," but that was apparently too much. Ultimately, just slowing down the footage and breaking it up with a few fades was enough to make it legal, whew.
@@peterwojtechkojr thank you for replying as I learn more about editing videos with film footage. Another CZcamsr told me a tip: make sure to use a movie clip of less than 15 seconds.
I try to use clips of less than 10 seconds but I'm still learning with video essays
@@Samson16667 That sounds like good advice. I'm pretty new to this too, so I'll definitely keep that in mind for the future! Thanks!
to be honest the whole father son story in reverse worked for me.. it's a shame they didn't do one more (maybe not the same actors) but i think the whole indy has a son thing worked for the movie. Plus the end where the son reaches for the hat and Indy with a face Not yet was great.. !
Wow man, very interesting and thoughtful analysis. Would love to see a video from you in the future about Dial of Destiny.
Omg this comment section is amazing. I've always loved the 4th film as much as the others and it's so good to see many others feel the same.
Fantastic video bro it really makes me love the flick more and deserving of being in the Indy trilogy!
I do not at all dislike the story, the actors, or the settings of Crystal Skull.
What i didn't appreciate was the heavy reliance on computer animated sets; it cheapened the movie, making it but a mere fair forgery of the reasons i loved the trilogy as a child.
I loved those three movies because the artifacts were so tangible: i made the grail diary in my room as a child. I built the ark for religion class to the exact specs.
None of that seems attainable from CS. it's more like an intangible fever dream.
But i appreciate your take on the movie, and will incorporate your take when i next watch Indy4.
That's so cool to hear about your childhood grail diary and ark! I love that!
I don't mean to change your mind on the effects (it's certainly valid), but I will say I was actually surprised by the amount of practical Akator sets in the behind the scenes footage. But yes there's definitely way more CGI than the others -- in particular I really wish the alien had been practical!
Thanks for watching and for commenting. Especially since you don't really connect with Indy 4, I appreciate all the more that you took the time to listen, and even found some of my interpretations meaningful. That's as much as I could hope for, and I'm very glad you let me know.
The first hour of this movie is a solid 9/10 for me. Only starts to go downhill once the story reaches the jungle, and the CGI overload begins
Great video essay! Good work. I appreciate you spreading a perspective of the film that many do not attempt to see. This has also made me appreciate the film even more. After seeing the film a couple more time in the past 3 months I think it might jump ahead in my ranking to third.
I'm glad you enjoyed the video and found it interesting! Thanks for letting me know, I appreciate hearing that. It's cool to hear it may jump up a bit in your ranking!
You helped me understand the movie! Great video!
You know me. Always glad to help.
Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a Gem 💎 of a Movie 🎦
I saw crystal skull opening night and loved it. I never understoof why people disliked it.
I rewrote the whole darned movie and put it up on reddit. If you read it, you'd understand why people dislike it
@@leebrandt8597 sounds like you want me to read your rewrite instead of understanding why people disliked crystal skull lol
@@bayerhead Oh I think I know why people disliked it. It had good ideas, execution wasn't all that great at times
@@leebrandt8597 I really don't see how it doesn't play out like any other Indiana Jones film. Peoples first gripe is always the fridge. Ok! It's no different than the raft in temple of doom. How insane is the train chase in last crusade and did he really survive an entire tribe trying to kill him in the beginning of raiders? It's all the same, every movie. The formula works.
@@bayerhead Just read it and you'll understand. Or don't, your choice. Tell you what, if you do end up reading and you still think I'm wrong, I'll give you props
perhaps i judged crystal skull too harshly. thank you for this enlightening perspective one of my favorite character’s journey
I appreciate this viewpoint. I honestly came into this video with zero expectation of being persuaded.
I grew up with both the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogies. I've always loved them both, but Indy was different. Nothing else provided the pure sense of escape. The sheer number of budding film enthusiasts that drew inspiration from these movies are a testament to what George Lucas and Steven Spielberg set out to do with the movies of their youth.
To say I walked out of Crystal Skull disappointed would be a giant understatement. This wasn't Indy. And it had nothing to do with how implausible it was. Heck, I actually love the 'nuke the fridge' scene. Though the overuse of CGI didn't help this movie, Indy comes across like a confused old man, going so far as to help the people holding him captive. This idea of it being a key element in this world that has no clear right and wrong, is truly eye opening.
I will say there is still much wrong with KoCS. If I could fix any one thing, Marrion wouldn't be there. The focus needs to be on Indy and his son. It's a wonderful theme taken up in Final Crusade that could've used more screen time to reflect back in CS. Instead of shoehorning this completely unrealistic romantic coupling, we should've been watching Mutt and Indy, together, looking into this new world, filled with potential.
I vowed never to watch it again, but I think I might have to. Thank you.
Is it mandatory nowadays that when a new installment of a franchise comes out that the previous hated one is suddenly a masterpiece?
Ive always loved this movie, glad to see it get some recognition, sure even I would put Raiders and Last Crusade above it, but its nowhere near a bad movie.
That was so enjoyable!❤Now I’m ready for the new Indiana Jones movie. Thanks !!!
Glad you enjoyed it. Thanks for letting me know!
Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a Great Movie 🎦 😎👍 🌟
Wow! That is such a fresh perspective to look at this story! Thank you for this!
I‘d love to see another video like this about Dial of Destiny!
This was an excellent video and analysis, I was so invested the video flew by and was over before I knew it
Great video, Peter! One of the most thoughtful and creative takes on the Indy saga I've ever seen. Keep it going 😎
You need more subs man! What a great video!
This movie gets so much flack, but with your analysis you pointed out more than a few things that totally escaped my grasp. This actually makes the idea of watching the newest movie a lot more appealing. It's refreshing to see a movie analysis that doesn't succumb to snubbing the film outright. Pointing out the story told by the overall visuals and dynamics of the various groups at play really highlighted how much better this film actually is than all the weak dialogue may have made it seem. Some of the lines certainly were cliche, but the details you pointed out outshines that by leaps and bounds. It's much more deep than initially perceived, even if it was a cash grab, they found ways to insert statements with no words. That takes skill.
This might be one of the best CZcams essays period, even though KotCS, is not my favorite, your view of it is beautiful and quite enlightening. Never thought about the aspect of knowledge, granted haven’t seen the movie in years, but still, hope you’ll do one for dial of destiny when the time is appropriate as I see some paralell themes about paranoia, selfishness, and the light one may find in oneself and that sometimes our friends need to show us. Again thank you for this video dude you’ve earned a subscriber
So every time Disney creates a new movie in a popular and highly acclaimed franchise, the last movie of said franchise produced by the first owners which was originally heavily criticised for being generally worse than the first few movies is automatically rendered as an underrated masterpiece?
Thanks for this. Did you grow up with Lego Indy? And the games? As a first generation Indy fan I was glad to enjoy this movie and those games with my son.
Fantastic video, very insightful. I already felt that KotCS is very underrated, but this gave me a whole new appreciation for it! I hope you make a similar video about the Dial of Destiny eventually.
Thanks for watching and letting me know! I'm happy to hear I could help give a few new things to think about with KOTCS!
A few people have mentioned Dial of Destiny as well... it's still new to me so I don't have any plans now, but maybe eventually!
(I do know my next vid will be about one of my favorite issues of Fantastic Four!)
I liked it too. People who whine about the nuked fridge scene apparently didnt see Temple of Doom when Indy and his companions survive jumping out of a plane in a raft
I actually clapped at the end, bravo! Very well said!
Haha oh wow, thanks! _bows politely_
i dont understand why the movie is no liked , i really like it
I’ve always loved this movie
I actually quite like this movie, it is a nice mix of perfect comedy that hasn't been overdone and action scenes.
I own the Saw Machine as a Lego set, and it apperantly was a modified tank made for the movie.
It feels good to know I'm not alone in liking this movie.
Wow! Thank you for this terrific essay. I always liked this film a lot. Glad I'm not the only one. So sick of people hating on this film. I'm sharing your video. 😊
I guess seeing all the movies in one go does change the experience.
I only had the chance to watch the Indy movies like about 6 or 7 years ago. I watched them in a span of two or three months, so Crystal Skull never felt that different from the og trilogy for me. In fact I liked it more than Temple of Doom.
Overall, for me CS was the ending of the saga.
honestly, I loved this movie when it came out and continue to to this day. Thank you for the wonderful insight! Would love to see your deep appreciations at work on Dial of Destiny as well (another incredible movie in my eyes)!
This is a fantastic video! Incredibly well made, keep up the good work
Hey, thanks for watching and for saying that!
Keep making videos, I rarely sit through videos in this day and age, but you captivated me
Thanks very much for watching and for sharing such a highly complimentary comment. That means a lot! I will certainly try to keep it up!
As someone who is always a fan of this movie, I’m thankful to start seeing people give it a chance. You made a great video
Indiana Jones 🤠 and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is Such an Underrated Movie 🎦 it's a Gem 💎
I like the style, maybe you could speak a bit faster, but its a really good video, nice work!
Thanks for your feedback. I'm still getting the hang of the balance -- fast enough to respect people's time, slow enough to let it sink in. I'm sure like anything else, my videos will improve with practice. Thanks for watching and responding!
Great review. I always liked this movie and thought it a worthy entry to the series since seeing it in theatres. At the time, It felt very much like a "sticking to the Indy formula" and aesthetic. It's a throwback like Force Awakens was a throwback.
The government is being pretty reasonable with Indy, imo(with the exception of getting him blacklisted from his job). He helped Soviets infiltrate a top secret facility. They've gotta be tough and interrogate him a bit. It's not like they torture him. Indy's tough and can handle a few insults.
Hollywood movies like to paint the 50s as "red hysteria," but the government faced a real threat in the intelligence world and started out at a great disadvantage against a rival world superpower who was also an ideological enemy and opposite, and every bit as imperialist as any other world power.
Even in the fictional story here, the Soviets are depicted as a real and capable threat to the US which they should be concerned about. The film is substituting "Indy vs megalomaniacal Nazis" for "Indy vs megalomaniacal Commies."
Here's an interesting contrast the movies paint: In Raiders, the ark is taken to a safe place for storage, far from the reaches of the Nazi villains and totally secure on US soil.
In Crystal Skull, the new "Commie villains" are able to take over and raid what is meant to be this same, most top secret, most safe and secure US facility with relative ease.
Crystal Skull is the only one I've seen.
I didn’t know what was going on but I had fun anyway.
Ooh i remember when it came into the theatres, i was there with my father and it was actually really cool and a wonderful experience. I was really hyped what the skull was all about and what the reveal would be. The ending also felt like a circle was closing so yeah its a good movie indeed ^^
Fantastic work! Would love to hear you talk about Young Indy sometime, too.
Thank you! I don’t have anything in mind for Young Indy right now, but it’s definitely a possibility I’ll remember. I do have a Temple of Doom vid planned for _way_ down the pipeline, well after a few Fantastic Four and Doctor Who videos I plan to do next… and your handle reminds me that I may have a Bionicle video somewhere inside me too for someday..!
I echo the sentiments before me; an intelligent assessment of a unfairly derided film.
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull might not be as great as the older ones but it was still awesome Jones film