Despite the film’s many poor choices that range from mildly distracting to hugely damaging, I found plenty to like in Crystal Skull, and I don’t think it completely goes against the spirit of the Indiana Jones movies

| Original Score: 3/5 | Nov 21, 2024

Though exhausting and relentless, it's hard to dislike, thanks to Ford's weary charm, his leather-jacketed new wingman Shia LaBeouf, and an emphasis on pleasingly "old school" stuntwork.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 12, 2024

I will never understand the hatred for the refrigerator scene — it’s a marvelous set-piece and very much in the spirit of the whole franchise. You want a low point? How about Shia LaBeouf’s Mutt swinging through the trees alongside a bunch of CGI monkeys?

| Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 7, 2023

A film that at times highlights Spielberg's Magic (™), and that is definitely not HORRIBLE, just... disappointing. Thankfully, "Dial of Destiny" ended up being a better farewell for the famous archaeologist played by Harrison Ford. Full review in Spanish.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jul 1, 2023

There are so many levels of nostalgia piled onto Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull that it’s hard to unearth a nugget of new inspiration; but the golden oldies that are doled out should dazzle those who cheer for the familiar.

| Original Score: B | Apr 13, 2023

It's near-perfect summer fun, on par with two of its three predecessors and an ideal accompaniment for a bag of popcorn

| Original Score: 9/10 | Apr 12, 2023

Crystal Skull is packed with this kind of Thrilling Wonder Stories boys' pulp, true to the series' zany serial roots and the gee-whiz mood of the '50s... A pity, then, that the third reel is such a washout.

Full Review | Apr 12, 2023

The fourth film in the series is everything you expected -- and more.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Apr 12, 2023

Welcome back, Indiana Jones and Harrison Ford, the two of you have both aged well.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 12, 2023

As transparent as its title artifact, and just as obviously made from plastic, Crystal Skull conforms to type by offering a new version of old trash pleasures, only without the novelty.

| Apr 12, 2023

What really matters is action, and Spielberg can still shove the pedal to the metal.

| Original Score: B+ | Apr 12, 2023

It is like seeing a dear old friend. Indiana once made us all feel we could be stronger and braver, if we tried. And he wasn't a silly modern superhero, just a guy who combined a thirst for knowledge with great courage and ingenuity.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Apr 12, 2023

Spielberg doesn't scrimp on any of the action. He sends his stars over waterfalls, into sand pits and on the run from a particularly scary army of giant ants. Sometimes, it seems like filler but with Indiana Jones, is there ever such a thing as too much?

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Apr 12, 2023

What makes it work, besides the sheer giddiness of those Saturday-afternoon-serial-inspired stunts, is the people.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 12, 2023

[Ford] does a convincing job as an ageing adventurer not quite ready to join the museum-worthy objects he collects.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 12, 2023

Spielberg makes up for the story’s lack of cohesion (and coherence) by keeping the pacing swift and the action sequences busy.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 12, 2023

Ford himself is absolutely fine.

| Apr 12, 2023

Just occasionally, you remember why you liked this stuff in the first place. The rest of the time, it just looks like Indy's battered brown fedora: old hat.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 12, 2023

While there's nothing wrong with a lightweight, thrill-a-minute Indiana Jones adventure... there’s just no excuse for taking 20 years to get around to a film that disappoints increasingly as the reels roll on.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Apr 12, 2023

Most of the two-hour adventure is pure fun, and hearing the iconic John Williams theme triggers muscle memory. Indiana Jones may not deliver the thrill of a new franchise, as Iron Man does, but it’s like catching up with an old friend.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Apr 12, 2023