BuzzSugar

In Retrospect, Did We Need a Fourth Indiana Jones Movie?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 13 Oct 2008 12:35:52 -0700

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull will be released on DVD this week and I'm curious whether, with a little distance, you're feeling warmer or colder to it, or totally the same. There was a lot of excitement when it was first released over the Summer, but now that some time has passed, do you feel differently? Are you thankful for this addition to the franchise or do you think Spielberg and gang should have left well enough alone?

Photo courtesy of Paramount

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: A Great Summertime Kickoff

BuzzSugar — Wed, 21 May 2008 09:17:26 -0700

There's a lot to enjoy about this fourth installment of Indiana Jones. It's fun, silly, adventure-filled and completely entertaining in ways we don't always get from movies these days, with the greatest parts coming straight from the marvelous imagination of Steven Spielberg. Plus, it's a summertime blockbuster that doesn't totally rely on CGI which feels practically old-fashioned - and I mean that in the best way possible. The performances are strong and overall it's a sequel that doesn't embarrass itself or the whole franchise. It's refreshing and, honestly, it's a relief.

Sure, there are aspects I didn't like about it, but the experience of seeing this movie with a theater full of fans and happy moviegoers pretty much trumps any quibbles I have. The story finds our beloved Indy caught up with a group of Soviets (led by one fierce Irina Spalko, played by Cate Blanchett) trying to find the secrets behind ancient crystal skulls which are said to have been shaped by some kind of higher power (or other-worldly power). They need Indy's mad archaeologist skillz (and wide base of experience) to do this and one way of luring him in is via Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), who they've taken captive. Marion gets in touch with Indy through her son Mutt (Shia LaBeouf). That's the basic gist of things but I wanted to leave plenty for you to discover at the theater, so for more of just my thoughts, read more.

As with last summer's Simpsons Movie, Indiana Jones is not just a highly anticipated movie, it's a highly anticipated movie event. There are plenty of people who will see it no matter what anyone says, and there are plenty of people, too, who are determined to like the movie no matter what. I understand this fanaticism, and though I don't personally feel it about this Indiana Jones movie, I had a great time watching it. At the same time, there are things I disliked, too. Most of all, there is some bizarre, random supernatural stuff at the end that struck me as out of place and totally hokey (and not in the fun way, in the annoying way).

But you know what? It's still a lot of fun. There is much pure, innocent joy to be found sitting in a jam-packed theater, clapping and whistling at the first glimpses of Indy's shadow and Marion Ravenwood's bright smile. There's a goofy pride that comes from laughing along with everyone else at the film's nods to previous films. It is an event, and in some ways it's the quintessential summertime movie event: a fantastically fun time for kids, and a sweetly nostalgic trip for adults.

Basically, you're probably going to go see it anyway, and I think you should.

Photos courtesy of Paramount

Awesome New Dark Knight Trailer. . . and Indiana Jones 4 Has a New Trailer, Too

BuzzSugar — Mon, 05 May 2008 11:29:52 -0700

When I headed back to the theaters this weekend to see Iron Man a second time, I noticed something about the oh, 30 minutes of previews that ran before the feature. There's an excellent, spine-tingly new trailer for The Dark Knight which, if I already weren't completely anxious to see that film, I certainly would be now. While it's heartbreaking to see Heath up there onscreen as The Joker, it's also totally mesmerizing. That movie is just going to be so good.

However. We also got a new full-length trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and I'm not trying to be a downer here, but I was shocked by how lackluster it was. There's no real tension and little excitement. Not even Cate Blanchett seems to be able to light up the screen with any passion. The signature music is fun, but that's about it. I'm not so precious about the previous Indiana Jones movies that I needed Spielberg, Lucas and Co. to "not screw this up." Mostly I just want it to be a good movie in general. The trailer has me a little worried.

Did you catch these two in the theaters this weekend? To watch them again and tell me what you think, read more.

The Dark Knight

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Source

Teaser Trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

BuzzSugar — Thu, 14 Feb 2008 09:29:15 -0800

It's here! Superfans rejoice! The teaser trailer for the fourth Indiana Jones movie, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has arrived. And it's . . . cute. I'll be interested to see a full-length trailer someday soon, as this is just a little taste. Still, we get to see old Indy back in action, we get to hear that familiar triumphant theme music, and we're sort of introduced to a young new hero, Mutt (Shia Labeouf). I can't wait to see more scenes with Cate Blanchett's character, too, as she is looking fierce.

Indiana Jones hits theaters May 22. To get your first look at the movie, read more.

Photo courtesy of Paramount

Which Title Would You Pick for Indiana Jones 4?

BuzzSugar — Mon, 13 Aug 2007 13:28:25 -0700

According to Slashfilm.com, the studio heads at Lucasfilm are deciding between the following titles for the next Indiana Jones movie. These films are legendary, and the title is a pretty big deal. Which one do you think is the best?

Source

Comic-Con Report: Sandman, Iron Man, and Spock

BuzzSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 13:29:21 -0700

Comic-Con is now in full swing down in San Diego, and Team member Phasekitty is blogging from the scene - be sure to check out her great reports from the convention floor. She already told us about "Lost," and here are some highlights from the other panels:

First of all, check out this photo Phasekitty snapped of the awesome poster for Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd starring Johnny Depp! She also got a look at the art for that JJ Abrams project definitely not named Monstrous.
At the The Paramount Pictures panel, JJ Abrams confirmed that Zachary Quinto is the new Spock! What's more: "They also announced that Leonard Nimoy would return to reprise his role as well, so it seems there will be a 'Young Spock' and 'Old Spock.' Zachary Quinto and Leonard Nimoy came out and joined the panel to rap a bit about how excited they are to make the flick."
Karen Allen (Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark) is officially signed on for Indiana Jones 4! Phasekitty says her appearance "made the crowd go mad with excitement."
Phasekitty said the Iron Man portion of the panel was the best: "Jon Favreau came out and introduced some footage that was to be shown in Marvel's panel on Saturday, but he simply couldn't wait for people to watch it. Most of the footage showed Robert Downey Jr. looking fantastic as Tony Stark, but went on to show a lot of the origin of Iron Man, the first gray suit, and ending with some amazing shots of Iron Man flying. I've got high hopes for this movie and the footage they showed was very strong."

A bunch more, including Neil Gaiman's appearance, so read more

Neil Gaiman, the guest of honor at Comic-Con, showed off trailers for Stardust and Beowulf and also answered some questions about a possible adaptation of his Sandman comic. Phasekitty reports:

During the Q&A, Gaiman fielded questions about adapting his much beloved comic, Sandman, which he answered in a response I've heard him say before - when the right person, with the right passion for the project comes along, then it will happen. He did mention that before we get Sandman, we will likely get a Death movie (a spin off character from the Sandman series), which is going to be a small movie on a small budget, written and directed by Gaiman himself. I'm very interested to see him take up the helm as director.
I'd wondered how Good Luck Chuck fit into Comic-Con, and apparently Phasekitty found out: At the Lionsgate panel, Dane Cook poked fun at Jessica Alba and made her show off her gold shoes "so that he could ask if everyone else thought they made her look like C-3PO."
Russell Crowe's accent bugged Phasekitty in the 3:10 to Yuma clips, but not as much as a loopy-seeming Ben Foster seemed during the presentation. Sigh.

Buzz News Roundup, 7/6

BuzzSugar — Fri, 06 Jul 2007 14:58:37 -0700

ABC's canceled serial thriller "The Nine" will air six more episodes starting in August, says the Futon Critic.
The makers of Indiana Jones 4 are insisting on not using any CG effects in order to maintain the style of the older Indiana Jones movies, reports the New Haven Register.
The Los Angeles Times says fans of "The Black Donnellys" are sending crackers to HBO, hoping the channel will pick up the series.
Variety brings news of a Dirty Dozen remake written by Zak Penn whose credits include X-Men 2 and Fantastic Four.
Billboard reports that Miley Cyrus' (a.k.a. Hannah Montana) album is beating out Kelly Clarkson's and is topping the Billboard 200 chart.
Joan Baez, the Shins and Donovan are among the artists recording "Little Boxes" for the third season of "Weeds," Zap2it reports.
According to TV Guide, Lara Croft will be getting her own online animated series, with Minnie Driver as Croft's voice.
"Everwood" alum Stephanie Niznik will star in The CW's "Life is Wild," writes the Hollywood Reporter.

First Look: New Indiana Jones Vs. Classic Indiana Jones

Molly — Fri, 22 Jun 2007 06:30:00 -0700

Thanks to Steven Spielberg, we have our very first look at Harrison Ford back in his Indiana Jones costume on set filming the 4th installment due out next summer. Let me just say, he looks a little older, a little wiser and has a few more buttons done on his shirt, but still pretty great in that trademark khaki. It's no secret that the world is excited to see Indy back in action, especially alongside plucky up-and-comer Shia LaBeouf, and this finally makes it real. So what do you think -- is a little bit of grey becoming on our beloved Indiana Jones?

To see a bigger version of 2007 Indiana just read more

Source

Buzz Movie News Roundup

BuzzSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 14:09:12 -0700

A bunch of set construction photos originally (and feverishly) believed to be for Indiana Jones 4 were posted on many a film blog yesterday. Too bad the set is actually for National Treasure 2!
There will be a movie based on Busch Gardens theme park ride Corkscrew Hill, which is described in this way, "A thrilling adventure, Corkscrew Hill takes guests on a magical and mystical Celtic journey. The larger-than-life experience transports guests to a world where hungry witches and magical stallions are the norm." There is also going to be "a live-action adaptation of the Konami vampire videogame" titled Castlevania.
There is an indie film in the works with the title Vacuuming the Cat. 'Nuf said.
While also working on the X-Men spinoff Magneto, David Goyer is now set to write/direct a new take on H.G. Wells' classic novel The Invisible Man.
Animated movie Space Chimps is lining up an impressive cast of actors to provide voices. Among others, the monkeys will receive the vocal stylings of Cheryl Hines, Kristin Chenowith, Jeff Daniels and Andy Samberg. Who doesn't want Space Chimps on their resume?

Shia LaBeouf Will Appear in Indiana Jones 4, and Everywhere

BuzzSugar — Fri, 13 Apr 2007 14:23:05 -0700

After seeing Disturbia, I've become a Shia LaBeouf fan overnight. Apparently, I'm not the only one, because the young actor seems to be everywhere these days. Today, the AP reported that, after much conjecture, LeBeouf will indeed star in Indiana Jones 4. The fourth installment, directed by Steven Spielberg and starring Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett, will start production in June with an eye on a May 2008 release date.

I'm interested to see LaBeouf, who has an incredibly comfortable screen presence, act alongside Blanchett, who is another very natural actor. The pair could rescue what at first sounded like a wholly unnecessary sequel.

LaBeouf, who is probably most famous for the Disney show "Even Stevens," also appears in the new Transformers movie, and he's also hosting "Saturday Night Live" this weekend. I'm glad I like this guy, because it seems like he's going to be hard to escape for a while.

Source