3 of 3

Still, for all of the cacophonous spectacle and nonsense, Crystal Skull is a blast of old-fashioned matinee fun. While it doesn't hold a candle to that first and greatest chapter, thank goodness it resembles Last Crusade more than the gruesome, wearying Temple of Doom.

And there's comfort to be found in the film's conclusions. Spielberg is not the action-adventure director he once was, but he has matured in his convictions. He once celebrated individualistic dreamers, men and boys who abandoned their families for adventure. More recently, he's been guiding his adventurers home, teaching them to shoulder their responsibility and discover the rewards of relationship.

After so many years of recklessness, perhaps that aging archaeologist will find some room for family and fidelity under that old fedora. His treasure "belongs in a museum." But his heart deserves more.

Better late than never.

Talk About It

1. Does Indiana Jones learn any good lessons during this adventure? What are they?
2. Indy tells Mutt there's nothing wrong with dropping out of school. Later, he changes his tune. Why?
3. In Raiders and Last Crusade, Indiana showed some faith in God, perhaps even believed in Christ. Do you get any sense of personal faith in Indy's character here?
4. Indy speaks of ancient cultures that worshipped otherworldly gods. Are those just legends? Or did they have some basis in fact? What might explain the practices and beliefs of these early cultures?
5. In future adventures, what might Indy still have to learn?

The Family Corner

Crystal Skull is rated PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images. The violence resembles previous Indy films, and this one is populated with ghoulish mummies. There's even an atomic blast. But there's very little blood, unless you count the squashed insects. The action is more cartoonish then ever. Mutt Jones shouts a crass expletive or two. And you'll catch references to Indy's numerous flings and affairs.

Photos © Copyright Paramount Pictures

© Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

• Plugged In
  
• Crosswalk
  
• Catholic News Service
  
• Past the Popcorn

first page |  3 of 3