If you haven’t seen the new Indiana Jones movie and you don’t like spoilers please read no further. The following is a critique by a good friend of mine and I think it pretty well expresses my feelings as well. I will probably edit and modify the critique with my own opinions but for the most part it will stand as it was given to me:

OPENING SCENE / AREA 51 WAREHOUSE

The Good:
I really enjoyed the opening sequence. Any film that opens to Elvis is a-okay in my book. When the Soviets pulled Indy out of the trunk of the car, it made me think “What has Indy got himself into now?” and it really made you want to dive right in. The warehouse was creepy and cool. The action sequence was very good. Love the nod to Raiders. Cate Blanchett, I thought, was right on and I enjoyed her character throughout the movie. Her facial expressions (and especially her eyes) made me believe that she was crazy, evil, and totally driven to her cause.

The Bad:
It almost felt like it took Harrison Ford 10 or 15 lines to really get back into character. I can’t put my finger on it, but his first few deliveries just didn’t feel “Indy”. The rocket-car (or whatever it was) was too much, too soon.

The Ugly:
The very SECOND that pathetic-CGI prairie dog appeared on screen, I felt my left eye twitch. It wasn’t even good CGI! I remember thinking at that point, “I hope that stupid little prairie dog isn’t a precursor of what’s to come.” But then when they show them a second and a third time…!!! My question is “Why?” “What was the point?” Were they meant to create comic relief? If so, it didn’t work because they were more annoying and distracting than anything. Reminded me of Ewoks…”Let’s put something cute and furry in this flick so the kiddies can have a good time too.”