Okay, time to stray off topic for a minute. I’m a big Indiana Jones fan… have been for many years. It could be that the movies gave me my fascination for the time period that eventually lead to me getting into swing dancing… but I’ll leave that for a shrink to figure out one day. Anyways, I’ve known that a new movie has been in the works for a long time. In fact it’s been in the works for a very long time. Back in the 90’s, I was very excited about the prospect of another Indy movie, however, by the time the movie was officially announced, the excitement had been replaced with skepticism than it could still be pulled off this long after the last. Well, the official trailer has finally been released. Seems the news media (or paid media promotion?) is reporting that everyone loves the trailer and is saying “The (only) negative comment from people was that they have to wait until May to see the movie”. I don’t know if I’d agree with that statement.

My initial  reaction to the trailer as a fan is that it’s “okay”. The trailer looks to play up the nostalgia of the old films more than it promotes the new one. A large chunk of the trailer’s time is dedicated to flashbacks from the previous three films. This seems to be Hollywood’s trick these days; promote nostalgia of great old stories while serving up new garbage (*cough* Star Wars prequels *cough*). Put into perspective with other sequels, prequels, and remakes, it started to make me sad that they actually made another Indy movie. I think even the new generation knows who Indiana Jones is so I don’t think a rehash is needed. Anyways, the scenes from the new movie look okay. They appear to stay true to the character, and Harrison Ford’s love of the role seems to shine through once again. However, the action sequences seem strikingly similar to action sequences we’ve already seen in the previous films. Could it be that the concept has been worn out already? I’d like to think it hasn’t, but these scenes do look really familiar. Overall, it looks more like you are going to sit and dust off a photo album with your cool old uncle while he once again regales you about his old adventures rather than actually going on a new adventure with him. The trailer makes me want to watch the original movies (and the Young Indy series) again rather than wanting to go see the new movie. Will I go see the new movie? Sure I will! I’m a sucker for an Indiana Jones movie! But I don’t know if I will be there opening weekend.

Will an AARP card carrying Indiana Jones still kick butt? I’m sure he will. Oh… and stay off his lawn!

This entry was posted on Monday, March 3rd, 2008 at 11:20 am and is filed under Rob's Stuff.