Monday, May 19, 2008

The world's critics got their first look at "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" Sunday at the Cannes Film Festival - followed close behind by critics' screenings across the country. (The Cricket's full review will be posted later this week.)

Reaction is decidedly mixed. Here's a sampling:

- Manohla Dargis, The New York Times: "I was bored out of my mind while watching the movie, which makes me think that Steven Spielberg was terribly bored while directing it."

- Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: "I can say that if you liked the other Indiana Jones movies, you will like this one, and that if you did not, there is no talking to you." (3 1/2 stars)

- James Rocchi, Cinematical: " 'Crystal Skull' may bring back the faces and themes we remember, but it's curiously bloated and malnourished, too much and not enough."

- Lisa Schwarzbaum, Entertainment Weekly: "I also think time has not dulled Indy's survival instincts, but neither has it inspired any risk taking on the part of the franchise owners."

- Michael Philips, Chicago Tribune: " 'Kingdom of the Crystal Skull' is so nervous about falling into the quicksands of camp that it forgets to deliver a good time." (2 stars)

- Richard Corliss, Time: "There's a moment in the film where Mutt sees Indy negotiate some really cool bit of action, and the kid can't help mouth a 'Wow.' That's the right response to this inevitable summer blockbuster. Lucas, Spielberg and Ford ain't the Over the Hill Gang yet."