Other Kids Pack Lunch

My Official Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Review

Last night, I was able to see the first showing of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at 12:01. I would have posted when I got home, but it was 4 in the morning and I was tired. And no, the movie wasn't *that* long.

I will begin my review by saying, if you're going in expecting this film to be as good or better than Raiders of the Lost Ark, you will be disappointed.

If you're going in expecting this film to give you back your childhood, you will be disappointed. No movie is ever going to accomplish that.

If, however, you're going in expecting a fun movie that isn't supposed to be serious and brings Indy back front and center, you will be more than pleased. This was me and I was exceptionally pleased. Especially after reading the fanboy whining this last year over this film and the ten thousand ways it was going to suck.

So, did I go in with my expectations lowered? I don't know that I went in so much with my expectations lowered as I went in knowing that what I was seeing was a movie that would never meet the expectations of a 19 year wait.

And yes: I was young, but I did see Last Crusade in the theater. We'll stop there.

Now, here's my full review. There are spoilers, so if you want to remain unspoiled, turn away now.

How to Throw the Ultimate Indiana Jones 4 Party

What has a fear of snakes, a dirty leather jacket and sweats like a pig? Actually, I don't know if [insert preferred politician name here] has a fear of snakes, but I do know that Indiana Jones does. And since we're all throwing a party in his honor come May 22, I think it's only fitting that we do it right. So, takes these tips and make me proud.

1. Indy is an obtainer of antiquities. For decor, raid your local World Market or even a thrift store that might have some good finds for a stash of "old world" decor. Copper plates, stone crucifixes and aged books will work well. 
2. Instead of placemats, take segments of an atlas or world map and tea stain them. Or, if you're really enterprising, make your own in Photoshop and have it printed up at a local print shop. 
3. While you definitely want to play the soundtracks from the three films, you might also intersperse some classic Indian music or even soundtracks from other adventure flicks. The Mummy is a good one. 
4. With a little Polymer Clay, gold leafing paint and a orange rhinestone, you can make your own Staff of Ra medallion. Step by step instructions are here. 
5. Snakes. Plastic snakes will pay homage to that which Indy hates the most. 
6. If you're on a budget, even basic cupcakes can take on an Indy theme with a little frosting and some shrink plastic (also known as Shrinky Dinks). Make sure to get the plastic that allows one to print on the plastic. Once the plastic is printed, then follow the instructions, let cool and place the decorations on your cupcakes.  
7. Recreate the dinner scene from Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with some of the more outlandish Jell-O molds. You can also use eyeball props and other disgusting novelties to complete the scene. 
8. Hold an Indiana Jones trivia game. 
9. If your guests are the more creative and playful type, make a "brick film" with the new Indiana Jones Legos sets. Watch the footage at the end of the party and if you really like it, edit it and send it to friends online. 
10. Organize an Indiana Jones themed scavenger hunt in your town. Some of the things you can look for: Copies of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, old goblets and perhaps a plush monkey. 
11. Serve dates. 
12. Plastic skulls and bones make perfect decor. You can even find mummy themed merchandise on the net. 
13. Re-enact Marion's drinking game. Make sure you have plenty of shot glasses and designated drivers, of course. 
14. Give away reproduction posters as trivia game prizes or for favors. 
15. Other favors could include toy rats, a box of dates and antique style journals. 
16. Buy test tubes from an online retailer and fill them with Lemon-Lime Kool-Aid (ala Indy's antidote from Temple of Doom). 
17. Cake balls have become a staple of low-key celebrations. However, instead of just making plain cake balls, tint the almond bark with just a little black icing color. This will make the almond bark gray. Now, you have miniature edible boulders from the temple escape scene. 
18. Use white butcher paper and make a Club Obi Wan sign.  
19. Make it a costume party. Have everyone come as a character from the series or dress in their best rendition of 40s apparel.
20. Make your own Staff of Ra Headpiece.

Now this is the part where I'm supposed to tell you not to take it seriously and just have fun. No! Take it seriously! Go all out! This could be - and probably is - the last Indy movie! So you better party, folks!

Related:

• The Grody Emporium: Brains, Eyeballs and Beating Hearts
• Indiana Jones Merchandise
• Indiana Jones Legos

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Trailer is Online!!!

With Valentine's, I had forgot all about this. But it's online.

If it is pulled by Paramount, I'll try to repost ASAP.

Spielberg Steps Down From 2008 Olympic Committee Post

You know, I have always respected Spielberg. Both as a director and as a human being, but nothing he has done - even his directing my favorite film ever (ehm, Raiders) - has inspired this much respect from me.

As you're probably aware, Steven Spielberg pulled his support of the 2008 Olympics in Beijing after no real effort by the Chinese government to take action over the atrocities in Darfur.

This move by Spielberg is a crucial one and really puts the heat and the focus on the Chinese government and their involvement in Sudan.

Of course, you can't mention this without mentioning Mia Farrow, who has been an outspoken voice and a tour de force in bringing this to the attention of the American public.

I heart Steven and Mia.

Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Trailer to Premiere on Entertainment Tonight on 2/14

According to a post on the celebrity gossip blog, OhNoTheyDidnt, we may finally be getting that Indiana Jones trailer we've all been waiting for.

Cinematical says that we can expect the trailer to hit theaters this day as well, but no word on what film the trailer will be attached to.

Admittedly, I've been "dreaming" about what the teaser trailer would look like. I don't want a lot in the teaser. Yeah, it's true. I want it to be more iconic and less showy.

Hopefully, soon, we'll know what Spielberg has in mind for the trailer. Personally, I would have liked to have seen a trailer this Christmas. They're really pushing it if you ask me.

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