Films Out This Week

May 25 2008 Mickey Mcmonagle

Mailmusic Reviews

INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL (12A) *****

It's all about one movie this week - and I am so, so relieved to be able to deliver a good review. As a massive fan of the Indy trilogy, I was excited but terrified at the prospect of a follow-up at long last.

Sure, it would be great to see the character back onscreen but what if a poor film ruined the legacy of the hat and bullwhip? Luckily, Spielberg and Lucas have managed to keep alive the feel of the original films and even the creaking bones of a now rather ancient Harrison Ford mostly manage to seem capable of carrying him through the exploits of our hero. Mostly.

The film follows the tried-and-tested Indy route, with a massively dramatic opening sequence, a little rest back at Marshall College, the discovery of a new quest for Professor Jones and the madcap, all-action chase for glory and riches at the end. And therein lies the success of the movie - it doesn't stray too far from what we all want.

Of course, there are a few minor quibbles, such as CGI making a few too many unnecessary appearances and the massive, impressive cast being a tad underused (or a lot, in the cases of Ray Winstone and John Hurt), but overall it's a great, fun film.

It is ridiculously far fetched but if you are able to switch off and enjoy a nice bit of old-fashioned escapism, Indy is the perfect hero to lead the way.

GARBAGE WARRIOR (E) ***

This fascinating documentary looks at the life of American architect Michael Reynolds, a hippy who has developed environmentally sound homes called Earthships which help him lead a life without the need for fuels and so on. At first it looks as if director Oliver Hodge is out to give him a bit of a doing, but as the film progresses it becomes obvious the man is as genuine as they come.

TIMBER FALLS (18) *

The lovely Brianna Brown is the most attractive element of this film. In fact she's the only real reason to sit through it. She is half of a love dup couple in the wild of West Virginia, being attacked by religious nuts and fighting for their lives. You'll feel you've seen it a hundred times, it's so formulaic.

Don't bother - but watch out for future star Brown.