New Full Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Trailer — Same Indy, New Special Effects

Posted by Neil Miller (neil@filmschoolrejects.com) on May 4, 2008

Not too long ago, we reported on an interview with Steven Spielberg in which Spielberg said that rather than update the franchise with tons of special effects, they chose to keep it old school, maintaining the tone and feel from the three original films, all of which were released over 20 years ago. Now, I don’t know about you but in the brand new trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull above, I am seeing quite a few special effects shots that I did not expect.

Either way, it is clear that Spielberg has settled for trying to find a balance between capturing the magic of the first three and bringing in enough action to captivate a new audience. Because in reality, that is where the success of this fourth effort will lie, in the hands of a generation that did not grow up with Indiana Jones. This film’s success rests on its ability to bring a completely new set of fans into the world of Dr. Jones, and I think that we all may be surprised with the results. But while I don’t think that the kids of today will want to get on board with the hero of yesterday, there are plenty of examples out there to prove me wrong — like every movie that Sly Stallone has made in the past 2 years. Who knew that Rambo and Rocky Balboa would do so well, so far removed from the heyday of their predecessors? Indiana Jones could just be the next in line for cross generational success. But I guess we will have to wait and see on that.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull hits theaters on May 22nd.