REEL CRITIC:

Perhaps the most anticipated film of the summer is “Indian Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.” The “Indiana Jones” series supposedly ended in 1989 with the release of “The Last Crusade.” This marked the third film in the franchise all of which were released in the 1980s (“Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981 and “The Temple of Doom” in 1984).

Debuting with much fanfare at this year’s Cannes Film Festival, the project has been shrouded in secrecy. No footage of the film has been released to the media other than the official trailers. This outing reunites Harrison Ford as Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones with Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, Indy’s love interest in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,”

In the opening scenes of the film, Indy is forced to help Soviet operatives, led by femme fatale Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), and steal a mysterious artifact from a sprawling government warehouse in Nevada. Interestingly, it is the same warehouse into which the Ark of the Covenant disappeared in the first film. Although not the item sought by the Russians, the ark is fleetingly shown during the ensuing havoc as Indy tries to prevent the thieves from getting away with their prize.

Jones returns to his teaching position at Marshall College where he soon learns he is being tailed by both FBI and KGB agents. Due to the rampant anti-communist fervor of the time, Indy is suspended from teaching. He is soon approached by Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf), a biker very much in the image of Marlon Brando in “The Wild One.” Williams is an acquaintance of one of Indy’s professorial colleagues, Professor “Ox” Oxley (John Hurt), who along with Mutt’s mother has disappeared in the Amazon.

Presented with a letter written in an archaic language by Oxley, Jones agrees to help. Once there, Indy encounters the Russians who have taken both Oxley and Mutt’s mother hostage. After being captured themselves, Indy is surprised to find that Mutt’s mother is Marion Ravenwood, an old flame he hasn’t seen in years. Oxley has come into possession of the Crystal Skull of Akator which is rumored to hold powers that once unlocked will allow those who possess it to rule the world.

The expectations for this film could not be higher. The original “Indiana Jones” film was truly iconic and established Harrison Ford as an international superstar. Of course the last film was released 19 years ago when Ford was “only” 46 years old. Soon to be turning 66, can Ford still pull off the derring-do of the title character? A qualified “yes” has to be given to that question as the very fit actor appears much younger than his years. Despite numerous references to his advancing age, Indy still mixes it up with the best of them.

Comparing this film to its predecessors is difficult. Since the release of “Raiders of the Lost Ark” in 1981 spectacular computer-generated special effects have become commonplace. The “shock and awe” engendered by the first film cannot really be duplicated given the jaded nature of today’s movie audience. Certainly the magnificent set pieces in the latest film meet expectations. After all, this is a rare collaboration of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, two titans of cinema who together changed an entire industry.

Another factor is the level of menace represented by the antagonists. In the first film, Indy battled Nazis to keep them from securing the Ark of the Covenant which bestows invincibility on whatever army marches behind it. Simply showing a swastika immediately indicates the presence of immense evil. Additionally there is real evidence that Hitler was fascinated by religious artifacts and the occult. With the demise of the Soviet Union, and the vague powers associated with the Crystal Skull, the villains in the latest film seem rather pedestrian.

The plot is serviceable and holds the film together between action sequences. The cast consists of many fine actors who all sink their teeth into their respective roles. Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones and the role should retire with him. It is fun seeing Karen Allen back again as the feisty Ravenwood. Additionally, she is an age-appropriate love interest for Jones.

Blanchett appears to be thoroughly enjoying playing the villainess, probably a welcome break from her usual dramatic roles. John Hurt is always interesting and for much of the film is forced to babble incoherently as the skull apparently caused him to lose his mind. LeBeouf’s character is a pugnacious punk for most of the film due to the plot, not the actor’s performance.

Ultimately “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” is like a pleasant visit with an old friend. It may not resonate with younger viewers that have only seen the original trilogy on DVD if at all. The entire “Raiders” series pay homage to the Saturday matinee serials of the 1930s and 1940s. These films were meant to be pure escapist fun and by this yardstick “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” measures up.