I just bought KOTCS on DVD, haven't seen it since May....
And I have to say, so many cheesy moments, even in the beginning. Like when the Russians drop their guns, only to raise them a second later. No tension. Jokes all around. It also somehow feels (and looks) way too modern. I can't explain it. I liked the intro to Darabont's script a lot better. We're supposed to care about Mac, when after only five minutes, he's revealed as a traitor? We're supposed to care about the betrayal of a character we've just met?
I wouldn't say it fails as an Indy film because there are some really good moments but I'd give it a C compared to the B, A and A+ marks of the previous films. I do hope they make an Indy 5, though, as I imagine that would be good.
Pros: Awesome first two thirds; The ''tomb'' scenes reminded me of ToD, the action scenes (especially the beginning), the Nuke scene, Jungle fight and chase. The more emotional scenes, Harrison's portrayal of Indy is awesome; He definately pulled it off. Shia does a good job. Great 50's feel, music and costuming. I love the return of the gray fedora. Really, the first two thirds of the film (with some awkwardness) would make for a classic film if that sense of quality kept up toward the end.
Cons: A great deal of awkwardness and weakness in the script, looks and at times feels too modern, too many stupid jokes and not ''epic'' enough (For example, LC feels very epic--even with it's humor) and not emotional or personal enough. No suspense or tension. The last third or so of the film is very weak and feels like a Disney-esque parody. Marion's performance as Marion. John Hurt.