Well, I've spent the last hour browsing Raven's forums, reading the basic views and opinions of people, from the people who loved the new movie no matter what, to the people who hated it because it wasn't exactly the same or as good as the trilogy.
And you know what? I can honestly say that I loved KotCS. Not because its an obligation to me as an Indy fan, but because to me, going into a theatre that was releasing a new Indiana Jones movie, was completely unbelievable. My Indy love had sprouted when my Dad first showed me Raiders of the Lost Ark(Thank God for parents who keep us current
). So I grew up admiring the movies (mostly Raiders, still loved the others). I thought that I'd never get the chance to be able to see an Indy movie in theatres. It seemed inevitable that LC was the end. But somehow, an amazing team of writers and directors whom were forced to 'live up to the legend' actually released a movie that wasn't some bogus "All we want is to completely wring every dollar that we can out of this story". No, I love Indy 4 because it was written for the people. It didn't cater to everyone's wants, but the underlying reason for KotCS was to let another generation see that 'Adventure Does Have A Name...'
No, this remake isn't perfect, some of the storyline just didn't match up and felt, well...forced. I didn't overlook the shortcomings, but I didn't hunt for them either. I guess that you'll only get from something what you put into it. And I never went into Indy 4 feeling worried that it wouldn't live up to my expectations because I wanted that movie itself to be my expectation.
What did I like about the new Indiana Jones movie...I loved that I got a chance to witness the next step in the journey of a legend. Indy's not the same man he was, he developed. From a sarcastic (yet funny) younger man, to a wiser and evolved teacher, still as ready as ever to keep ancient treasures safe from evil, with his fedora firmly on his head and his trusty whip at his side.
As far as I'm concerned...Adventure
still has a name...Indiana Jones!
P.S.-The part of KotCS that really made the Indy in me smile was when the crate with the Ark appeared. As a fan of Raiders, I had instantly recognized the warehouse, and was praying hard that the Ark would show.
And I'd like to take this time to offer a very special thank-you to George Lucas and Steven Spielberg
...Thank you for keeping the legend alive.