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Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

Trailer
1:51 | Trailer
In 1957, archaeologist and adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. is called back into action and becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

Director:

Steven Spielberg

Writers:

David Koepp (screenplay), George Lucas (story) | 3 more credits »
Popularity
1,111 ( 867)
Nominated for 1 BAFTA Film Award. Another 10 wins & 41 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Harrison Ford ... Indiana Jones
Cate Blanchett ... Irina Spalko
Karen Allen ... Marion Ravenwood
Shia LaBeouf ... Mutt Williams
Ray Winstone ... 'Mac' George Michale
John Hurt ... Professor Oxley
Jim Broadbent ... Dean Charles Stanforth
Igor Jijikine ... Dovchenko
Dimitri Diatchenko ... Russian Suit
Ilia Volok ... Russian Suit
Emmanuel Todorov ... Russian Soldier
Pasha D. Lychnikoff ... Russian Soldier
Andrew Divoff ... Russian Soldier
Venya Manzyuk Venya Manzyuk ... Russian Soldier (as Veniamin Manzyuk)
Alan Dale ... General Ross
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Storyline

During the Cold War, Soviet Agents watch Professor Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. (Harrison Ford), when a young man brings him a coded message from an aged, demented colleague, Professor Harold Oxley (Sir John Hurt). Led by the brilliant Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett), the Soviets tail Jones and the young man, Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf), to Peru. With Oxley's code, they find a legendary skull made of a single piece of quartz. If Jones can deliver the skull to its rightful place, all may be well. But if Irina takes it to its origin, she'll gain powers that could endanger the West. Aging professor and young buck join forces with a woman from Jones' past, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), to face the dangers of the jungle, Russia, and the supernatural. Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>

Plot Summary | Plot Synopsis

Taglines:

In May, the adventure continues. See more »

Genres:

Action | Adventure

Certificate:

M | See all certifications »

Parents Guide:

View content advisory »
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Did You Know?

Trivia

Costume designer Mary Zophres based much of the designs of the main characters on certain real-life figures. For instance, Mutt Williams (Shia LeBeouf) was based on Marlon Brando in The Wild One (1953), Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) was based on Marlene Dietrich, "Mac" George Michale (Ray Winstone) was based on Ernest Hemingway, and Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen) was based on Amelia Earhart. See more »

Goofs

Right before Dean Stanforth interrupts Indy's class to tell him that the FBI had ransacked his office and that he was being given a leave of absence, as he approaches the classroom he walks down a hallway filled with pictures and paintings. As they are leaving the classroom, in the hallway very close to the classroom door is a large painting of Marcus Brody, Indy's dear old friend and colleague. However, moments earlier when the Dean is shown passing by that same spot on his way to the classroom, the painting isn't there. In it's place are two indistinct photographs. See more »

Quotes

Mutt Williams: One of the scorpions just stung me! Am I gonna die?
Indiana Jones: How big?
Mutt Williams: Huge!
Indiana Jones: Good.
Mutt Williams: Good?
Indiana Jones: When it comes to scorpions, the bigger the better. Small one bites you, don't keep it to yourself.
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Crazy Credits

Karen Allen is credited as Marion Ravenwood. Being a widow, her name is Marion Williams then when she marries Indy she becomes Marion Jones. See more »

Connections

Referenced in Spoiler Wars (2002) See more »

Soundtracks

Uri Balki
Traditional
Arranged by Nicolai Malinow & Mischa Taschenkow
Performed by Balalaika-Ensemble Wolga
Courtesy of ARC Music Productions International Limited
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User Reviews

 
Good to see Indy again....but a plot that falls way short of the mark
23 May 2008 | by svinnacombeSee all my reviews

I reached a movie buff conclusion after the 2nd set of Star wars films. It's simply not possible to top an iconic, legendary film or series. The original can't be beat, and is next to impossible to match. Doesn't matter who directs, stars, the effects, etc - can't be done. Being sure of this in advance made the Crystal Skull easier for me to take - but I still have to be critical - because they let us down on the simple stuff. My other movie buff observation is - its ALWAYS the writing first. The STORY. The other stuff flows from that, making the film better or worse. In Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, the writing failed us. The story does not hold together well and the dialog rings intermittently false throughout the film. I wanted to love the movie - but I was disappointed. When I heard they were all waiting for the "right" script to make another Indy film - that sounded good. But it appears that wasn't really true. I have to assume they all just decided the timing was "right" and it would be fun to get the old group together to do a flick - because the script was poor. The movie is more like an attempt at what an Idiana Jones adventure SHOULD look like - but with no real substance. A series of Indiana like dangerous situations and exploits strung together loosely with some attempts at humor thrown in. But no clear beginning to end plot. No disaster to avert, no one to rescue. Nothing in particular to root for... The actors seemed a bit uncomfortable to me - even Harrison Ford himself. Indy's love interest from Raiders (Marian) was underutilized and apparently a bit rusty in the acting department. She seemed to be just "thrown in" to add a nostalgic romantic element. The young Mutt character was well cast and did a good job with what he had to work with. The story arc regarding Indys age, his old love and young Mutt is dealt with - but could have been a better, more solid part of a more well written story. I'm glad I saw the film. I enjoyed seeing Indy again, but my hope that I'd be wanting to go again didn't pan out. It's worth only one visit - and that just to see some Indiana JonesLIKE adventures - in a story that doesn't make much sense. Sorry to break bad news to anyone who reads fan reviews - but that's my story and I'm sticking to it. George - you should have fussed over the writing a bit more and Harrison - I'd have waited longer for the right script. This was a weak effort and it didn't need to be. Mr Lucas and Mr Spielberg -you surprised me on this one - and let us all down on the story. Just my opinion :) Scott (an Indy Fan).


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Frequently Asked Questions

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Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English | German | Russian

Release Date:

22 May 2008 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Indiana Jones y el reino de la calavera de cristal See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$185,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$100,137,835, 25 May 2008

Gross USA:

$317,101,119

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$790,653,942
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Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1
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