Corky1984 Reviews

White Men Can't Jump (1992)

More troughs than peaks...

[21 September 2011]

White Men Can't Jump could have been very good, but it was instead only very average. The story centres on a highly talented white basketball player (Woody Harrelson) who hustles a cocksure black guy (Wesley Snipes) on his own court. The two then team up and hustle the local courts, raking in some big dollars. There is plenty of wisecracking, but the "your mama" jokes wear a bit thin. One of the film's biggest irritations is Harrelson's on-screen girlfriend: she moans endlessly in a very, very nauseating high-pitched whine, at one point bitching that Harrelson has brought her a glass of water when she complains of thirst. She is truly one of THE most annoying female characters ever to appear in cinema and ruins the film beyond redemption. There is a side-plot in which Harrelson has to clear some debts to two gangsters, but they are "off-the-shelf" lifeless caricatures. The film concludes with Harrelson having lost his girl (a blessing, to be honest) and asking Snipes for a job. Not quite the action-packed conclusion you might have expected. A shame, because Harrelson and Snipes have both appeared in some excellent films. White Men Can't Jump wasn't one of them...

Injustice (2011)

Now and then ITV actually broadcasts a decent programme

[21 July 2011]

Injustice is exactly the kind of well-written drama series that ITV should be making more of. The plot centres on a seemingly high-flying lawyer, William Travers, who enjoys the trappings of wealth and is known for his success in court. The 5 episodes, however, show that his life is far more complex. Feeling guilty that one of his clients was acquitted of murder but later confessed privately to him that he had actually killed a young boy, Travers kills the man. We then follow the police investigation, as the moody and emotionally unstable DS Wenborn begins to track the killer. Worlds are about to collide, but Wenborn's life unravels more dramatically than could be expected. Travers, back in London defending an old university friend from a charge of murder, has deja vu when it emerges that his 'friend' is really a sick killer...the show finishes with Travers seemingly let off the hook.

The Event (2010–2011)

fails to deliver on early promise

[23 June 2011]

The Event started off with a bang, with an excellent pilot which promised plenty of action and intrigue in the series to come. Sadly things faded. The basic plot revolved around a group of human-like aliens detained in a security facility in Alaska and their efforts to be freed, via negotiation and then by force. The series followed a myriad group of characters, with set piece scenes in the White House and with an ordinary Joe everyman character called Sean stumbling into the conflict between aliens and humans. The problem was that things became very stringed out, 22 episodes seemed too many. Perhaps 13 episodes like Mad Men would have allowed greater focus and lack of repetition. By the end of it all, I was pretty tired of the show, but had stuck with it based on early promises and the hope that the finale would reveal a suitably good Event. The aliens arrive in great force from their dying planet and it looks like humans will be doomed. Or will they? Who knows? To be honest, who cares anymore? The show was cancelled after a series and I don't think there is enough gas in the tank for any more episodes. Some good actors and a fairly decent overall plot were not exploited. This series is no Lost or 24, as it aspired to be...

Friday Night Dinner (2011–2020)

very weak "comedy"

[12 March 2011]

On paper, Friday Night Dinner should work well, particularly on account of its strong cast. Sadly, though, the whole show falls rather flat. I've seen the first three episodes now and the standard hasn't improved from the debut. The "jokes" are predictable, the dialogue forced and the whole tempo quite slow. It also has a very odd pseudo-dance soundtrack which doesn't fit in with the show's themes. The basic premise of two sons going round to see their parents every Friday for dinner could be exploited far better: instead, the show was already repetitive by episode 2. The Inbetweeners and Peep Show have nothing to worry about competition-wise...

1408 (2007)

genuinely chilling horror

[29 December 2010]

I don't tend to enjoy horror films, but 1408 was absolutely stunning. The plot was simple, but well-executed. John Cusack plays a writer who churns out populist 'haunted house' books which expose the myths and hearsay of hotel owners eager to pull the wool over tourists' eyes. He receives word that room 1408 at the Dolphin Hotel has a blood-curdling past and is eager to stay in the room to prove that it is all made-up. He arrives at the hotel and the manager, played by Samuel L Jackson, does everything he can to talk him out of staying in 1408, but Cusack persists and gets his way. As Cusack is taken up to his floor by lift, the anticipation builds and Jackson offers one final warning, but his advice is rejected. Cusack checks into room 1408 and has no idea what is in store for him. At first glance, he is totally unimpressed and believes the room is just like any other. His cynicism lulls him into a false sense of security. Hereafter, the film really starts to get tense, as small oddities begin to occur and you get the sense that Cusack isn't alone in the room. Before long, Cusack himself grows concerned and his early swagger is replaced by mounting fear. The suspense of the film increases and increases, with Cusack coming under siege from numerous evil spirits and ghosts. He seeks in vain to escape the room, but to no avail, before a few red herrings indicate it was all a dream. He wakes up on a beach and is seemingly free from a vivid nightmare. Yet this is all an illusion and he finds that he never escaped. Ultimately, it becomes plain that he will never leave room 1408 and he goes out with a bang, destroying it in a haze of flames. There were so many genuinely chilling moments, that this has to rank as one of the best horrors for many years. It had echoes of the Shining. Definitely a film worth watching.

Frankie Boyle's Tramadol Nights (2010)

very weak sketch show

[29 December 2010]

Frankie Boyle's stand-up is often very funny and his stints on various panel shows like Mock the Week were always worth watching. But with Tramadol Nights, he has now descended into epic self-indulgence. I think somebody at Channel 4 needs to have a word with him and let him know just how poor his 'comedy sketches' are. His show is part stand-up, part sketch show. The stand-up is pretty funny, if typically offensive. But that's his trademark and if people don't like it, turn over. The sketches, however, are absolutely dire. I have genuinely not even come close to laughing at any of them. For a start, some of them are ridiculously long-winded and seem to drag on for an eternity. Also, the themes are highly repetitive. Frankie should stick to stand-up in future...

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Voyage of the Dawn Treader (2010)

something good to watch around Christmas

[17 December 2010]

The first two Narnia films were very entertaining and well-made. The third installment kept up that form. The two youngest children from the earlier films return to Narnia, accompanied by the irascible, irritating and whingeing Eustace. They have to help Prince Caspian find seven swords to reverse a terrible spell which has afflicted Narnia. Cue a voyage on-board the Dawn Treader, with plenty of interesting encounters with weird creatures along the way. The film's star was Eustace, who starts off as a snotty little oik, turns into a dragon, learns about courage and helps save the day. Simon Pegg voiced the daring little mouse, replacing Eddiz Izzard from the second film. The special effects were pretty good, esp. the giant sea serpents at the end. I watched it in 2D as I've seen a few duds in 3D. Avatar was spectacular in that format because it was filmed with the technology: Narnia was absolutely fine in 2D and a few quid cheaper! Great film for Christmas!

Burke and Hare (2010)

Disappointing, but still had a few good moments

[5 November 2010]

I tend to go and see any new Simon Pegg movie when it comes out at the pictures and Burke and Hare was no exception. Given Pegg's past form, I was expecting a really good laugh, but sadly this film just didn't hit the spot in the same way that some of his earlier movies did. The plot was ripe for comedy: two hard-on-their-luck chancers become body snatchers in 19th century Edinburgh and come up against a motley crew of militiamen and local gangsters. Yet the film seemed to drag despite being around an hour and a half, which is hardly lengthy. I think the major problem was that the main stars spoke with unconvincing Irish accents. It just distracted me and I couldn't believe in the characters as a result. There were some decent set-pieces now and then, but the romance between Pegg and his actress girlfriend was a bit dull and predictable. Maybe this is a film that I'll give another go when it pops up on TV, but I wouldn't recommend paying to see it at the cinema, sadly.....

Malice (1993)

lots of plot holes, but harmless entertainment

[6 September 2010]

Malice is one of those films you might catch on TV late at night when there's nothing else on and you give it a try. It's a fairly ludicrous film, but entertaining nonetheless. The storyline concerns an elaborate scam perpetrated by Nicole Kidman's character on her husband, played by Bill Pullman. The scam involves a ruse with her surgeon, Alec Baldwin, whereby she is rushed into emergency surgery, apparently with life-threatening issues in her reproductive organs. Baldwin quickly puts pressure on Pullman to give the go-ahead to remove her ovaries and, in the heat of the moment, Pullman seemingly has no choice. Kidman then pretends to be devastated that she can never have children and disappears, only reappearing to push for a $20m settlement from Baldwin's hospital. Baldwin seals the deal by revealing a God-complex and arrogance of such breathtaking proportions that the big payday to Kidman seems inevitable. Turns out, the two of them were in cahoots and plan to split the cash...but Pullman uncovers the truth! Kidman turns on Baldwin and shoots him dead when he suggests paying off Pullman, before she falls prey to a sting set up by Pullman and his cop friend. There was also a side story concerning a rapist, but it didn't make a great deal of sense. This was totally ridiculous and far-fetched, but had its moments. Not one worth buying on DVD, though...

The Expendables (2010)

Provides a welcome care home for 80s action stars

[3 September 2010]

There was a lot of hype before this film and that's hardly surprising given the stunning cast list. Stallone, Statham, Li, Schwarzenegger, Willis, Rourke, Lundgren...the list goes on. OK, so a few of those big names were only cameos, but so what? The first scene in cinema history featuring Sly, Arnie and Bruce was full of in-jokes and set the rest of the film up nicely. The plot was a run-of-the-mill nasty general/CIA rogue get taken down by a team of hotshot mercenaries, but that's fine by me. The film had plenty of old-school action and didn't take itself too seriously. There were some great laughs to be had from the interplay between Stallone and his co-stars, especially Statham. Stallone himself is showing his age a tad, with plenty of veins and stretched skin making him look much older than his co-stars, but there's no doubt that he can still hold his own on screen. I would have preferred a full-blown 18 rating, to match Rambo IV's excellent levels of carnage and mindless violence, but there was still a good dose of firepower on display. They could easily make a sequel, ideally with Schwarzenegger taking on a proper role once he's finished playing politics.

Robin Hood (2010)

totally ridiculous, but strangely entertaining

[3 September 2010]

Let me make one thing clear from the start: Ridley Scott and his team of writers have created a totally fictional history of England and viewers would be advised to treat this film as something of a fantasy fiction, any resemblance to persons living or dead entirely coincidental etc etc. Yet despite the at times frankly ludicrous alternate history that is presented, I did enjoy the film rather a lot. Put simply, there is plenty of good action and a rollocking storyline. The old Robin Hood tale, with Richard the Lionheart returning at the end of the film, is ignored in this new version. Instead, the Lionheart dies in France and Robin Hood, complete with a small group of soldiers, makes his way back to England to deliver some trinkets to Bad King John. There is then a nod to modernity with discussions of the rights of the people etc, a clear reference to Magna Carta. Now in reality, Magna Carta was a baron's charter, with those who drafted it having little or no concern for those at the bottom, but the film presents a typical Hollywood 'power-to-the-people' charter. The film's plot sees a French invasion briefly uniting King John, Robin Hood and the rebellious barons. The writers obviously draw upon the actual invasion at the end of John's reign by Louis of France and bring it forward 15 years...so hardly accurate, but in this alternate reality let's just accept it! Anyway, long story short, Robin sees off the French, soon provoking John's jealousy and being forced into hiding with his 'merry men'. That sets up a sequel. The film did have a few weaknesses, not least a dull performance by Cate Blanchett as Maid Marion. Late 12th/early 13th century women did not have the freedom to express 'sisters doing it for themselves' views. As for Russel Crowe's accent as Robin Hood, it was ridiculous. At times he sounded Scouse, sometimes Irish, sometimes vaguely Scottish and the rest of the time a kind of hybrid northern England/Yorkshire twang. He should have wheeled out his Maximums voice and we would all have been happy. Overall, though, despite many failings, I did enjoy the film and wouldn't mind a sequel, if only to see what liberties they take with English history!

Identity (2010)

A rare drama hit from today's ITV...

[14 August 2010]

ITV long ago descended into a dumbed-down channel which flogged endless low-quality popstar wannabe/reality TV shows, but now and then it still comes up with a decent drama. Identity is a good series, with a strong cast and some interesting story lines. Focusing on the endeavours of the Identity Unit, which looks into identity fraud/theft etc, the show injects a bit of freshness into the well-trodden police procedural genre. The beautiful Keeley Hawes (of Ashes to Ashes fame) heads the Identity Unit, but Aiden Gillen's John Bloom is the series' key player. As a former undercover officer, he still has a foot in both worlds and is still romantically involved with a crime baron's sister. The show follows a continuous arc as he is drawn ever deeper back into his old 'undercover' world, whilst trying to reintegrate into the Identity squad. Some inventive plots keep you interested, whilst the rivalries amongst the Identity team occasionally spill over. Series 1 ended with Bloom's two worlds colliding and more or less resolved that story strand, but I'd like to see a second series made because the characters still have plenty of mileage left in them.

Ashes to Ashes (2008–2010)

Superb sequel to Life on Mars

[21 May 2010]

And so it came to an end and all was revealed. Gene Genie holds the keys to heaven in some kind of police purgatory...or something like that!! Ashes was a brilliant follow-up series to Life on Mars, bringing back Gene Hunt, Chris and Raymondo, but this time down south with those southern nancies, instead of ooop north in Manchester. The gorgeous Alex Drake woke up in 1981 and ended up staying till '83, when the mystery was unraveled. The Quattro was the top star, though, in shiny red and oozing cool. The 80s soundtrack was stunning and evocative. I like everything about this series, from the numerous one-liners, 'get your knickers on love, you're nicked', to the enthralling time-travel/universe jumping confusion! Gene Hunt captured much of what made Regan so special in the Sweeney. Ashes to Ashes was the best thing the BBC has done since Life on Mars. Taken together, the two shows add up to 40 episodes of TV gold. Superb.

A Touch of Frost (1992–2010)

excellent detective series

[6 April 2010]

David Jason rarely puts a foot wrong when it comes to TV roles, and in A Touch of Frost he struck gold again. The series finally ended last night and I was very pleased to see Frost walk off into the sunset, rather than be carried away in a bodybag. The series was a very engaging and often witty detective series, with interesting cases for Frost to solve. He ate mountains of curry, munched numerous bacon sandwiches and delivered plenty of cheeky quips along the way. Detective dramas can often be fairly slow-paced, but the characters in Frost were always well-played. At the end of the day, a detective series stands or falls on its lead: in David Jason the makers of Frost had perhaps the best mainstream British TV actor of the last 30 or so years. Top show and glad to see it end on a high.

Green Zone (2010)

Rather predictable and formulaic

[6 April 2010]

I had high hopes for Green Zone, having enjoyed the Bourne sequels by the same director. Yet I was left rather nonplussed by this film. Recounting the Americans' attempts to find WMD in Iraq after the Second Gulf War, the film follows one particular squadron's efforts. Headed by Matt Damon, the team begins to question whether or not there are any WMDs and, surprise surprise, they don't find any. There then follows some rather predictable 'under-the-radar' type missions from Damon, as he tries to take on the rather lazily portrayed 'corrupt' government officials. It's a story we've seen time and again in a variety of films, but in Green Zone it just lacked any real bite. There were a few interesting action scenes, but the pacing of the film was a bit stodgy. Green Zone is not a bad film, but after the very high standard set by the Bourne movies, it couldn't match up to the excitement. Damon was just going through the motions a tad as well.

Alice in Wonderland (I) (2010)

well-crafted fantasy adventure

[6 March 2010]

There have been numerous versions of Alice in Wonderland, but Tim Burton's take on the famous story is a welcome addition. By bringing in some new plot lines and a different theme, Burton injects a bit of fresh energy into what is a well-known tale. We find Alice now entering womanhood, trying to fend off the unwanted marriage plans of a sickly aristocratic oik. Finding herself back in Wonderland, Alice has little recollection of her earlier visits; was it all a dream she wonders. As she travels further into Wonderland, she encounters many of the familiar faces, and they were portrayed very effectively. The Cheshire Cat was brilliantly voiced by Stephen Fry, whilst Alan Rickman did a fine turn as the caterpillar. Johnny Depp was an intriguing mad hatter and Helena Bonham Carter was good as the egocentric 'off with their heads' Red Queen, complete with bulbous head and giant red hair. The 3D special effects were good and made a good film that little bit richer. The colours were vibrant and the action scenes interesting. The film is obviously pitched at a younger audience, but has plenty of entertaining moments for parents too. Overall, the latest Alice flick was good fun.

Back to the Future (1985)

Fantastic 80s movie

[17 February 2010]

Back to the Future is a film that really rewards a repeat viewing. The plot is highly entertaining and has something for everyone. Michael J Fox stars as Marty McFly, a wannabe rock star and high school pupil who gets drawn into time travel by the Doc (Christopher Lloyd). The Doc's creation is a DeLorean which is hooked up to nuclear power and takes McFly back to 1955! The car itself looks incredibly cool and to the people of 1955 looks like some kind of space ship. The plot sees McFly encounter his parents when they were his age, with lots of butterfly effect moments threatening to unsettle the space time continuum! At one point, McFly accidentally prevents his parents from meeting and falling in love, thus risking his never being born. There are some really funny moments when his mother begins to fall for him, rather than his father, forcing him to take ever more desperate risks to make sure his dad ends up as her husband. The best scene for me is where McFly lays down a fantastic cover of Chuck Berry's Johnny B Goode to a bemused 50s audience, complete with wildly over-the-top 80s style electric guitar solos. The film gets more outlandish, before McFly and the 1955 version of the Doc manage to send the DeLorean back to 1985. This is a very impressive family movie, with plenty of action, comedy and an interesting storyline. The sequels were also top-notch, although the third film didn't quite match the standard of films one and two for me. Overall, though, one of the best trilogies ever made.

Rambo (2008)

Packs one helluva punch

[11 February 2010]

This fourth instalment in the Rambo series is quite possibly the best. Visceral violence and action take centre-stage, with a no-nonsense storyline and some excellent direction. As ever, John Rambo is drawn into a war zone. A team of Christian missionaries take the ludicrous step of travelling deep into Burma, where, surprise surprise, many of them are slaughtered or taken prisoner. Cue John Rambo making the boldest of rescue missions, alongside a team of mercenaries. The sheer amount of firepower was staggering, as Rambo and the team battle the Burmese military junta. The film concludes with one of the most spectacular shootouts I have ever seen, before our hero finally comes "full circle" and returns home, to meet his dad once more. Whereas most modern "action" films are watered down for a PG-13/12A rating, this was a proper, full-on action movie. A brilliant film and a worthy reminder that Sly Stallone knows how to make a top-notch movie!

Inglourious Basterds (2009)

Disappointing and overly self-indulgent

[4 February 2010]

As a fan of Tarantino's 90s gangster flicks, especially Pulp Fiction, I really wanted to like his latest offering. I wasn't all that impressed by Kill Bill, so was hoping this would be a return to form. Sadly, it didn't quite do it for me. The story is an interesting one: a team of Jewish American soldiers are sent to Vichy France to hunt down Nazis. There were a few entertaining set-piece action scenes and the odd bit of snappy dialogue. Overall, though, the film seemed to drag on at an achingly-slow pace. I could see that Tarantino was trying to build some tension etc, and the opening scene where a Nazi interrogator spends some time in inane banter with a man harbouring Jewish refugees was really well-played. The nerves increased as I wondered whether he would find the Jews hiding under the floorboards and there was some decent suspense. What undid the film, though, was that such scenes were more or less replayed several times over. I felt that Tarantino was too concerned with paying homage to various things/people/music, rather than directing a tightly-scripted film. This could have been really punchy at about 90 minutes, but it rambled on for over 2 and a half hours. The finale was pretty good and made up for that somewhat, but when it was over I just felt a bit empty: this could have been so much better. I don't think Tarantino will be able to match his earlier achievements and I probably shouldn't compare films which are admittedly different. Yet I couldn't help feeling disappointed that this latest Tarantino movie wasn't on the same level as Reservoir Dogs: we know he is capable of greatness, but maybe he's got nothing left in the tank...

Avatar (2009)

Incredible

[13 January 2010]

Some films just have to be seen on a giant screen and Avatar is perhaps the ultimate example. In 3D and at the pictures it looks stunning. I don't know how James Cameron and his team have done it, but Avatar is the most amazing visual experience I've seen from a film. The blend of colours and effects are spectacular. I've often been very critical of the so-called blockbusters which rely on special FX, but Avatar does it all so well. The story revolves around the battle to save the moon Pandora from the ravages of commercial miners. Clearly there are big themes concerning the rights of tribal peoples V imperial objectives. Leaving that aside, there is plenty of action, with very impressive set-piece battles featuring all kinds of futuristic military might taking on a range of weird creatures. The characters are interesting and engaging, with Sam Worthington a good lead as the disabled marine who is transformed via some unexplained techno-wizardry into a humanoid. The film was quite long, but never relented. A must-see at the cinema: if only I could afford a 3D home cinema!

Shoot 'Em Up (2007)

this film was brilliant

[12 January 2010]

Shoot 'Em Up is a fantastic flick, which races along at a breakneck pace. There is an unbelievable amount of action, all wrapped up in a script full of biting satire. The film is basically sending up every other action movie, but does it in an affectionate way. The film celebrates the clichés which make action films so much fun. Clive Owen plays Mr Smith, a hotshot gunslinger who steps in to try and save a pregnant woman from some baddies. Cue 80-odd minutes of chase scenes and epic shootouts. Mr Smith munches his way through a number of carrots as he blasts away the bad guys. Along the way he pulls the quite stunning Monica Belluci. The soundtrack is good, the story is funny and the excitement never relents. Whereas so many films today drag on for hours and hours, Shoot 'Em Up is done and dusted well before things go stale. A topnotch movie.

Lost (2004–2010)

highly addictive

[16 September 2009]

When Lost first came out a few years ago, I missed it. Friends raved on about it and I didn't pay much attention, but when I finally got round to watching it...woah! Lost is one helluva show. It has the addictive element of 24, in that each show ends on some cliffhanger, but is perhaps more entertaining, as the characters are so diverse and varied. The premise of a plane crash on a tropical island, with the subsequent descent into savagery from some of the survivors, obviously draws on Lord of the Flies. The series progresses, however, through supernatural developments and various plot twists into something which can't be easily labelled. The love triangle between Kate, Jack and Sawyer is pure gold and exploited skilfully. The comedy of Hurley is later matched by similar gems of sarcasm from Miles. The mystery is only added to by Locke, Ben and the strangely non-ageing character of Richard. Ben's evil never fails to disappoint: just when you think he might be telling the truth again, he springs another surprise. The time travel element is pretty confusing, but definitely adds to the mix. Overall, Lost can't be pigeon-holed into any one genre, and that's probably why it is so fantastic.

The Big Lebowski (1998)

Excellent

[18 August 2008]

The Big Lebowski is a superb film, mixing comedy and, at times, surrealism. Focusing on the Dude (Jeff Bridges), the ultimate slacker, we follow the escalation of oddities in his life after thieves mistake him for somebody else and pee on his rug. He then tries to get compensation from his namesake, Mr Lebowski, the man the thieves intended to nobble, but afterwards gets dragged into increasingly crazy intrigues revolving around a missing lady! The supporting cast was brilliant, with John Goodman absolutely hilarious as a gun-toting 'Nam veteran with an obsession with bowling. He helps push the Dude into bigger and bigger mishaps with his flawed logic and unhelpful interferences. There are twists and turns as the film winds its way to the finish, with plenty of laughs. I would rate this above Fargo, another excellent Coen film. Big Lebowski is that good.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Excellent

[7 August 2008]

The Dark Knight was a fantastic surprise for me in that I really enjoyed it. I tend not to be into comic book films etc, but this was a very entertaining and action packed piece, with memorable characters and a decent plot. The Joker, of course, is the star of the film. I've never been a fan of the late Heath Ledger's films, but in this he was outstanding. The menace he conveyed was brilliant and he stole the film in every respect. Christian Bale made a good, understated batman, and there were good performances by the bloke playing Two Face and also Michael Caine. In England there has been plenty of controversy that the film was given a 12A rating, but I don't see why the Daily Mail is so insanely frothing at the mouth. Yes, its quite a violent film, but the actual attacks/incidents are not generally shown on-screen, more alluded to or the camera pans away etc. One scene in which the Joker stabs a man in the face was skilfully edited for impact, but wasn't gory as we didn't see any blood and so on. Overall, a brilliant film. My only criticism was that it was a tad too long, but I'd still happily buy it when it comes out on DVD.

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

Impressive comeback and a throwback to an older style of film

[13 June 2008]

I was initially sceptical about the return of Indiana Jones. I feared that after so many years the way it was filmed wouldn't fit in with the three earlier instalments, whilst the Last Crusade seemed like a nice way to end the franchise. Well, what a pleasant surprise the fourth Indy is. Above all, this movie is fun: its totally unbelievable, Blockbuster mayhem, but done successfully. There are plenty of chases and wisecracks, with a fairly interesting and far-fetched plot. Indy is up against the Russkys in this film, and the film evokes 1950s B-movie themes. He is in a race to uncover a magical crystal skull in South America, which if it fell into the hands of the Commies, could be used to hypnotise and overpower the minds of the West. So basically Indy has to win the Cold War! The cast is very impressive: Harrison Ford in his first decent film for quite some time, with other likable actors like Ray Winstone, John Hurt and of course Marion Ravenwood from Raiders of the Lost Ark. Creepy crawlies are a trademark of the Indy films, and the ravenous giant ants in this, along with snakes etc, throw up some good action. The film's conclusion was brilliant: taking things to a higher scale and then tying up Indy's personal life. I would quite like to see a fifth film before Harrison Ford retires...