Like every other American this Memorial Day weekend I saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, even after several people told me it was one of the worst films they’d ever seen. Maybe that’s why it didn’t suck so hard for me. Maybe I went in with some wonderfully low expectations.

Even though you’ve probably already seen it and have formed your own opinions, here’s my Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull review.

This current installment of Indiana Jones was so reminiscent of the old, which means it was a bit corny, the set was a bit staged if you will, and it doesn’t take itself seriously. I think that’s what makes the odd story lines of the Jones movies so great. Could you imagine if Raiders of the Lost Ark had taken itself seriously? Honestly, the search and eventual find of the Ark of the Covenant with an old knight? I don’t think so.

Here’s the synopsis: In 1957, Indiana Jones is thrust back in action, venturing into the jungles of South America in a race against Soviet agents to find the mystical Crystal Skull.

Harrison Ford as Dr. Henry Jones Jr. (Indiana Jones) was the typical loosey goosey smarty that doesn’t try too hard. The sarcasm mixed with historic genius never gets old.

Karen Allen as Marion Ravenwood, Indy’s old flame from Raiders of the Lost Ark, reprises her role as a kidnap victim and mother to Mutt Williams played by the up and coming Shia LaBeouf who seeks Jones’ help to rescue his mom and everyones old friend Professor ‘Ox’ Oxley, played by John Hurt.

In a surprising turn of events Kate Blanchett joins the cast as the villain Irina Spalko, one of the Soviet solders fighting to find the Crystal Skull.

I’ll put it this way. While it wasn’t the best movie I’ve ever seen, it certainly wasn’t the worst and it held true to Indiana Jones story line and spirit. They also left the door open for a possible continuation of Shia LeBeouf’s character to be the next Indy. We’ll see.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull gets 3.5/5 LJ Stars

Update: I forgot to mention, and just remembered, that Janitor from “Scrubs” was an FBI agent in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It made me so giddy. It’s so funny to see him in other stuff for some reason. Case in point, I’m watching The Fugitive right now and Janitor is the cop on The L that gets shot. Crazy