Review: Les Miserables

Director: Tom Hooper

Starring: Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe, Anne Hathaway

Year: 2012

Genre: Drama

Rated: PG-13

Length: 157 min.

IMDB Summary: In 19th-century France, Jean Valjean, who for decades has been hunted by the ruthless policeman Javert after he breaks parole, agrees to care for factory worker Fantine's daughter, Cosette. The fateful decision changes their lives forever.

Review:
With a stellar cast, visually-arresting sets and nuanced renditions of the beloved songs, Les Miserables brings the gripping story of Jean Valjean to life. Jackman was brilliant as Valjean, skillfully using pacing, tone and movement in his singing to convey the intense emotions that his character experiences. As a viewer, I found Jackman's rendition of "Who Am I?" especially gripping. Hathaway's portrayal of Fantine is also noteworthy. Despite the small amount of screen time her character has, Hathaway manages to elicit sniffles and tears with her rendition of "I Dreamed A Dream." Also touching is her duet with Jackman as she prepares to die. While Jackman and Hathaway gave the best performances, in my view, there were several other notable performances. Sacha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter gave the audience some comedic relief, but walked a fine line with the humorous aspects of their characters. Unlike the stage production, the Les Mis film adaption treats the Thenaridiers as clever, devious crooks rather than bumbling idiots, which is more faithful to their portrayal in Hugo's novel. Still, Cohen and Carter manage to elicit laughs in a film dominated by emotional intensity. Another notable performance was that of Eddie Redmayne (Marius). Although his voice had a tendency to outshine that of Aaron Tveit (Enjolras) in rally scenes, Redmayne used singing to project emotion remarkably well, especially in the "Little Fall of Rain" scene with Samantha Barks (Eponine).

Most of the casting for Les Miserables was spot-on, including that of Amanda Seyfried as Cosette and Daniel Huttlestone as Gavroche. However, I thought Russell Crowe as Javert gave a flat performance musically, especially in numbers such as "Stars." I'd hoped that Crowe's vocal performance would at least equal Jackman's in terms of voice placement, breath control and quality, but Jackman easily surpassed Crowe, reducing the oomph of numbers such as "The Confrontation." I also thought that Samantha Barks made "On My Own" into an American Idol number instead of seizing the opportunity to act through her singing and using artistic license with the original score. In general, a criticism of the film is the choppy nature of the French Revolution portion, where one song folds into another with little context. It feels as if Hooper was pressed for time and just wanted to record the songs, then pack up and leave. I thought the French Revolution portion felt rushed, with viewers barely getting to know Enjolras and the rebels before they fight and die.

With that said, Les Miserables is a must-see. Although the stage musical will always have a special place in my heart, Tom Hooper's film adaption of Les Miserables is truly a masterpiece of our time.

For Parents:
Prostitution is portrayed as a filthy, wretched business, with the prostitutes ugly and cheap. Fantine sees her first customer. Nothing graphic is shown. The camera focuses on Fantine's face while the act occurs. The scene lasts a few seconds. Another man bullies Fantine after she rejects his advances. The police arrive just in time. At the Thenaridiers' inn, a cat's tail is chopped off and added to a stew for customers. A trashy woman and a man dressed as Santa Claus are briefly glimpsed in bed. In the French Revolution portion, a boy is shot by the enemy. Men are stabbed and shot during the fight. Valjean enters a sewer to save Marius' life. The two emerge covered in mud and feces.

My Rating:
*****

 Images from imdb.com, movies.nytimes.com and pinterest.com

Review: The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

Director: Peter Jackson

Starring: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage

Year: 2012

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: PG-13

Length: 169 min.

IMDB Summary: A younger and more reluctant Hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, sets out on a "unexpected journey" to the Lonely Mountain with a spirited group of Dwarves to reclaim a their stolen mountain home from a dragon named Smaug.

Review:
Packed with action, suspense and laughs, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey proves to be a thrilling adventure story--however, the plot feels discombobulated at best. Although The Hobbit is a fun adventure story (as compared to the serious quest of the trilogy), the film adaption has a plot that branches out in too many directions. For example, viewers hardly know which villain on which to focus their wrath--there is the white orc, the necromancer, the goblin king, Smaug and, of course, Sauron. Add to that the frequent sidetracks from the main plot (the brown wizard, for example) and the lengthy amount of time spent in the Shire before the band of travelers begins their quest, and viewers' confusion may well be complete. Another criticism is that overall I found that video game-esque action sequences overshadowed character development and acting potential. Thorin is--by far--the most developed of the dwarves, but he does not draw viewers into the story as a sympathetic character. As portrayed onscreen, there is nothing that sets Armitage's character apart from the typical fantasy action hero--a tough cookie and a bit aloof, but skilled with the blade. He comes off as rather one-sided in his stereotypical strong, silent character.

On the bright side, Freeman is excellent as Bilbo, though I would've liked Freeman to have more screen time in the traveling scenes instead of the dwarves and goblins. I hope in the future films he will be allowed more opportunities to act. McKellen does a fine job portraying Gandalf and, surprisingly, lightening the mood on many occasions. Serkis is masterful in his portrayal of Gollum. My favorite scene (besides the hungry trolls and the dwarves' arrival at Bag End) was Riddles in the Dark. Bilbo and Gollum's  game of riddles, fraught with tension, is captured skillfully in this scene. I also enjoyed the many allusions to the Lord of the Rings trilogy, though I hope the loose ends created by these hints (especially by the morgul blade and the necromancer) will be addressed in future installments. I am also glad that The Hobbit has its own musical theme, but still I wish not so much of the trilogy music was used (trying to apply the Gondor coronation theme to a dwarf scene threw me for a loop).

Overall, The Hobbit is a thrilling adventure, but do not expect it to have the same cohesion in plot and character development as the trilogy.

For Parents:
Action/adventure violence, but not as intense as the trilogy. Whereas the trilogy features Nazgul, massacres and slaughter of humans, The Hobbit features mostly trolls, goblins and brief glimpses of a dragon. The battle scenes shown do not have the same emotional pull as those in the trilogy because they feature goblins fighting random dwarves, rather than orcs fighting men that the audience cares about. The scariest element for kids is probably the Wargs, the massive wolf-like creatures ridden by the orcs.

My Rating:
****

 

Images from imdb.com, io9.com and thefilmgeekguy.blogspot.comShare

Review: She's the Man

Director: Andy Fickman

Starring: Amanda Bynes, Laura Ramsey, Channing Tatum

Year: 2006

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 105 min.

IMDB Summary: When her brother decides to ditch for a couple weeks in London, Viola heads over to his elite boarding school, disguises herself as him, and proceeds to fall for one of her soccer teammates.

Review:
Most of the laughs center around Bynes' acting as a boy--which is ironically far better than her acting as a girl--and the situational ironies that take place. Although Shakespeare fans may be alarmed at the liberties taken with the original play, teens and tweens will likely love this fun and mildly crude rendition of "Twelfth Night." Bynes and Tatum's interactions as "roommates" keep the show light and entertaining, preventing the plot from taking itself too seriously. The film's pace is a steady clip, managing to hold the audience's attention. I would have liked less slapstick humor and more verbal humor, but the material that filmmakers did end up using for laughs worked--well, most of the time. Despite some moments of teen drama overload--especially in the first few scenes of the film--She's the Man is a fast, fun and entertaining watch for teens and tweens.

For Parents:
Some crude humor

My Rating:
***

Images from imdb.com

Review: Maid in Manhattan

Director: Wayne Wang

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Ralph Fiennes

Year: 2002

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 105 min.

IMDB Summary: A senatorial candidate falls for a hotel maid, thinking she is a socialite when he sees her trying on a wealthy woman's dress.

Review:
The premise of this film is too good to be true. Perhaps this accounts for the bland acting, predictable storyline, cheesy music and maudlin atmosphere of Maid in Manhattan. Though certainly an improvement from The Wedding Planner, one giant leap for J-Lo may be only one small step for the romcom industry. The female lead, a hardworking single mom--and yes, a Puerto Rican--relies on tasteless acting to show her heart-of-gold, making for an incredibly boring romance with the male lead. Despite Fiennes' renowned ability to act--as demonstrated in Schindler's List and Quiz Show--his performance in Maid in Manhattan seems one-dimensional and stunted in its growth. Part of this is due to the hardly Hollywood-proficient script and the lack of plot points that actually grab viewers' attention. Although a cute--very likely too cute--romcom for girls' movie night, Maid in Manhattan bites the dust with lifeless acting, plot and script.

For Parents:
Some language and crude humor

My Rating:
*

 Images from imdb.com

Review: The Wedding Planner

Director: Adam Shankman

Starring: Jennifer Lopez, Matthew McConaughey

Year: 2001

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 103 min.

IMDB Summary: Jennifer Lopez plays San Francisco's most successful supplier of romance and glamour. She knows all the rules. But then she breaks the most important rule of all: she falls in love with the groom.

Review:
Despite a sugar-sweet love story, The Wedding Planner may just be too corny to love. The acting is bland and the storyline is predictable. Lopez does not have the perkiness and personality to make this romcom take off and comes off as an old timer trying too hard. Her character is not the sharpest pencil in the box--she dates a dimwitted Italian who can't hold an accent for over thirty seconds and then, for reasons unbeknownst to womankind, agrees to marry the fool. She is also addicted to The Antique Road Show and hangs out with her dad and his friends which, according to filmmakers, should effortlessly convey to the audience that she is a lonely, miserable single woman addicted to her work. The love plot between Lopez and McConaughey appears to be a sitcom plot dressed up in sappy music and junior high-esque rivalries for Lopez's hand. How do they meet? He rescues her from oncoming traffic, of course! Magically, he is a fun-loving guy who loves kids. As if this isn't cliche enough, he rescues Lopez a second time, from a runaway horse. If 103 minutes of maudlin entertainment will not kill you, then give The Wedding Planner a watch. All others, steer clear of this fickle and forgettable flick.

For Parents:
Some language and crude humor

My Rating:
*

 Images from imdb.com

Review: Troy

Director: Wolfgang Petersen

Starring: Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom

Year: 2004

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: R

Length: 163 min.

IMDB Summary: An adaptation of Homer's great epic, the film follows the assault on Troy by the united Greek forces and chronicles the fates of the men involved.

Review:
What most impressed me about Troy was the togetherness of the film. With an epic as monstrous in proportion as the Iliad, the film managed to add a sense of cohesiveness to the plot, using the themes of fate and the gods, as well as a narration by Odysseus, to give the film's numerous characters and scenes some connection. Pitt's portrayal of Achilles and Bean's portrayal of Odysseus make this film a worthwhile watch. Although Bana falls flat as Hector--humanizing him to the point of weakening him as a figure of war--Bloom gives a decent performance as Paris, the cowardly lover of Helen, who comes off as an airy supermodel rather than the beautiful but deep-thinking character she is in the Iliad. The Briseis subplot gave the film an interesting twist. Her audacity to talk back to the Greeks' greatest warrior may be a little far-fetched, as she is portrayed as a royal priestess reduced to slavery and may more accurately be experiencing fear rather than a desire to preach to Achilles at the risk of her own well-being. However, I found the moral dimension added by Briseis' character an interesting twist to the plot and not necessarily a bad one. The Patroclus subplot, on the other hand, was a change for the worse. The choice to portray Patroclus as a weak cousin to Achilles muted the intensity of Achilles' love for Patroclus because it made Achilles' love appear to be pity for a weaker man rather than love for a friend he respects as his equal spiritually (though certainly not physically). Had the filmmakers portrayed Patroclus as an average soldier and a thinking man--rather than as a clueless weakling--and had they shown Patroclus and Achilles conversing deeply or singing songs together (as they do in the Iliad), then Achilles' raging behavior later in the film would have made far more sense to the audience. Overall, Troy has impressive cinematography, exciting battle scenes and, for the most part, good casting and an average script. This film is definitely worth a watch.

For Parents:
Some intense battle sequences and a few sex scenes

My Rating:
****

Images from imdb.com

Review: Miss Congeniality

Director: Donald Petrie

Starring: Sandra Bullock, Michael Caine, Benjamin Bratt

Year: 2000

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 109 min.

IMDB Summary: An FBI agent must go undercover in the Miss United States beauty pageant to prevent a group from bombing the event.

Review:
What I enjoyed most about this film was the often humorous personality clash between Bullock and Bratt's characters. This petty conflict kept this otherwise tedious film from sinking. The acting, script and plot are average. Fortunately, the film does not take itself too seriously--with a plot involving FBI agents behaving like adolescents, it cannot afford to. The portrayal of the beauty pageant contestants as dumb blondes satisfies the stereotype requirement, but fails to surprise viewers in any way. Overall, although it is a decent chick-flick, Miss Congeniality can only elicit so much applause due to its average quality and its unwillingness to take many risks with plot and character.



For Parents:
Some crude humor

My Rating:
***

 Images from imdb.com

Review: The Forbidden Kingdom

Director: Rob Minkoff

Starring: Jackie Chan, Jet Li, Michael Angarano

Year: 2008

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: PG-13

Length: 104 min.

IMDB Summary: A discovery made by a kung fu obsessed American teen sends him on an adventure to China, where he joins up with a band of martial arts warriors in order to free the imprisoned Monkey King.

Review:
Surprisingly enough, The Forbidden Kingdom had not only a solid action plot and exciting stunt work, but also plenty of humor. The plot of misfits banding together to destroy an evil ruler is nothing new, but filmmakers seem to be aware at this and the film pokes fun at stereotypical plots, including those in which a young boy is taught by a wise old teacher. My favorite aspect of the film was the humorous rivalry between Chan and Li's characters, as well as the impressive fight scenes and cinematography. All in all, The Forbidden Kingdom was surprisingly entertaining and would be an excellent movie night pick for the whole family.

For Parents:
Some brief action violence

My Rating:
****

 Images from imdb.com

Review: Mirrors

Director: Alexandre Aja

Starring: Kiefer Sutherland

Year: 2008

Genre: Horror

Rated: R

Length: 110 min.

IMDB Summary: An ex-cop and his family are the target of an evil force that is using mirrors as a gateway into their home.

Review:
This film has a plot full of twists and turns. Although the acting is sub-par, the plot keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. Also, there are only a few extremely graphic moments throughout the film. Most of the tension comes from fear of the unknown. The most disappointing part of the film is the ending scene, which in spite of its cleverness does not leave viewers with a feeling of resolution. Though not a classic by any stretch, Mirrors makes for an entertaining--and truly scary--movie.

For Parents:
Some moments of graphic violence and disturbing images

My Rating:
***

  Images from imdb.com

Review: The Prestige

Director: Christopher Nolan

Starring: Christian Bale, Hugh Jackman, Scarlett Johansson, Michael Caine

Year: 2006

Genre: Drama

Rated: PG-13

Length: 130 min.

IMDB Summary: The rivalry between two magicians is exacerbated when one of them performs the ultimate illusion.

Review:
This film is structured like a puzzle. The nonlinear narrative makes viewers lose their grasp on what is real and what is an illusion. With a historical backdrop, this film relies more on raw drama and suspense than it does special effects or computer animated graphics to hold viewers' attention. Bale's acting is superb throughout, teasing the audience into believing his character and then casting doubt. Jackman's acting comes off as a little forced and morphs into a rather one-dimensional performance as the film nears its climax. Michael Caine is excellent as Jackman's assistant, adding warmth and personality to an otherwise dark and mysterious cast of characters. With an intriguing plot full of twists and turns and a stellar cast, The Prestige is a roller coaster ride that leaves viewers breathless and bewildered.

For Parents:
Some violence and disturbing images

My Rating:
****

 

Review: Skyfall

Director: Sam Mendes

Starring: Daniel Craig, Javier Bardem, Naomie Harris

Year: 2012

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: PG-13

Length: 143 min.

IMDB Summary: Bond's loyalty to M is tested as her past comes back to haunt her. As MI6 comes under attack, 007 must track down and destroy the threat, no matter how personal the cost.

Review:
This film was a worthwhile action flick with decent acting--if you're looking for any substance, it's not there. I could have done without the tedious credits, featuring an animated sequence and Adele's latest tune. I also could have done without the ho-hum script. Even less compelling was the choice of Judi Dench for the role of M. Rather than a top-notch and advanced secret agent, Dench comes off as a sweet elderly woman who would look more natural in a knitting club than in M16. In contrast, Ralph Fiennes as seasoned agent Gareth Mallory was an excellent choice, as Fiennes managed to humanize an otherwise lifeless role. Craig was decent as Bond, though the film's impressive, eye-catching stunts tuned out his performance. Overall, Skyfall is a fine popcorn and milk duds movie--just don't expect to leave the theater with your mind blown.

For Parents:
Some violence, language and sexual innuendo.

My Rating:
***

 Info from imdb.com

Review: Pitch Perfect

Director: Jason Moore

Starring: Anna Kendrick, Brittany Snow, Rebel Wilson

Year: 2012

Genre: Romance/Comedy

Rated: PG-13

Length: 112 min.

IMDB Summary: Beca, a freshman at Barden University, is cajoled into joining The Bellas, her school's all-girls singing group. Injecting some much needed energy into their repertoire, The Bellas take on their male rivals in a campus competition.

Review:
Although the script pokes fun at Glee, the appeal of Pitch Perfect is essentially the same: a bunch of kids getting together to make music and sort out their personal problems. The acting is nothing spectacular, with actors relying on their looks and their singing voices to fill the screen. Although Beca is a lead worth rooting for, she brings nothing new to the "shut-off, alternative girl" stereotype. The only really watchable character is Fat Amy, whose clumsy, vibrant attitude steals the show from the less interesting lead characters. The music in Pitch Perfect makes this film tolerable, especially the catchy songs of the all-male vocal group. If given the opportunity, I would see this film again (through a rental service, not at a theater) just to see the song-and-dance routines. In a nutshell, Pitch Perfect is Glee in a collegiate setting, with better music and worse acting.

For Parents:
Some language and sexual innuendo. I could have done without the DJs and their crude humor.

My Rating:
**

 

 Info from imdb.com

Review: 300

Director: Zack Snyder

Starring: Gerard Butler, David Wenham, Lena Headey

Year: 2006

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: R

Length: 117 min.

IMDB Summary: King Leonidas and a force of 300 men fight the Persians at Thermopylae in 480 B.C.

Review:
Despite impressive cinematic effects and action sequences, 300 falls flat with cardboard acting and gross exploitation of history. Most of Butler's acting consists of shouting, grunting and muttering, portraying the Spartans as robotic fighting machines. The only memorable aspect of Butler's performance was the "This is Sparta!" moment. Even this scene, however, pales in comparison to what it might have been. Perhaps what most irked me was the exploitation of history. Of course, other films have had to fudge on their historical accuracy in order to create a viewable film. However, the exploitation of history in 300 portrays the Spartans as godlike fighters who are somehow more refined and moral than the Persians, who are portrayed as perverted, glutenous and effeminate men. This portrayal offended various officials in Iran and caused the Iranian Academy of the Arts to submit a formal complaint to UNESCO, calling the film an attack on the "historical identity of Iran." Besides its exclusive focus on the vices of the Persians, 300 ignores the fact that the Spartans themselves engaged in practices such as pederasty (an ongoing, socially acceptable form of child molestation) and were the biggest slave owners in Greece. Also, the film ignores the fact that Sparta's practice of exposing babies was regarded as cruel and unrefined by other Greek city-states, such as Athens, and advocates for eugenics (when Butler's character says that a deformed character cannot fight, causing the audience to think he should have been exposed). Although 300 has a great soundtrack and fighting sequences that are visually engaging, it lacks decent acting and it grossly exploits history to create a cardboard plot.

For Parents:
Violence, language and an orgy

My Rating:
*

 

 Info from wikipedia.org

Review: Akeelah and the Bee

Director: Doug Atchison

Starring: Angela Bassett, Laurence Fishburne, Keke Palmer

Year: 2006

Genre: Family

Rated: PG

Length: 112 min.

IMDB Summary: A young girl from South Los Angeles tries to make it to the National Spelling Bee.

Review:
The plot may be cliche and the spelling bee may not please everyone, but Akeelah and the Bee is full of charisma, provided by heartwarming performances and hefty themes. Akeelah's accomplishment is portrayed as a schoolgirl's dream fulfilled, which makes for a predictable plot and satisfying ending. There are some funny, upbeat moments and some deeper, darker scenes that add texture to the film. What I enjoyed most was the classic underdog plot--a young black girl from the ghetto winning a prestigious nationwide spelling bee. Although it's not be the most original movie the film industry has ever seen, Akeelah and the Bee is a heartwarming and delightful watch.

For Parents:
Some language

My Rating:
****

Image from amazon.com

Review: The Great Debaters

Director: Denzel Washington

Starring: Denzel Washington, Forest Whitaker, Kimberly Elise

Year: 2007

Genre: Drama

Rated: PG-13

Length: 126 min.

IMDB Summary: A drama based on the true story of Melvin B. Tolson, a professor at Wiley College Texas. In 1935, he inspired students to form the school's first debate team, which went on to challenge Harvard in the national championship.

Review:
After watching The Great Debaters, I walked away and forgot about it the next day. The acting, directing and story were good quality, especially in the historical accuracies and underlying racial atmosphere portrayed. The lack of a "wow" reaction to this film is due to the slow plot, which at times feels disjointed, and the lack of originality. You get the feeling it's all been done before, an inspirational story where a few individuals achieve a victory over the prevailing prejudice of the day. While this film conveys its message with more elegance and style than films such as Remember the Titans, Freedom Writers or Akeelah and the Bee, there is really nothing to set it apart...there's no football, journal writing or spelling bees. There's a high school debate, which involves an onslaught of researching and classroom sequences that cause the film to drag its heels. Despite the thrill of the actual debates, the plot of The Great Debaters is stiflingly predictable and likely to elicit yawns. Not to be politically incorrect or historically inaccurate, but I might have liked to see the debaters lose the final debate, just for some variety. Although a fine historical account and filled with good quality acting, The Great Debaters is forgettable because it lacks the special something, the undefinable zest, that makes a good film great.


For Parents:
Some race-related violence, language and brief sexuality

My Rating:
***

Image from wikipedia.org

Review: Quiz Show

Director: Robert Redford

Starring: Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Rob Morrow

Year: 1994

Genre: Drama

Rated: PG-13

Length: 133 min.

IMDB Summary: Dick Goodwin discovers game shows are fixed: Charles Van Doren is fed answers so he beats Herbie Stempel.

Review:
Though a bit slow moving and lengthy, Quiz Show is worth a watch for the top-notch acting and historical accuracy. Turturro is brilliant as the socially awkward but intellectual giant Stempel, making viewers sympathize with a man whom the public saw as arrogant and disdainful. Fiennes and Morrow are also well-cast, adding life and dimension to the plot. The film moves slowly, but this may serve in its favor, allowing viewers the opportunity to contemplate, along with Van Doren, what ethical lines an average person is willing to cross, in the name of fame and fortune. If you enjoy historical drama, then Quiz Show is definitely worth your time.


For Parents:
Some strong language

My Rating:
*****

Image from imdb.com

Review: Indiana Jones

Director: Steven Spielberg

Starring: Harrison Ford, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf

Year: 2008

Genre: Action/Adventure

Rated: PG-13

Length: 122 min.

IMDB Summary: Famed archaeologist/adventurer Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones is called back into action when he becomes entangled in a Soviet plot to uncover the secret behind mysterious artifacts known as the Crystal Skulls.

Review:
Although lacking the charisma of the originals, Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a fair reboot of the series. The Cold War provides many plot opportunities, and Blanchett is great as a ruthless Soviet official. What Ford lacks in physical stamina is countered by the addition of LaBeouf, who plays an integral part in action sequences. Surprisingly, I found this film equally fast-paced and less violent than the originals. The science fiction element of the film is rather cheap, but it helps that the historical setting is The Cold War (and that the director is none other than Spielberg). What makes this film work are the constant references to the originals (a photo of Marcus, the return of Indy's ex-girlfriend), the underlying theme of Ford passing the torch to LaBeouf and the fact that this film doesn't take itself too seriously. Harrowing and adventurous, Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is an action flick that's worth a watch.

For Parents:
Action violence, including hand-to-hand combat, guns, and a bug scene

My Rating:
***

Image from imdb.com