The Treasure of the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull 

In my personal opinion this movie was a good finale for the character. He ends the story with his dignity and a happy ending with his family.

Finally a great and realistic review of this wonderful film. I'm sick of the hating on the KotCS because of the stupid bandwagon effect. You have my thanks and appreciation!

Crystal Skull is about how great knowledge can destroy and cause unfathomable suffering, or create and bring understanding between people. Its a gem of a movie

I was one of the few who liked it

I love that there are people out there who greatly enjoy Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

I saw it as a kid in theaters. Honestly, I was just grateful to see an Indy movie on the big screen instead of video tapes or DVDS. I of course bought the action figures and merchandise. I thought people blew it out of proportion with how ridiculous it was. I mean, its not like Indiana Jones was never ridiculous before. I love this movie.

I’ve never understood the hate for this film. It’s a fun action adventure that adds so much to the series. I particularly like the juxtaposition of Indy compared to the last crusade where he is in the father figure role like Henry Sr when Mutt is introduced in the story. I like that they gave Indy a family and decided to end the movie with a wedding and hope for the future. That’s why I hate dial of destiny, the movie takes that all away and makes Indy miserable and alone. I will admit the nuke scene and the vine scene may have been a bit much, but i still enjoy the movie with those scenes.

first everyone hates a movie, a sequel gets made, they now love that movie. It's hysterical

Excellent analysis! The haters of this movie can't seem to get this one simple idea through their skulls: the Indy movies are reflections of the time period in which they are set and, in particular, of the cinematic history of those periods. The original trilogy was a reflection of the 1930s and the movies (and serials) from that time period. The haters can't seem to comprehend that a movie made 20 years later simply cannot be set in the same time period and hence cannot be the same as the original trilogy since the movies always reflect the time period in which they are set. It's such a basic idea; I don't know why the haters can't get it through their skulls. I love the way Crystal Skull reflects the themes of the 50s: the B sci-fi movies about alien visitations, the Cold War paranoia that those movies express, the search for a "mind weapon" to win the Cold War (since it was a conflict between different ways of seeing the world). Perfect (chef's kiss)!

This is incredibly well-produced! I love videos that go in depth to describe the hidden meaning/significance of movies that weren’t received well by their audiences, and this essay did a fantastic job at doing just that. Keep up the great work!

This is a really good essay! I've never considered looking at this film as trying to be something different to the original trilogy. I'm excited to see what other videos you make!

I saw Crystal Skull at exactly the age George Lucas intended for me to see it. Dial of Destiny proves that Kathleen Kennedy with a $300 million dollar budget can’t even touch George Lucas and Steven Spielberg’s “worst” Indiana Jones movie. Thank you, George and Steven.

Very thoughtful video. I've always been a defender of Crystal Skull even though it does have some issues.

I love Crystal Skull. Rewatched it last night and it's so magical and fun. Classic Lucas/Spielberg

Well-said! I think the main reason that so many people hated 'Crystal Skull' was simply their conviction that 'this isn't Indy'. Well, no, it wasn't the OLD Indy - but it didn't have to be. Characters progress and change over time; they fight different bad guys and have different thematic elements to their adventures. Everyone agrees that original-flavor Indy is the best, and I do, too, but 'Crystal Skull' Indy isn't BAD, just different, as he would have to be. He doesn't have to stay EXACTLY the same to retain his coolness. He's still an archaeologist/adventurer; he still fights bad guys with his whip, his fists, his gun, and a ridiculous amount of luck, and he still faces off against paranormal threats - sounds like Indiana Jones to me.

I love crystal skull,its the logical next step in what these flims where based on.your not alone,this is a criminally under-rated flim.

Amen! I liked the film when I saw it in theaters years ago and loved it when I re-watched it the other day. I was always confused at why people disliked the film. This video does a great job of defending the film and builds a case for why it is actually great. Thank! I'm excited to see more videos from your channel.

I wonder if 1969 Indy ever watched a James Bond film and thought, "Hey, that looks like dad!"

This is a great video. Adds a lot of context and thought behind the making of the movie. Honestly looking back it’s a great reflection of the time period it’s set in. Despite it being a pretty campy and goofy movie, isn’t that what Indiana Jones is all about?

Notice that when Spalko is cutting open the mummified remains in the opening scene, and when later Indy is cutting open the mummified remains of the conquistadors in the tomb, they cut in a similar, almost identical, way: with the knife pointed straight in around the face area and cutting downward. In the novelization, the conquistadors are wrapped in the same metallic wrappings as the alien mummy in the opening scene. I've always thought this was a way of showing likeness between the conquistadors (explorers from another land seeking Akator who in death are wrapped up like mummies) and the recovered alien who, according to Spalko, was a distant cousin perhaps of the aliens at Akator and, like the conquistadors, had traveled from another land seeking Akator. Remember Spalko says, "Perhaps we're all searching for the same thing." Why make a connection of likeness between the conquistadors and the aliens? Because it plays on the tension between difference ("alienness") and likeness. The aliens are also archeologists (again, a likeness, in this case to Indy).

This really helped me appreciate the aspects of this film that I wasn't able to appreciate as a kid in the theater. I've been very interested in esoteric knoweldge and consider myself in a stage of gathering at the moment, and taking a look back at films like this, I can understand why those things speak to me so clearly. Thank you for making this, it was amazing.

Incredible analysis that gave me a new found appreciation on the film. Such a high quality video, I find it strange you've only got one more video on the channel.

To me kingdom of the crystal skull is and always will be a childhood classic in my eyes.

Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has become my favorite Indiana Jones movie over the years. I just love it. It never deserved all the hate it got.

I didn't mind KotCS when it came out. To me it was sort of like the original 3 were the story with a succinct ending. And KotCS was just an epilogue; long after Indi's story had finished, there was yet one more adventure many many years later.

This was one of my favorite movies ever. I had been on an Indiana Jones obsession for about a year before this came out -- even the Young Indy series when it came on cable -- and was over the moon that I got to see this in theaters, on the first day of summer break. 15 years later, I still think it holds up with the originals. Think about it -- the main complaint against Crystal Skull is the aliens, the introduction of new characters we haven't seen before, the aging profesdor motif, the cheesy dialogue -- But literally ALL those things are there in the originals. In fact -- "interdimensional beings" is arguably LESS supernatural than literal Hindu gods, Medieval and Egyptian curses, and the literal Ark of the Covenant. Indy surviving.a nuclear explosion in a fridge? How about "Indy surviving voodoo-doll torture" or "Indy somehow infiltrating a SEALED submarine at sea, or miraculously clinging to the side as it dives," or "Indy miraculously passing for a German soldier/naval officer countless times without actually speaking the language." This movie perfectly fits the cheese of the originals -- and I love it.

I think that Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is Such an Underrated Movie !!!

Let’s pretend the latest movie never happened as this movie at least gives Indy a happy ending whereas the new one ends on a very depressing and bittersweet note

I just clicked on the video to comment finally someone who gives this movie good publicity. I loved the movie when it came out and I still consider it the best one in the franchise.

John Williams’s OST for Crystal Skull is brilliant! Some of my favourite tracks include; Call of crystal Siafu/ants theme Motorbike chase Hangar 51 chase and the flying saucer theme.

The film has a lot going for it. I don't think it came together as well as it could have potentially (it's hard to balance spectacle and thematic subtext) but I think you do a very good job of putting the pieces together and showing what the film was capable of. If nothing else, it has much more going for it thematically than Dial of Destiny.

I agree, I never understood the hate for this movie. It has problems, but to me it still feels like Indiana Jones. Not sure about the new one though, lol.

Your subscriber count is criminally underrated with how good this video essay was that got me to change my views of a film and see it with new context. I expected 75k subs. Definitely subscribed.

Great essay, I was 10 when Skull came out so it was my first and I’ve always appreciated it.

Wow. This review on Crystal Skull was incredible! It was less of being critical of the film and more of understanding the film itself, and that by itself is refreshing to see. I’ve always had a soft spot for this movie because it was still Indiana Jones doing things he normally does at an age where we might doubt his capabilities. But it isn’t the physically that makes Indy iconic, rather it is his mentality on others and history. At least that’s how I’m seeing it. Overall, great work! Surprised you don’t have more subs with this quality!

For those who think the nuke scen was stupid. Should look up at how close and stuff actual people survived the a-bombs in Japan. Some even survived both of them.

This is an excellent video. Stellar writing and editing. Although I have never seen this film as the best one, it was never the worst one to me either. While many are quick to look down on kingdom of the crystal skull for what are typically surface level criticisms, I’ve always enjoyed the movie seeing it as dumb fun much like older b movies, but you’ve put the film into a much more thoughtful light that I’ve never considered and as a result I’ve grown an even greater appreciation for the film. Fantastic work

If I remember, I watch this in theaters. It has soft spot in my heart. ❤

It's always been a great film, people just like complaining and tearing things down that don't meet the atomically-precise criteria for their narcissistic nostalgia feels.

This video is outstanding. I’ve always admired action movies hiding their morale and ideological messages behind a fun, simple to follow story. But I’ve never seen a video so openly talking about elements outside the main plot. The details that configure the way the film’s world has been crafted. When you analyzed the meaning of “Hound Dog” for example, I was absolutely blown away. Great video! Cheers.

This was a nearly perfect video. Growing up with this franchise, I’ve always had a subconscious desire for knowledge knowing that that is the real treasure in life.

Loved #4, and for those who, for some reason, say nobody wanted a 5th film? You have obviously never lived because, as a kid, this movie showed nothing but possibilities for future stories! XD

Better than the new one, that is for sure!

i'm listening to a guy talk like johnny depp on the topic of an underrated indian jones film. perfection one thing to add, i think the "interdimensional beings" is because of the consistant theme of the treasure of indiana jones is always something occult in nature.

Wow man, very interesting and thoughtful analysis. Would love to see a video from you in the future about Dial of Destiny.

I liked it too. People who whine about the nuked fridge scene apparently didnt see Temple of Doom when Indy and his companions survive jumping out of a plane in a raft

Crystal Skull was the only logical move to make. The 50s are known for greasers, Russians, Atom bombs, and aliens. I think if the last scene had been done with less cgi, perhaps it would have received more love. I appreciated the subtly-done references to Roswell. It was so subtle I didnt catch it as a kid. And yes, I actually liked Shia's character.

The toughest part about writing any Indiana Jones movie is finding a great MacGuffin. And personally I'm not crazy about the crystal skull and e.t.'s being the object of his search. Nonetheless I really enjoy this movie and have watched it again and again. Great character interaction and excellent pacing/editing. 👍

to be honest the whole father son story in reverse worked for me.. it's a shame they didn't do one more (maybe not the same actors) but i think the whole indy has a son thing worked for the movie. Plus the end where the son reaches for the hat and Indy with a face Not yet was great.. !

This is hands down the best Indy analysis I have ever seen. I’m deeply happy to be a part of the 4th film fandom, because yes, there is a ton to love here

I loved this essay. This movie is one that I saw as a kid. I had and I am still having fun watching this movie. You just gave an amazing point of view to understand deeper this movie!

Great video, Peter! One of the most thoughtful and creative takes on the Indy saga I've ever seen. Keep it going 😎

I appreciate this viewpoint. I honestly came into this video with zero expectation of being persuaded. I grew up with both the original Star Wars and Indiana Jones trilogies. I've always loved them both, but Indy was different. Nothing else provided the pure sense of escape. The sheer number of budding film enthusiasts that drew inspiration from these movies are a testament to what George Lucas and Steven Spielberg set out to do with the movies of their youth. To say I walked out of Crystal Skull disappointed would be a giant understatement. This wasn't Indy. And it had nothing to do with how implausible it was. Heck, I actually love the 'nuke the fridge' scene. Though the overuse of CGI didn't help this movie, Indy comes across like a confused old man, going so far as to help the people holding him captive. This idea of it being a key element in this world that has no clear right and wrong, is truly eye opening. I will say there is still much wrong with KoCS. If I could fix any one thing, Marrion wouldn't be there. The focus needs to be on Indy and his son. It's a wonderful theme taken up in Final Crusade that could've used more screen time to reflect back in CS. Instead of shoehorning this completely unrealistic romantic coupling, we should've been watching Mutt and Indy, together, looking into this new world, filled with potential. I vowed never to watch it again, but I think I might have to. Thank you.

This might be one of the best RU-vid essays period, even though KotCS, is not my favorite, your view of it is beautiful and quite enlightening. Never thought about the aspect of knowledge, granted haven’t seen the movie in years, but still, hope you’ll do one for dial of destiny when the time is appropriate as I see some paralell themes about paranoia, selfishness, and the light one may find in oneself and that sometimes our friends need to show us. Again thank you for this video dude you’ve earned a subscriber

The first hour of this movie is a solid 9/10 for me. Only starts to go downhill once the story reaches the jungle, and the CGI overload begins

Really enjoyed this analysis. I saw this as a kid when it came out in theaters so, even though I can observe its flaws as a movie, I have a deep nostalgia for it. I appreciate this perspective on the movie and think it makes the film seem much richer than I initially took it for.

I actually clapped at the end, bravo! Very well said!

Why do people wait DECADES for them to realize something was actually good and just ENJOY IT! " Such human life is wasted in wait "

What a wonderfully edited video essay. I wish I could make essays like this on classic films. But then my video and channel would be hit with a copyright strike. You did a great job, Peter.

As someone who is always a fan of this movie, I’m thankful to start seeing people give it a chance. You made a great video

Great video essay! Good work. I appreciate you spreading a perspective of the film that many do not attempt to see. This has also made me appreciate the film even more. After seeing the film a couple more time in the past 3 months I think it might jump ahead in my ranking to third.

Love this analysis of the movie, and i feel it might even change a few minds on it! would love to hear your take on Revenge Of The Sith. Shocked you only have 400 subs. here's to the first thousand, and to hopefully many more. Thanks for the brilliant content. Keep it up :) let me know if you have a patreon or anything

perhaps i judged crystal skull too harshly. thank you for this enlightening perspective one of my favorite character’s journey

Fantastic video bro it really makes me love the flick more and deserving of being in the Indy trilogy!

This was an excellent video and analysis, I was so invested the video flew by and was over before I knew it

Ive always loved this movie, glad to see it get some recognition, sure even I would put Raiders and Last Crusade above it, but its nowhere near a bad movie.

Wow! That is such a fresh perspective to look at this story! Thank you for this! I‘d love to see another video like this about Dial of Destiny!

This film, much like the newest entry Dial of Destiny, gets A LOT of unnecessary hate and I'll probably never understand why. Even with it being made in more modern times, it still felt like one of the classic Indy films that we all know and love. I noticed one of the main reasons for all the hate was the fact that there were aliens involved, as if something like that is "too stupid" to be involved in an Indy movie, but come on. Indy has seen many different things in his life that were otherwise inexplicable to understand like ghosts, voodoo magic, and holy powers from both the Ark and the Holy Grail, but aliens is where people draw the line?? Sure the CGI aspect of the alien at the end wasn't done in the best way, but so what? There's definitely been some worse CG than that (*cough* The Mummy 2 *cough*). KotCS is a fantastic Indy film and there's nothing that will make me say otherwise

I think Red Letter Media sums up this movie the best; an Indiana Jones film thats been watered down. Although, I agree with them, to some extent, I do believe there are some greats parts of this film. As ridiculous as it may be at times, I still enjoy it for the feeling of Lucas and Spielberg's heart placed into the story.

Keep making videos, I rarely sit through videos in this day and age, but you captivated me

You need more subs man! What a great video!

Wow! Thank you for this terrific essay. I always liked this film a lot. Glad I'm not the only one. So sick of people hating on this film. I'm sharing your video. 😊

This movie gets so much flack, but with your analysis you pointed out more than a few things that totally escaped my grasp. This actually makes the idea of watching the newest movie a lot more appealing. It's refreshing to see a movie analysis that doesn't succumb to snubbing the film outright. Pointing out the story told by the overall visuals and dynamics of the various groups at play really highlighted how much better this film actually is than all the weak dialogue may have made it seem. Some of the lines certainly were cliche, but the details you pointed out outshines that by leaps and bounds. It's much more deep than initially perceived, even if it was a cash grab, they found ways to insert statements with no words. That takes skill.

This is a fantastic video! Incredibly well made, keep up the good work

Fantastic video, very insightful. I already felt that KotCS is very underrated, but this gave me a whole new appreciation for it! I hope you make a similar video about the Dial of Destiny eventually.

This was a great video. I've always liked Crystal Skull. I like the idea that Raiders, Temple, and Crusade were 1930s movies made in the 1980s, therefore Skull was a 1950s made in the 2000s. I've always liked this movie, but there was something...off putting a out it visually. Like some sort of filter on the movie that makes it look weird. Also the jungle chase got a little too goofy. But I still like it overall.

So every time Disney creates a new movie in a popular and highly acclaimed franchise, the last movie of said franchise produced by the first owners which was originally heavily criticised for being generally worse than the first few movies is automatically rendered as an underrated masterpiece?

You helped me understand the movie! Great video!

I do not at all dislike the story, the actors, or the settings of Crystal Skull. What i didn't appreciate was the heavy reliance on computer animated sets; it cheapened the movie, making it but a mere fair forgery of the reasons i loved the trilogy as a child. I loved those three movies because the artifacts were so tangible: i made the grail diary in my room as a child. I built the ark for religion class to the exact specs. None of that seems attainable from CS. it's more like an intangible fever dream. But i appreciate your take on the movie, and will incorporate your take when i next watch Indy4.

i dont understand why the movie is no liked , i really like it

Crystal Skull is the only one I've seen. I didn’t know what was going on but I had fun anyway.

Is it mandatory nowadays that when a new installment of a franchise comes out that the previous hated one is suddenly a masterpiece?

Honestly, the only thing holding this movie back for most people are just minor stupid cosmetic choices that have nothing to do with the plot ---the CGI gophers, crazy killer ants, some questionable physics with the amphibious vehicles, Shia LeBeouf swinging around like Tarzan, and the nonsensical geography of the jungle chase scene. All of which are things from the second act/early third act (maybe?) and don't really service the themes of the movie. No coincidence that none of those things are mentioned in this video. Had the director of the movie just presented those scenes differently I'm sure this movie would be much better received. Oh and I guess Indiana Jones surviving a nuclear blast was a bit too unreasonable for most people, myself included lol. Incredible video by the way! Excellent points and really well thought out! You earned a like and a subscriber.

I actually believe that every film in this series is incredible! Great video!

I’ve always loved this movie

That was so enjoyable!❤Now I’m ready for the new Indiana Jones movie. Thanks !!!

Honestly, this film gets so much hate for not being like the previous three. Yet, I attribute this to not understanding the intention behind it and the tone the film was going for. The Indiana Jones films are meant to be reflections of the cultural trends of the times. In the 1930’s, there was a deep fascination with the Near East and with Biblical history. In the 1950’s, that had shifted towards a fascination with science fiction, especially the notion of aliens. It’s also worth noting that the film is a reflection of the times that manages to stay grounded while still feeling fantastical. The absurd moments are there, but you can better suspend your sense of disbelief and enjoy the film.

Great review. I always liked this movie and thought it a worthy entry to the series since seeing it in theatres. At the time, It felt very much like a "sticking to the Indy formula" and aesthetic. It's a throwback like Force Awakens was a throwback. The government is being pretty reasonable with Indy, imo(with the exception of getting him blacklisted from his job). He helped Soviets infiltrate a top secret facility. They've gotta be tough and interrogate him a bit. It's not like they torture him. Indy's tough and can handle a few insults. Hollywood movies like to paint the 50s as "red hysteria," but the government faced a real threat in the intelligence world and started out at a great disadvantage against a rival world superpower who was also an ideological enemy and opposite, and every bit as imperialist as any other world power. Even in the fictional story here, the Soviets are depicted as a real and capable threat to the US which they should be concerned about. The film is substituting "Indy vs megalomaniacal Nazis" for "Indy vs megalomaniacal Commies." Here's an interesting contrast the movies paint: In Raiders, the ark is taken to a safe place for storage, far from the reaches of the Nazi villains and totally secure on US soil. In Crystal Skull, the new "Commie villains" are able to take over and raid what is meant to be this same, most top secret, most safe and secure US facility with relative ease.

Indiana Jones 🤠 and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is Such an Underrated Movie 🎦 it's a Gem 💎

We always liked it - and the first 30 minutes was as brilliant as any of the Indy movies.

Indiana Jones 🤠 and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a Gem 💎 of a Movie 🎦

Omg this comment section is amazing. I've always loved the 4th film as much as the others and it's so good to see many others feel the same.

I like the style, maybe you could speak a bit faster, but its a really good video, nice work!

Perhaps the best video analysis of Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Well done, good sir!

I actually quite like this movie, it is a nice mix of perfect comedy that hasn't been overdone and action scenes. I own the Saw Machine as a Lego set, and it apperantly was a modified tank made for the movie.

I saw crystal skull opening night and loved it. I never understoof why people disliked it.

Ooh i remember when it came into the theatres, i was there with my father and it was actually really cool and a wonderful experience. I was really hyped what the skull was all about and what the reveal would be. The ending also felt like a circle was closing so yeah its a good movie indeed ^^

This was a wonderful analysis, bravo! :)

Creativity is the birth of knowledge and imagination🐉🖼🌠🌌

It feels good to know I'm not alone in liking this movie.