The TV Addict 

Given that we’re only a few days away from when all of non-press people get a chance to finally see INDIANA JONES AND THE KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, we’re naturally being bombarded with a never-ending amount of info about the film. Cinematical is actually officially making it Indy week with a variety of really neat features (highlighting old trailers, international posters, etc.) Definitely worth checking out.

Seeing as the film premiered at Cannes and has already had some press-screenings, reviews for the film are starting to pour in. Generally reviews seemed to be mixed. Though in an odd turn of events, the majority of the major critics seem to like, while more reviewers from online communities seem to not. Regardless, if you want an overview of things, both Entertainment Weekly and /Film have conveniently compiled the main points of all the reviews out there so far. As for my thoughts on the reviews so far, I’m not entirely surprised. Part of me always worried that things might not turn out so great, but honestly, I’ve reduced my expectations now so that as long as it’s a fun little summer romp I’ll be happy. It’s never going to match the other INDY films (and a fair amount of reviews have noted that this installment just doesn’t feel like the other films), but it might prove to be an exciting action adventure nonetheless.

Finally, if you’re wondering what the brilliant George Lucas’ thoughts are for the future of the franchise, it turns out he already has an idea. Apparently he has the notion “to make Shia [LeBeouf]the lead character next time and have Harrison [Ford]come back like Sean Connery did in the last movie. I can see it working out.” Given that this is the man who at some point saw Jar Jar Binks “working out,” I’m going to go ahead and call this a stupid idea. Especially because I don’t think anyone wants to see Indiana Jones reduced to a side-kick, or see a side-kick get his own spin-off. I was fine with a fourth installment of the series, but I think this should be it. Lucas has a bad tendency of milking his franchises for whatever they’re worth, and though that may do fine for STAR WARS, I think INDIANA JONES should be well enough left alone after this. (Source: “2″ Fox News)

So what are your guys’ thoughts on the reviews so far? What about a potential spin-off, new direction for the franchise? Good idea, or bad idea?