Friday and Saturday we partnered with a church youth group to have an Indiana Jones marathon overnighter. Three Indiana Jones movies from Friday night to Saturday morning, then we went to see the newest one at noon. We had a great time haning out with kids, laughing, playing and watching movies. I forgot how good the movies were and it’s always fun to share them with kids experience them for the first time. Raiders and Crusade are by far the best ones in my opinion.

But the Crystal Skull… oh boy. I’ll tell ya, I wanted so bad to like that movie. I really did. But watching it, I got the same feeling I had when I watched Star Wars Episode 1: The Phantom Menace. I came in with great love for these movies and high expectations. And none of my expectations were met. It was crap.  My friend summed up the movie the best way possible when he said, “You know if it had been The Mummy 4, it would have been awesome. But I expect more from Indiana Jones.” I won’t list any spoilers, but I will give you a few grievances: aliens, swinging from trees like Tarzan (I’m not kidding), Indy surviving an atomic bomb blast and fighting monkeys to say a few. Shame on you George Lucas and Steven Spielberg for wasting our nostalgia to simply make a buck. Indy will survive in our memories, but the fedora is a bit tarnished.

Any one else feel that way?

Jones happens today and I’m excited. Any one else pumped?

For the Jones enthusiasts, you can buy the “Indiana Jones Handbook” filled with diagrams like this one (to the left)  on how to properly crack a whip. You never know when an adventure might break out. This book could save your life.

For more go here.

We’re having an Jones-a-thon next weekend with many youth who haven’t experienced Dr. Jones. It should be fun, but it means I have to wait a week. Ain’t nostalgia great!

It seems like summer’s already almost here (though not soon enough). After reading through some websites and talking to youth here’s the top 5 most anticipated movies of the summer in order:

1) The Dark Knight

2) Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

3) Wall-e

4) Speed Racer

[youtube= http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8aLwVYmcBg8]

5) The Incredible Hulk

Others of note: Iron Man, Narnia 2, Stepbrothers, Get Smart…

 So what are you looking forward to?

You all remember the children’s book, “Where the Wild Things Are“? I’ve read it recently to my kids and then saw an article today about it being made into a movie. The book is a bit wacky, but nothing touches this clip from the upcoming film. It’s a movie by Spike Jonze. So it’s bizarre then? Check. And not for kids? Double check.

On and on a completely different note, here’s the new trailer for the upcoming Indiana Jones movie. 

[Photo courtesy of IndianaJones.com]

It’s been 18 years since Harrison Ford donned the fedora last. Here’s the first shot released of the upcoming movie - due out next summer.

So what’s your opinion? Is is Indy too old?