Tuesday, June 03, 2008

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Dark Crystal

So, out of total coincidence of Netflix queues and summer movie release schedules, I managed to see Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull and the Dark Crystal within two weeks of each other. I'd never seen either before, and where Indiana Jones gets points for being totally fun (if a bit ludicrous), Dark Crystal gets points for some absolutely astounding puppetry and design (if also for being totally totally unsettling and horrifying). But as Biz and I finish up Dark Crystal, it becomes totally clear that Steven Spielberg has TAKEN A BIG OL' DUMP ON JIM HENSON BY RIPPING OFF HIS MOVIE.

Here, check it out. Fast forward to about the three-minute mark:



Hmm, let's see. Crystal needing to be returned to its rightful place? Check. Big earthquake happens, revealing true nature of room? Check. Luminous mystical all-knowing beings standing in a circle coming back to life? Check. Becoming one mystical being and disappearing into vapor? Check.

I mean, come on.

2 comments:

Alex said...

Come on, dude. Cate Blanchett's beak is WAY smaller than that.

K said...

Also, to be fair, the Dark Crystal is both TERRIFYING for children and a masterwork.