The Summer Begins...Iron Man, Indiana Jones, and Harold and Kumar

Iron Man

Written by Mark Fergus and Hawk Ostby

Directed by Jon Favreau


Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Written by David Koepp and George Lucas

Directed by Steven Spielberg


Harold and Kumar Escape From Guantanamo Bay

Written/directed by Jon Hurwitz and Hayden Schlossberg


I have firm beliefs in few things (an apple a day keeps the doctor away, always wear sunscreen, when all else fails, take a breath, go for a run and get a latte) but principal among them is the importance of seeing summer blockbusters immediately upon release. Why? Glutton for long-lines, packs of pre-pubescent patrons, overhyped explosions? Nah. It has to do with the nature of the film. To see it in a crammed opening night theatre is to fulfill the mission of the art--the perishable cultural references, the energetic audience reactions, the exponential box office weekend receipts. Three weeks from now, the watercooler kings will have moved onto other pop cultural fodder (the next sequel, the next celeb sex tape) and these films will be a faded memory. Sure, a few will be good, future rentals, airplane in-flight distractions, or Oscar visual effects nominations, but these are films that belong to the early summer months, sweet and fleeting like Mr. Softee's ice cream trucks on every Manhattan corner.

Iron Man is a Marvel comic adaptation done very well. Robert Downey Jr. as a weapons-mogul wunderkind turned self-created superhero in a protective shield/reactive iron suit makes for an interesting tale. A simple narrative where each thread is tied, if obviously, and action sequences with an easy through-line. The political message about the military industrial complex's responsibility to act in the interest of peace, not just war-profiteering was thoughtfully woven. I enjoyed Gwyneth Paltrow's smart exec asst character, skillful and trust-worthy. Downey Jr. and Paltrow had an interesting non-sexual chemistry, which made his Stark more likeable as a person. Definitely a blockbuster to kick things off right.

The latest installment of Indiana Jones is fun to watch, implausible perhaps, but ultimately enjoyable to see Harrison back on screen (like you are watching Bogart, our own modern movie star) fighting aliens and what have you. Shia is a good and necesary addition (watch aging Ford jump those jeeps and you know what I mean). While the plot is sort of clunky in places, the opening sequence is solid Spielberg, a blend of fifties paranoia and heroics expertly shot. If only Cate Blanchett's Russian could be meaner, the jungle natives less un-pc, and the stupid fire ants sequence stricken (Mummy's beetles anyone?)...still worth checking out.

Harold and Kumar's franchise has gone the way of American Pie sequels and gross-out humor of the Farrely brothers. Disappointing. What I loved about the first film was the undercurrent of minorities in a position of power, as modern male slackers, exceptionally bright, but refusing to accept the humdrum life as model minorities. Here we have way too stupid sideplots and blandness, catering to a lowest common denominator of audience member. It's hard to watch smart comedians, skilled writers and collaborators go this route. But isn't that what summer cinema is all about: instant gratification.

Until next time, enjoy your softee cone. It will be gone soon.