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May 30, 2008
Weekend Guffaw: Hilarious Indiana Jones IV Parody
WEEKEND GUFFAW: HILARIOUS INDIANA JONES IV PARODYLe Comité de la Claque
Posted by Grethe at 02:50 PM
May 29, 2008
Ford: Would Consider Reprising Jack Ryan
 Illustration by Grethe Boe / www.harrisonfordweb.com |
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| It's been on the grapevine for a while: Given a box office success for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, would Harrison Ford consider a return to the role as Jack Ryan? The answer is 'yes'. According to KHSL TV on May 27, Ford says:
A well placed souce has told Cinema Blend that the idea of getting Harrison back as Ryan has indeed been on the agenda -- but there is opposition to the idea. The source is quoted as saying:
We predict a possible change of attitude considering Crystal Skull 's footprint and Ford's explicit interest -- and no, there has been no eruption that we know of from Tom Clancy -- yet. All that remain is working out the riddle of Sam Raimi (presently negotiating with Paramount on the Ryan franchise) vs. Philip Noyce as director, a clear reply to the question 'Is the thriller By Any Means Necessary [in pre-production, prod. Lorenzo di Bonaventura] a Ryan project after all?' -- and a good workable script. In our opinion the latter is the biggest obstacle. Big thanks to HFW member Shauni for the KHSL TV tip!! | ||
KHSL TV.com
Cinema Blend
Posted by Grethe at 03:35 AM
May 28, 2008
The HFW Crystal Skull Review
THE HFW CRYSTAL SKULL REVIEWBy James Clarke
"On balance, I suppose I'm not well known for comedies, but I enjoy doing comedies... I think (comedy's) a question of creating a character that has both the limitations and the qualities that cause him to be more comic than that character might otherwise be in the same story told without comic intention. And then you do, of course, a certain amount of shtick to help make it clear that's what the intention is. I don't know that I can pronounce all the comedy rules, but I think I know it when I see it."
Harrison Ford and comedy fit as well as Harrison Ford fits a dusty fedora.
It might just be that Ford's great comic timing and expressive acting get overlooked amidst the run of action movies and thrillers that have come to dominate the way his work is recalled. Mr Ford's fourth Indy movie reminds us of how good a comic actor he is. To my mind Ford seems to have delighted in the comic possibilities in this fourth Indy installment.
With Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I think Mr Ford gives one of his fullest performances of the last few years. To my mind, the fullness (reality maybe ? ) and energy of his fourth Indy incarnation was evident in that teaser trailer back in the winter of this year.
Certainly, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull contains its share of 'silly physics' action (no sillier and playful than inflatables used to slalom down a mountain or a tug of war with Short Round in a rattling mine car) that put it on a par with Temple of Doom. The movie divides between what I think of as playful action and the action that is underpinned more by mystery, menace and a real sense of jeopardy: clearly, the wonderful Area 51 sequence that opens Crystal Skull is the best evidence for this.
As Crystal Skull began and Mr Ford made his appearance I was struck by just how much he made me think of John Wayne in the later part of his career from the mid 1950s onwards. Ford and Wayne have been mentioned in the same breath before but this time I really thought it was a valid association.
When I was a kid seeing the Indy movies for the first time when they were released in their original theatrical run I understandably picked up most eagerly on the action and physical courage of Indy and the great peril he found himself scrabbling to escape from. As I sit here now, and certainly a fair way older than twelve, I actually find that the Indy quartet of films work even better (and linger in my imagination) as comedies and as romantic comedies also. Indeed, Mr Ford often referred to the Indy movies in this way and George Lucas recently acknowledged the 'wacky' quality inherent in the Raiders / Indy concept.
As I watched Crystal Skull for the first time (spending the first half hour getting over the pleasant shock of watching a new Indy movie; I hope to re-view it again on the big screen soon) I really enjoyed it for its comedy. When Indy gets trapped in the quicksand the humour is broad and playful and for me this wasn't too far from Indy calling for water at the end of the minecar chase in Temple of Doom or toppling down the castle stairs in The Last Crusade (potentially still my most favourite film of the four; but then we have over twenty years of familiarity with the first three and perhaps in twenty years' time Skull will feel just as comfortable and familiar).
Mr Ford's performance, then, remains true, I think, to the other films in the series and certainly in the second half of Skull the 'replaying' of The Last Crusade 's themes and comic tone are especially vivid. Mr Ford's comic effectiveness runs right through Crystal Skull (even the title is smile inducing). The same comic grace notes were there in his Han Solo incarnation and in so many of the right places in Witness and on, of course, to Working Girl, Sabrina and Six Days, Seven Nights. Even The Mosquito Coast (one of Mr Ford's all time greats) sees the character of Allie Fox marked not only by a relentless determinism but by humour also.
Yes indeed, Indy is brave, determined and resolute but he's also got a sense of humour and it's the humour in life that keeps us human much of the time. Alongside the sense of justice and that Mr Ford's characters typically embody it's the comic undertone that Mr Ford lends to the right moment that marks his great gift as an actor. Harrison Ford keeps genre movies real and in that is his great appeal and what we assume is his last adventure as Indiana Jones he reminds us why this character continues to endure.
James Clarke is the writer of The Pocket Essentials: George Lucas and The Pocket Essentials: Steven Spielberg. He is currently at work on a number of books including a book about the films of James Cameron (out in 2010) and a new Pocket Essentials guide book due out in 2009. James has also written for Empire magazine, The Guardian and Moving Pictures movie magazine. Read more about James' work at www.james-blueskies.blogspot.com
Posted by Grethe at 02:04 PM
Drew Struzan: First Suggestion
DREW STRUZAN: FIRST SUGGESTION |
Left: Drew Struzan's first piece of artwork for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. He writes the following on his web pages: "This is the first piece of finished artwork I did for the fourth Indy. I did it at the request of George Lucas. While it was never used in the advertising campaign, you may recognize pieces of it that were imposed upon the advance poster." Click image left to head over to Drew Struzan's official web pages to see the image bigger size and view examples from his incredible portfolio. Big thanks to James Clarke for the find!! |
drewstruzan.com
Posted by Grethe at 04:11 AM
May 27, 2008
Updated Box Office Results
UPDATED B.O RESULTS| The Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull box office Thursday May 22 - Monday May 26. Note: Monday May 26 was a holiday in the US (Memorial Day) but an ordinary workday in most other markets.
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Associated Press
Posted by Grethe at 12:22 AM
May 25, 2008
Crystal Skull King of Weekend Box Office
CRYSTAL SKULL KING OF THIS WEEKEND'S BOX OFFICE |
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is performing on predicted target for US domestic box office -- and unearths an massive treasure internationally. The international result is indeed impressive when we consider that the movie hasn't even opened in all markets yet. According to Variety, the movie has had the sixth biggest opening of all time internationally. | ||||||
The official results:
We have a feeling there'll be big grins and jitterbug over at Paramount & Lucasfilm tonight :) | |||||||
Reuters
Variety
Posted by Grethe at 05:38 PM
Disneyland: The Summer of Hidden Mysteries
DISNEYLAND: THE SUMMER OF HIDDEN MYSTERIES |
On May 22, Disneyland launched The Indiana Jones Summer of Hidden Mysteries, which features Indy-inspired events and activities throughout Adventureland, among them Secret of the Stone Tiger (taking place in the former Aladdin's Oasis), Random Acts of Indy, a new photo location where you can get yourself photographed chased by a giant boulder, an Indiana Jones Map inviting guests to look for clues to adventure -- and Indy elements in the classic Jungle Cruise. |
| As far as we know, these activities apply to Disneyland in Anaheim, CA. We have no news on the status of the Indy attractions in DisneyWorld (Florida) and the international parks (Europe, Asia). Head over to MiceChat to read get more details and see official shots of the new attractions. | |
MiceChat
Posted by Grethe at 05:13 AM
Nyet to Indy
'NYET' TO INDY |
The ideology committee of the communist party in St. Petersburg, Russia is unhappy with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So unhappy they've written an open letter calling for boycott of the film and naming Harrison Ford and Cate Blanchett 'capitalist puppets'. |
| The letter addresses Harrison Ford directly: "Your work in this film is an insult to the Soviet and Russian people, who remember the difficult Fifties when our country was concluding its reconstruction after the Great War, but did not send merciless terrorists to the USA." The letter says that Russians had loved Ford in previous serious roles - which include a Soviet submarine commander in K-19: The Widowmaker - but continues: "You have no future in Russia any more. Speaking plainly, it is better for you not to come here. You will be beaten and despised" The leader of the St. Petersburg Communist Party, Mr. Sergei Malinkovich, echoes the displeasure: "Our moviegoers are teenagers who are unaware of what happened in 1957. They will go to the cinema and will be sure that in 1957 we made trouble for the United States and almost started a nuclear war. It's rubbish." Comments from party members on the party's website are also acid. As far as we know, no official statement or comment has been issued by the national Communist Party of the Russian Federation and the leader, Mr. Gennady Zyuganov. The CPRF is the second biggest party in the Russian national assembly (the Duma) | |
Times Online
Posted by Grethe at 04:03 AM
May 24, 2008
Video, video & video
VIDEO, VIDEO & ....VIDEOSuffice to say Harrison's big on the movie screen right now, he's also shown his face a bit on the TV screen. Here's a runthrough of his latest TV appearances: (be sure to have a look in the news items further down this page as well.)
Special thanks to HFW members Romola, KimF and digitalfreaknyc for contributions!! |
NBC (Late Night)
CBS
YouTube
ABC News
msnbc.com
Posted by Grethe at 03:00 PM
May 23, 2008
New Featurette: Team Indy
NEW FEATURETTE: TEAM INDY| A new featurette became available at the official Indiana Jones site yesterday: Team Indy - a visual presentation of key contributors in the Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull crew. Click play below: |
480p
720p
1080p
indianajones.com
Posted by Grethe at 04:36 AM
Very Early B.O Results: Looking Strong
VERY EARLY B.O. RESULTS: LOOKING STRONG| Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull has blazed through the gates in France: First day results are USD 2.2 million (@ 706 playdates, 240,000 admissions) -- the best results of the year for a Hollywood movie. Speculations on midnight May 22 screenings in the US are in the USD 4 - 5 million range, signalling an opening day result of roughly USD 30 million. Crystal Skull runs at 4,260 playdates in the US. |
Variety
Posted by Grethe at 01:12 AM
May 22, 2008
Spielberg: Will Never Make an Indiana Jones Movie Without Harrison Ford
SPIELBERG: WILL NEVER MAKE AN INDIANA JONES MOVIE WITHOUT HARRISON FORD| Swedish daily Aftonbladet got a very clear message from Steven Spiel- berg in a video interview with the paper at the Cannes festival. Upon being asked if he could imagine doing an Indiana Jones movie without Harrison Ford, the master director's reply left no room for interpretation: "I will never make an Indiana Jones movie without that brilliant man." Big thanks to Jule at Lena OnLINe for the find! |
Aftonbladet TV
Posted by Grethe at 03:51 PM
Harrison on Conan and GMA
HARRISON ON CONAN AND GMA Click to go to Late Night with Conan O'Brien |
A spectacular (pun intended) Harrison appeared on Late Night with Conan O'Brien yesterday night. If you didn't catch the show, click image left to head over to the show home pages -- you can watch clips and full shows there. (NB! You need to be hooked up to a US internet services provider to make it work.) |
| Harrison also appeared on Good Morning America today, where he demonstrated some pretty accurate non-verbal cracking skills. Click play below to see him in action: | |
Late Night with Conan O'Brien
Good Morning America
Posted by Grethe at 01:23 PM
A Little Video Update
A LITTLE VIDEO UPDATE| On request: here's a funny moment from Harrison's appearance on The Late Show with David Letterman on Tuesday (May 20). Head over to to PopCrunch if you want to see the whole show online. Big thanks to HFW member Litzou for the find! Harrison has also been interviewed on Reel Talk , click Play below: |
CBS
PopCrunch
ReelTalk
TheRaider
Posted by Grethe at 02:58 AM
May 21, 2008
A Thank You
A THANK YOU| A thank you is in order: to the cast and crew of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. We've waited l-o-n-g for our favorite professor, riding along with the ups and downs through the years. The last 17 months (since the official confirmation of the Indy 4 a.k.a the Genre project) have been an almost uninterrupted joyride -- at least as seen from the outside. There are only a few hours - at most a few days - left of that long wait for most of us -- and we admit to being sensibly giddy. HAPPY INDY DAY EVERYBODY and here's a little Summing Up Cannes & Thank You Video Card from all of us here at HFW: |
WireImage
Posted by Grethe at 03:33 PM
Busy Days
BUSY DAYS At the NYC Premiere |
 On the MTV TRL Show |
| Harrison had a busy day yesterday. He, partner Calista Flockhart, Shia LaBeouf and Karen Allen attended the BET 106 & Park NYC premiere of Crystal Skull at the AMC Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem. He appeared on the MTV TRL show with Shia and on the Late Show with David Letterman. Click the thumbs above to see pictures from the NYC premiere (left) and the appearance on MTV TRL (right) Cate Blanchett attended the Sydney (Australia) premiere of Crystal Skull. |
WireImage
Posted by Grethe at 03:00 PM
CI Deforestation PSA and Behind the Scenes Featurette
CONSERVATION INTERNATIONAL DEFORESTATION PSA -- IN HQ...also Behind the Scenes Featurette
| Conservation International has launched a big time push re: their Lost There, Felt There forest conservation campaign and Harrison (CI Vice Chairman) is key campaign spokesman in all visual and audial media -- including on CI's great website. As you may have seen on this site and on TV, Harrison has also done a brand new PSA -- where waxing off 'an acre' of his chesthair is an analogy to the issue in question. Sneak preview the highly effective PSA - directed and photographed by none other than Janusz Kaminski - as well as the Behind the Scenes featurette by clicking Play below. Then head over to Conservation International, see Harrison explain further how important forests are for the global climate -- and please help out. If you donate USD 15, you will have helped save yet an acre of forest 'over there' and our common future -- right here. |
| LOST THERE, FELT HERE BEHIND THE SCENES: |
Conservation International
Posted by Grethe at 10:53 AM
VF: Indy and the Raiders of the Back Catalog
VANITY FAIR: INDY AND THE RAIDERS OF THE BACK CATALOGPredict the Indy 5 McGuffin and win Blackberry & gorgeous crate!!
 Predict Indy 5 McGuffin and win this crate! Click image to go to Vanity Fair (NB! Spoiler alert!!) |
Vanity Fair has written a fine article (NB! Spoiler warning!!) called Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Back Catalog -- moments in the three previous Indiana Jones movies that may (or may not) have inspired Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. As if that wasn't enough: VF runs a contest where you can win an AT&T Blackberry Pearl 8110 and the contents of the gorgeous Indy crate seen left. Your task: predict the McGuffin (=plot device) of Indiana Jones V (blame that idea on George L. thinking aloud) |
| E-mail your inspired Indy V title and brilliant one-sentence synopsis to vfdaily@vf.com. VF will select their favorite on May 30. | |
E-mail invitation from Vanity Fair (Thanks to Hamish Robertson!!)
Posted by Grethe at 08:33 AM
May 20, 2008
Wanna Join Harrison & Friends for a Private Crystal Skull Screening
WANNA JOIN HARRISON FOR HIS PERSONAL GUESTS AND FRIENDS CRYSTAL SKULL SCREENING?Charity auction, proceeds will benefit homeless and abused animals
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| We rather thought you would -- and you'd be doing some good for others than yourself at the same time. Charity Folks is auctioning two tickets for Harrison Ford's private screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at The Four Seasons Beverly Wilshire on May 23. The winner gets round trip airfare for 2 to Los Angeles (within the continental US, other fares must be covered by yourself), a Harrison handshake (yup, you'll get to meet Da Man), a movie screening in the company of his closest family and friends -- and two nights at the Four Seasons. Not bad, hm?? The proceeds will benefit homeless and abused animals through Rescue Train. Hurry up!! The auction ends in just a few hours (at 06.00 PM EST) and the highest bid is presently at USD 7,000 (increments: USD 500). Click the Charity Folks logo top for all details and terms. GOOD LUCK!!!! |
Charity Folks (Big thanks to VP Jaime Gazes!!!)
Posted by Grethe at 03:03 PM
May 19, 2008
The TV Schedule Again
THE TV SCHEDULE AGAIN| Date | Show |
| May 20 | Karen Allen on Good Morning America Harrison on BET 106 & Park Harrison on MTV TRL 1 hr Indy 4 Special on TV Guide Harrison on David Letterman Shia LaBeouf on Regis & Kelly |
| May 21 | Harrison on Conan O'Brien |
| May 22 | Harrison on GMA Harrison on Regis & Kelly |
| May 23 | Harrison on The Early Show (CBS) Harrison on The View (w/Karen Allen) |
| May 24 | Harrison on The Today Show (NBC) |
As usual: please check your local TV listings for details. Thanks to digitafreaknyc and Lorrie for the heads up.
Posted by Grethe at 04:45 AM
Cannes Premiere Photos
CANNES PREMIERE PHOTOS Harrison at the photocall |
We have some pictures from Cannes in general, the Crystal Skull premiere arrivals, departure and the photocall earlier in the day. Click thumb left to go to HFW Gallery 1. |
Wireimage
Posted by Grethe at 04:19 AM
May 18, 2008
Handbookreview
BOOK REVIEW
The Indiana Jones Handbook - The Complete Adventurer's Guide by Denise Kiernan, Joseph D'Agnese
Timed to coincide with Indy's May 22nd return to the silver screen this 176 hardback book offers tips and tricks of the adventurer's trade. Complete with step-by-step instructions, helpful diagrams and full-color photography from the Indiana Jones films, readers will learn:
- How to pack for an expedition
- How to handle awkward foods
- How to ride an elephant
- How to identify secret passageways and booby traps
- How to escape if you're accidentally entombed
- How to avoid the wrath of God
The first thing that I enjoyed about the book is its size. It is compact yet practical in that you can tuck this baby in a large winter coat or a small duffel bag. This handbook is a fun read and in keeping with the spirit that the Indiana Jones movies are known for, this book will provide some good natured laughs - all this is done without being too silly/childish which, for me at least, is a major plus.
My favorite chapter is the guide on how to jump on a moving train (includes a diagram of Indy jumping the cars) with How to remove a Zombie curse my next favorite. The book is filled with several pictures from all three movies, along with Indy themed diagrams The Indiana Jones Handbook is a treat. There is no question that Denise and Joseph are, just like visitors to this site, major Indiana Jones fans and their love for the those movies shine through on each page.
For the casual and hard core collector The Indiana Jones Handbook - The Complete Adventurer's Guide is a must have for your collection. Go here to order the book where you can also check out the first page.
Posted by Eileen at 10:04 PM
Reviews after Cannes: A Mixed Can of Beans
REVIEWS AFTER CANNES: A MIXED CAN OF BEANS...but the yaysayers lead the field
| Indy 4 is off the starting blocks and got a nicer treatment in Cannes than The Da Vinci Code. There was definitely Indy fever on the French Riviera today with normally composed and self conscious reporters & critics literally climbing for seats -- and once into the Palais most of 'em broke into whistling, hollering, applause and a spontaneous dadadada -- dadaDAH when the movie started rolling. Having said that: the applause after the movie was pretty short and the reviews are mixed: So far roughly 2/3 are positive to very positive while 1/3 remain on the more sceptical side. Some excerpts: Time Magazine (Richard Corliss): "Indiana Jones: Smart, Sleek, Familiar. Once it gets going, Crystal Skull delivers smart, robust, familiar entertainment. " BBC (Mark Savage): "It is a load of old nonsense, of course, but the journey is worth the price of admission" The Times (James Christopher): "Welcome back Indy. Lord knows we've missed you." The LA Times (Kenneth Turan): "Spielberg clearly got enormous pleasure employing a lifetime's worth of skill and turning out wave after wave of smartly done stunts and effects set pieces. " Variety (Todd McCarthy): "Director Steven Spielberg and star Harrison Ford have no trouble getting back into the groove with a story and style very much in keeping with what has made the series so perennially popular." The Boston Globe (Ty Burr): "No, it's not as good as "Raiders of the Lost Ark." Don't be silly. Lightning can't be bottled twice, no matter how skilled the vintners. Instead, Steven Spielberg's "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" is merely grand old-school fun -- a rollicking class reunion that stands as the second best entry in the venerable series." People Magazine (Leah Rozen): "The magic is still there, only you have to work a little harder to make yourself believe this time." The Sun Online: "So was it worth the wait? ...Absolutely." Entertainment Weekly (Lisa Schwarzbaum): "There's joy and a middle-aged playfulness to the best of Steven Spielberg's unlikely sequel. And I mean that as a full compliment." EmanuelLevy.com (Emanuel Levy): "The eagerly awaited fourth chapter is not a great film by any standard, but mixing conventions of all 1950s genres (sci-fi, adventure, and even horror and spy), it delivers the goods to the fans in a mass spectacle package that's a good old-fashioned fun" Cinematical (James Rocchi): "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" feels simultaneously self-conscious and self-satisfied, as if a little warm glow of past glory will soothe our bumps and blows from the clumsiness of the script." Chicago Tribune (Michael Phillips): "A lot of the picture veers uneasily between solemnity and slapstick and 47 different genres. Indiana Jones -- let's be honest -- never was a memorable movie character. He was, however, a sturdy vessel for our nostalgia, and for Spielberg's ability to shine up old serialized goods." The Guardian (Peter Bradshaw): "Despite the genuine excitement, and one blinding flash of the old genius, this new Indy film looks like it's going through the motions." Hollywood Reporter (Kirk Honeycutt): "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull gets swamped in a sea of stunts and CGI that are relentless as the scenes and character relationships are charmless." Daily Telegraph (David Gritten): "Between a series of stunt-driven set-pieces, implausibly linked, the film gets bogged down in wearying talk." Heise.de (Rüdiger Suchsland) "There are simply no surprises in this film" Der Spiegel (Martin Wolf) "While these scenes still display the grandiose Spielberg touch -- perfectly chorographed action with jokes, the story gets more and more confused. Good gags? Humor? To a large extent off target. Thanks Indy, but that's quite enough." |
The HFW Forum
Rotten Tomatoes
The Boston Globe
Heise.de
Der Spiegel
Posted by Grethe at 04:35 PM
Times Online: 'Ignore all the gossip, the new Indiana Jones film is worth the wait'
TIMES ONLINE: 'IGNORE ALL THE GOSSIP, THE NEW INDIANA JONES IS WORTH THE WAIT' |
According to UK's The Times, Indiana Jones takes whip to doomsayers. A preview attended by The Sunday Times last week suggested that the internet gossips who have doubted the film's drawing power may be proved wrong. Here's the review -- edited by us to leave out any potential spoilers. Click image left if you want to read the unedited text: "For almost 20 years, Hollywood has been waiting for the next instalment in the money-spinning Indiana Jones adventure series. Indy is back this week -- and even an ageing Harrison Ford can still crack an impressive box office whip. The worldwide opening on Thursday of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- the fourth instalment in the series featuring the world's most indestructible archeologist -- has been accompanied by enough controversy and intrigue to merit a film of its own. Disagreements among producers, arguments between screen-writers and actors, and lawsuits against anyone who has dared to reveal a smidgen of plot, have combined to make the USD 185m (GBP 95m) film one of the most eagerly anticipated of the year. |
| Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas (of the equally spectacular Star Wars series), the film returns to 1957 -- the height of the cold war -- for another round of heart-pounding chases through tunnels and across clifftops as a motley gang of intrepid treasure hunters span the globe in their quest for the usual nonsense.
The long delay between the new adventure and the previous instalment -- released in 1989 and unwisely entitled Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade -- has piqued Hollywood's interest. In the internet/video game age, when most recent action blockbusters have been derived from superhero cartoons, can an ageing screen idol who hasn't had a decent hit for years reprise the wild success of his youth? The good news for Ford fans is that Indy may be older and greyer, but there's still a spark to his repartee, [**spoiler removed**] Whether Ford's charm will be enough to earn the film the USD 400m it is estimated to need to recoup Paramount Pictures' investment remains to be seen. However, a preview attended by The Sunday Times last week suggested that the internet gossips who have doubted the film's drawing power may be proved wrong. Jones admits early on that chasing baddies is not as easy as it used to be. In one scene [**spoiler removed**] It rapidly becomes clear that since we last saw him saving the Holy Grail from the Nazis, Jones has [**spoiler removed**] Much has been made in internet chatrooms about LaBeouf's potential impact on the film, and fears that he is merely a sop to lure teen viewers. Yet LaBeouf, who made a striking impact against computerised villains in Transformers, matches Ford quip for quip and leather jacket for leather jacket. The first Indiana Jones film in 1981 was Spielberg's homage to the Saturday morning cliff-hanger serials of the 1930s. The latest film still has a pleasingly old-fashioned feel, with several long, slow shots, plastic-like foliage, tinny sound effects and [**spoiler removed**] Cate Blanchett makes an eye-catching appearance as Irina Spalko, the spooky leader of the Russain villainry; John Hurt, [**spoiler removed**] The crystal skull itself was formerly the subject of obscure disagreement between Spielberg and Ford, but it's now hard to see what the fuss was about. [**spoiler removed**] The real pleasure for series fans may lie not so much in the madcap action [**spoiler removed**] The new film has long appeared critic-proof -- audiences will flock to it whatever the critical verdict. Yet will it have the box-office legs to join its distinguished predecessors among the most popular films in Hollywood history? It is bound to triumph this weekend -- the Memorial Day holiday in America -- but the latest Narnia adventure, Prince Caspian, is waiting in the wings, and the late Heath Ledger will soon make a posthumous return to screens in the Batman film, The Dark Knight. Indy may have his work cut out to save the day for Spielberg." | |
Times Online
Posted by Grethe at 06:04 AM
May 17, 2008
Cannes Pictures
CANNES PICTURES |
We have some new photos up from Cannes yesterday: Click thumb left to see them in HFW Gallery 1 |
Posted by Grethe at 05:24 AM
Filmink (Australia)
MAG NEWS: FILMINK June 2008 issue Click to go to mag webpages |
Australia's Filmink Film Magazine went on the news stands with the June 2008 issue yesterday May 16. Featured contents besides the obvious Emile Hirsch Speed Racer article: Great Directors, Bad Films, George Clooney and Leatherheads -- and Harrison Ford: Back in the Hat for Indy 4. Also news on e.g Ray Winstone and the latest in Australian movies. Fair dinkum, mate! |
Filmink
Posted by Grethe at 04:52 AM
Wisely Chosen on Canadian TV
WISELY CHOSEN ON CANADIAN TV....a World broadcast premiere!
 |
Tick off Tuesday May 20 in the calendar. Canadian History Television premiers the documentary The Immortal Beaver at 09.00 PM ET/PT. The Immortal Beaver follows the resurrection of the de Havilland Beaver Olivia, a weather beaten shell of an airplane that has been resting quietly for decades in the dusty Arizona desert. | ||||||||||
| This documentary features exclusive interviews from those who lived during Olivia's time, including Ross Bannock, a Canadian War Hero and test pilot for the prototype Beaver and modern-day enthusiasts including actor Harrison Ford, proud pilot of his own Canadian designed and built de Havilland Beaver. The Immortal Beaver captures the rescue, restoration and history of the aircraft that forever changed the face of aviation in Canada, culminating in Olivia's remarkable return to the air. | |||||||||||
| Here's the trailer, click Play below: This weekend is also Harrison Ford movie Weekend on History TV Canada:
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E-mail from History Television Canada (Thanks, Danielle!!)
Posted by Grethe at 01:23 AM
May 16, 2008
Cannes Today Update
CANNES TODAY UPDATE| Just in: Here's Entertainment Tonight's Mary Hart with Shia LaBeouf, Harrison and Karen Allen: |
ET Online
Posted by Grethe at 04:09 PM
Cannes Today
CANNES TODAY |
 | | | Shia LaBoeuf, Steven Spielberg, Harrison Ford and George Lucas appeared live & lively from Cannes on Good Morning America this morning: | |
globo.com
ABC
Posted by Grethe at 12:57 PM
Wisely Chosen on US TV
WISELY CHOSEN ON US TVThanks to Tenuto: A heads up on US TV shows wisely chosen in the upcoming days. All times are ET (Eastern Time) unless specified otherwise. Click logos in the left column for details -- and as usual we also recommend a peep in your local listings for last minute changes or local adjustments.
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Indiana Jones and the Ultimate Quest Dr. Jones is just a fictitious character and it's widely assumed that the artifacts he searched for were also figments of a writer's imagination. But were they? |
May 18, 08.00 PM May 19, 12.00 AM |
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Lord of the Ants Profile of E.O Wilson, known for his studies of ants and sociobiology Narrated by Harrison Ford |
May 20, 08.00 PM (on PBS) |
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George Lucas Biography 120 mins |
May 21, 09.00 PM |
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Shia LaBeouf Biography 30 mins |
May 22, 09.00 PM |
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Spielberg on Spielberg Documentary |
May 22, 10.15 PM |
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Harrison Ford Biography 30 mins |
May 25, 07.30 AM |
Posted by Grethe at 07:21 AM
Wisely Chosen on French TV
WISELY CHOSEN ON FRENCH TVJust a little notice to our French visitors:
Harrison will be interviewed on 100% Mag (channel M6) at 18:50. The interview is rerun tomorrow May 17 on Classé Confidentiel at 20:05 and on Ciné Six at 20:40.
Big thanks to Indiana Jones Fan Club (France) for the tip!!
Posted by Grethe at 12:23 AM
May 15, 2008
Behind the Scenes Footage and Bringing Back a Classic
BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE and BRINGING BACK A CLASSIC FEATURETTE| Behind the Scenes Part 1: Behind the Scenes Part 2: Behind the Scenes Part 3: Bringing Back A Classic: |
YouTube
Posted by Grethe at 11:05 PM
Harrison on the Board of AIA
ARCHAEOLOGY INSTITUTE HAS A NEW BOARD MEMBER The latest issue of Archaeology Magazine Click to read online skull article |
The actor who helped glamorize archaeology on the big screen is lending his star power to the Archaeological Institute of America.
Harrison Ford, who portrays the adventure-seeking Indiana Jones, has been elected to the Boston-based organization's board of directors. The group promotes archaeological excavation, research, education and preservation worldwide. AIA President Brian Rose says Ford's Indiana Jones character has played a major part in stimulating interest in archaeological exploration. |
Associated Press
Posted by Grethe at 10:45 PM
Nice & Neat
NICE & NEATWe thought you might like the official Indy portrait below, click on pic to enlarge (hi res version, 800 x 1200px). Enjoy!! Big thanks to Paramount Pictures!!
Posted by Grethe at 10:00 AM
Official Indiana Jones Magazine Launched and see TV Spot #10 in HD
OFFICIAL INDIANA JONES MAGAZINE LAUNCHED...and see TV Spot #10 in HD
| Indiana Jones: The Official Magazine: | |
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Titan Magazines has launched Indiana Jones The Official Magazine. The magazine is based on the Indiana Jones films and characters and in every issue there will be exclusive interviews with cast and crew along with behind-the-scenes features on the making of the films. |
Issue # 1 is (naturally!!) dedicated to Crystal Skull and among the features are:
A subscription (six issues) will cost you USD 32.95, head over to Titan Magazines to check out the details. | |
| Crystal Skull TV Spot #10: TV Spot #10 is now available from the official site. New footage: Indy and Mutt having a conversation in a diner: | |
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indianajones.com
Posted by Grethe at 08:17 AM
The Perils of Cannes
THE PERILS OF CANNES Photo: Matt Sayles / Associated Press |
| The Cannes Film Festival opened yesterday; the opening film was Fernando Mereilles' Bindness. which has so far received mixed reviews. (Mereilles has previously done the excellent City of God, The City of Man and The Constant Gardener). The big talkie is of course the out-of-competition screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull on Sunday May 18 -- with Steven Spielberg, George Lucas and key members of the cast present. Cannes bears witness to massive Skull marketing: the entrance of the venerable Carlton Hotel has been redone with a mockup South American temple entrance (above). Indy, Mutt & Spalko are everywhere on every ad space imaginable. Variety runs an interesting article today on the perils of premiering a movie in Cannes. Using the dismal reception of The Da Vinci Code as an example, Variety discusses the pros and cons -- and has a clever analysis of the real risks involved in taking on a French adventure. Let us add that we also believe that the moviemakers know exactly what they're doing; we also believe that they -- like their fictional hero -- will be the ones riding off victoriously into the sunset: Even if slaughtered in the Palais, Skull presently displays an absolutely fenomenal box office tracking. |
Variety
Fantasy Moguls
Posted by Grethe at 02:38 AM
May 14, 2008
New Featurette: Spielberg Directs
NEW FEATURETTE: SPIELBERG DIRECTS| A new great featurette was published on the official site today: Spielberg Directs. Click below to see the master at work -- and a very funny glimpse of a soaked Harrison Ford taking direction -- the actor and his fedora looking almost as funnily miserable as they did in the Raiders intro sequence river swim 27 years ago. We like this one a whole lot!! |
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indianajones.com
Posted by Grethe at 05:08 PM
The Celebrations Begin
THE CELEBRATIONS BEGINItaly:
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After reading the press bulletin we got in this morning we think that Como in Northern Italy is really the place to be from May 20 - 23. Why? A spectacular Indy Marathon is on at the Cineplex Astoria, arranged by cinematographer Silvio Mason (Sul Confine) in cooperation with the cineplex. Highlights from the program:
Admittance: € 6 per night, special pass at € 15 for the first three nights. € 7,- on May 23. This is going to get crowded!! Get your tickets now from maratona@silviomason.com |
USA, Texas:
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| If you're in the Dallas area on Saturday May 17th we recommend a visit to the Logos Youth Center in Grand Prairie and the IndyFest and APOTAC's Swap Meet. Among the activities: Whip cracking demos by the DFW Whip Enthusiasts, a display of the impressive personal collection of Robert A. Steffenino: The Movie Wardrobe and Horror Museum, "Digging for the Treasure" games for the children. There are also door prizes and giveaways (hint: Karen Allen autographed 8 x 10s). Guests: Peter Mayhew, Burton Gilliam, James Hampton, Lar Park Lincoln, Ed Neal and Robert A. Steffenino. Finally: let's not forget the Advance Screen Passes for the special screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull...... Peter Mayhew (Yup, Chewbacca himself) will be interviewed on FM 93.3 The Bone in Dallas on Wednesday May 14 at 7:10 AM central time. You can listen online by going to 933thebone.com. He will be talking about his career and appearance at IndyFest. Be sure to tune in to listen!! Contact Eric Shirey for further details or Cole Houston to book vendor space. |
Posted by Grethe at 12:21 PM
May 13, 2008
'Crystal Skull' Press Conference
CRYSTAL SKULL PRESS CONFERENCE| There was a press conference for indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull at the Four Seasons Hotel in LA on Friday May 9. Spokesmen for the movie: Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford. Alas we don't know what the guys said (no report in yet) -- but at least we know what they looked like. Hit either of the thumbs below to go to HFW Gallery 1 and see the pics we just got in: | |
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WireImage
Posted by Grethe at 10:24 AM
May 12, 2008
Toy Shopping and TV Spot #10
TOY SHOPPING....and TV Spot #10
 Photo from May 12 edition of The Daily Mail |
We normally don't like to snoop in on anyone but admit to rather enjoying this recent shot of Harrison out toy shopping. Click on pic to enlarge. |
| A new Crystal Skull TV spot (#10) appeared on US TV screens this weekend. There are a few snippets of new footage in this one. We'll be back with the hi res version as soon as it's generally available: | |
Daily Mail (UK)
YouTube
Posted by Grethe at 11:51 PM
May 11, 2008
Updated TV Schedule
UPDATED TV SCHEDULE...and 'What Makes Indy Indy'?
| Date | Show |
| May 12 | Shia LaBeouf on David Letterman |
| May 13 | Shia LaBeouf on Good Morning America (unconfirmed) |
| May 16 | KotCS cast on Good Morning America (unconfirmed) |
| May 20 | Harrison on David Letterman Shia LaBeouf on Regis & Kelly |
| May 21 | Harrison on Conan O'Brien |
| May 22 | Harrison on Regis & Kelly |
| May 23 | Harrison on The View |
As usual: please check your local TV listings for details.
| While setting the DVR, why not rewatch ABC News' April 24 report What Makes Indy Indy? PS. The report contains snippets of vintage on stage Raiders footage and Tom Selleck & Sean Young's screen test, furthermore there are a couple of great examples of the impact maestro John Williams' work has made on each and every one of us: |
Big thanks to HFW forum members Shauni and digitalfreaknyc for the TV schedule updates!
ABC News
Posted by Grethe at 03:03 AM
May 10, 2008
Harrison on Leno
HARRISON ON THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JAY LENO| Harrison was one of Jay Leno's guests on yesterday night's show. Click play below: |
Part One:
Part Two:
Big thanks to HFW member eltvik for the find.
YouTube
Posted by Grethe at 05:07 AM
Crystal Skull Trailer #3
CRYSTAL SKULL TRAILER #3| Here goes: Trailer #3 for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull: |
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indianajones.com
Posted by Grethe at 03:40 AM
May 09, 2008
USA Weekend, Shia on SNL
SHIA & HARRISON IN USA WEEKEND, SHIA ON SNL |
The May 11 issue of USA Weekend features an interview with Harrison and Shia LaBeouf in a chummy mode. Among the things we learn about: burning hairspray and movie star R&R. Head over the USA Weekend by clicking the thumb left. |
| Shia LaBeouf will be hosting Saturday Night Live tomorrow May 10, consequently he and Andy Samberg have done three promos -- shot at (of all places) the Rockefeller Center Garden. Click below to see the guys in action. Included: a badly disguised Crystal Skull plug: | |
USA Weekend
NBC
Posted by Grethe at 01:30 PM
Inspirations and Disasters
INSPIRATIONS AND DISASTERS |
MovieWeb featured an exclusive talk with George Lucas on Monday May 5; they also did some work on the possible movie inpirations for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. A great article, hit the thumb left to head over to MovieWeb and get inspired. |
| SlashFilm has dug up a video featuring director Michael Bay (The Rock, Transformers 1 and 2) at the 2008 Visual Effects Society Awards on February 10 - where he tells the funny story about his ability to predict movie disaster. The movies in question: Raiders of the Lost Ark and Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Admittedly a bit belated, nevertheless: Grin of the Week!! | |
MovieWeb
SlashFilm
Posted by Grethe at 01:05 PM
Updated Talk Show TV Schedule
UPDATED TV TALK SHOW SCHEDULE| Date | Show |
| May 09 | Harrison on Jay Leno |
| May 12 | Shia LaBeouf on David Letterman |
| May 20 | Harrison on David Letterman Shia LaBeouf on Regis & Kelly |
| May 21 | Harrison on Conan O'Brien |
| May 22 | Harrison on Regis and Kelly |
Posted by Grethe at 12:47 AM
May 08, 2008
'Crystal Skull' Presskit Released Officially
CRYSTAL SKULL PRESS KIT RELEASED OFFICIALLY Click to go to HFW Gallery 1 |
Paramount Pictures has officially released the Crystal Skull Press Kit and among the goodies are 27 hi res photographs, most of them not seen before. Head over to HFW Gallery 1 to see them in full glory. | |
With the kit is also a synopsis of the movie relevant background on crystal skulls - a subject that has also been throughly discussed and researched by Indy fandom. Here goes the official text:
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Slashfilm.com
Posted by Grethe at 09:40 AM
Nekokaiju a.k.a Paul Allan Ballard
NEKOKAIJU A.K.A PAUL ALLAN BALLARD Artwork by Paul Allan Ballard |
We got an email last night: "Way back in Nov 2007, you posted a blurb entitled... 'INDY ARTWORK; ARTIST NEKOKAIJU HIRED BY LUCAS LICENCING?' Well my name is Paul and I was indeed hired by Lucas Licensing for freelance work on Indy. Very exciting time for me. I had in the past done work for NASA and a Cthulhu game, but working on Indy was a dream come true. A friend of mine pointed out your post and it was pretty exciting to be written about. Since LFL, I've since moved on to Topps working on sketchcards etc... Here are a few images, and I want to thank you for being the first to write about my adventures. -Paul Allan Ballard" |
| Head over to the links below to see more examples of Paul's works, PS. He has an online store too: Cards for Topps Mutt Williams Portrait | |
Posted by Grethe at 09:13 AM
May 06, 2008
Indy Overload - 5 new TV Spots and a new Featurette
INDY OVERLOAD (?)Five new TV Spots and New Featurette
Coverage by Associated Press plus Karen Allen Interview
| Five new TV Spots and New Featurette: As far as we know, Paramount is spending USD 150 million on marketing Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull -- and it's really starting to show (pun intended): the official Indiana Jones site released new material en masse today: No less than five new US TV Spots (the total is now nine plus one international spot) and a brand new featurette Indy On Set, showing Harrison Ford during the shooting of the movie. All of course also available in HD. Go to indianajones.com to see them all -- and why not take a peep at the featurette right here while finding your way about: Skull feature article by AP plus Karen Allen Interview: Indiana Jones gets major coverage courtesy Associated Press today; International Herald Tribune is among the media publishing the piece -- a nice overview of the Indy phenomenon, including reactions on a Skull prescreening from Young Indiana Jones TV series star Sean Patrick Flanery. Click to read Indy walks back through our door as 'Crystal Skull' nears. Karen Allen has also done a fine interview with AAP, here published by New Zealand tv station One News, where she talks about her surprise when Steven Spielberg called her early in 2007 and the difficulty of keeping things a secret until the official unveiling of her participation in the movie at Comic-Con in the autumn. Head over to One News to feast your eyes further. |
indianajones.com
International Herald Tribune
One News (New Zealand)
Posted by Grethe at 05:29 PM
May 05, 2008
On the Talkshow Circuit
ON THE TALKSHOW CIRCUIT |
No big surprise: Harrison's on the talkshow circuit again because of this little movie of his opening on May 22. The following are the shows he'll be appearing on. Expect the list to grow longer -- check in here for updates and see your local listings for details. | Late Night with Conan O'Brien: Wednesday May 21 |
NBC
Posted by Grethe at 03:21 PM
TV Spot #3 and 4
TV SPOT #3 ....and #4| KotCS TV Spot #3 and #4 are now available in good quality. Click play below: |
YouTube
TheMovieBox.net
Posted by Grethe at 01:13 PM
May 03, 2008
Second KotCS Trailer
CRYSTAL SKULL TRAILER #2!| Weekend yummy; the second trailer for Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull just got available at the official Indiana Jones site. More of the basic plot re: the McGuffin (the plot device=the crystal skull) is revealed in visual form; we get a couple of good glimpses of John Hurt as Professor Harold Oxley, the dreaded Colonel Dovchenko, an unconventional ride for our guy -- and a young man in peril. If you want a more detailed synopsis, we recommed a look at the now active The Film menu item at the official Indiana Jones site Time to click play below...and notice how a grin will start to spread across your face whether you want it to or not: 480p 720p 1080p |
indianajones.com
Posted by Grethe at 08:01 AM
May 02, 2008
Yet Another TV Spot
YET ANOTHER TV SPOT| Yet another Crystal Skull TV spot has appeared: a variation on TV Spot #2 - with one new scene (Mutt climbing a branch) and a line we heard just parts of in the last TV spot. The full version is going to enter Indy history as a classic: "Get on, Gramps." The muttering Mutt is shaping up indeed :) Apologies for the video quality, we hope to have this clip up in better resolution very soon. Big thanks to Lorrie for the find!!! |
Posted by Grethe at 03:01 AM
May 01, 2008
New Crystal Skull Pics from OfficialPix
NEW CRYSTAL SKULL PICS FROM OFFICIALPIX |
Official supplier OfficialPix has a batch of new pics from KotCS up, many of them not seen before. Prepare to get spoiled - and to shell out USD 5.99 per pic. Hit thumb left to go to OfficialPix.com. |
OfficialPix
Posted by Grethe at 12:39 PM
Indy Featurette
NEW INDY FEATURETTE| A new Indiana Jones featurette was released this weekend: Indiana Jones: An Appreciation. Indy IV Looks Back at the Original Trilogy. See it in two parts from YouTube (thanks bunches, -Jones-!!) or in one part from iesb.net: YouTube Part One: YouTube Part Two: From iesb: |
YouTube
iesb.net
Posted by Grethe at 06:58 AM
HFW Contest May 2008
HFW CONTEST MAY 2008Want any of these?
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We also have a second incomplete version of the quad (lacking poster #3) and the next correct estimate in will get that one! Click here or the Monthly Contest banner (right column) to read the details and supply your entry. Size all constituent posters 49 x 73.8 cm / 28,74" x 19,29" |
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Posted by Grethe at 02:01 AM