Jones and the Recycled Kingdom

Let me preface this by saying: I adore the older Indiana Jones films, so you can imagine how excited I was to see the new one...
In a world where a top box office hit is just a giant recycling bin, I cry for the future of films. After seeing the much-anticipated Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, I’m feeling let down. Starting out with lots of humor that makes sure viewers are aware this is the 1950’s, we are led into what seems like a promising action-adventure film. Then the aliens show up. Reusing scenes straight out of the Brendan Fraser hit The Mummy Returns, even Disney's Tarzan, and special effects that aren’t half as good as M. Night Shyamalan’s Signs, Indy 4 shows off the writer’s ability to keep Hollywood green- and that is NOT a compliment. I understand that everything has been done before, but…
*Spoiler alert* I’m afraid to say it’s not much of a spoiler, considering anyone with the intelligence of a toaster could figure out that Shia LeBoeuf’s character, greaser Mutt Williams, is Indiana Jones’s son with estranged girlfriend Marion. It gets icky, boring, and even more predictable from there on out.
With such a stellar cast, and the chance of a lifetime these filmmakers had, I’m appalled at their half-assed attempt. Considering the trailer gave most of the best moments away anyway, I will say that the motorcycle chase scene was the most refreshing I the film, exciting and adorable, especially Indy’s quip about “getting out of the library.”
All in all this is a flick that’s good for fans, great for people with an hour and a half to kill, but not so good for people who like to watch movies and be surprised. I really miss gasping at moments in film that catch me by surprise! Give me something new, people!
Rating: A cardboard box came out of the hat, because this film belongs in a green recycling bin.