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Sunday Discussion: Oh, How Time Flies!

May 18, 2008
by Alex Billington

George Lucas and Steven Spielberg

I just returned from a press screening of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull a few hours ago. While I'm not yet allowed to talk about the movie, I do want to take this time to talk about just how quickly time has passed. I remember January like it was yesterday, when I thought to myself about how exciting this summer would be and finally getting to see films like Crystal Skull. Now it's here, and I've seen it, and I'm astonished at how quickly it all happened. We're already four weeks into the thick of the summer and I've enjoyed almost every last film I've seen since it began. Will this truly be the summer to remember? I can't exactly say for sure yet… But I do know that time really does fly, at least when you are immersed in the summer movie season as much as I am!

Over this last week, all I've wanted to talk about is how impressed I've been with the films this summer. I recently saw Prince Caspian and now Crystal Skull, and both were fairly entertaining. Neither were as big of let downs as Spider-Man 3, which is a great start considering last May we had, what most people believe, were three disasters (Spider-Man 3, Shrek 3, Pirates of the Caribbean 3). It just amazes me that last summer felt like a few months ago, and January felt like a few days ago. I know this might not be the case for everyone, but I love how one day we're talking about how awesome a movie will be, and the next we're finally seeing it and enjoying it. I can't get enough of this movie industry and I'm so excited that we're progressing through the summer season so quickly!

I know everyone's stance differs when it comes to their opinions and reactions regarding summer flicks, but I'd hope that everyone has been satisfied at the selection so far. Not everyone liked Speed Racer, but I would claim not everyone saw it; everyone enjoyed Iron Man; and Prince Caspian is getting fairly good, but not great, reviews so far. Within 4 more days, most of you will have seen Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. Within 40 more days, you'll have seen Wall-E. And within 61 more days, you'll have seen The Dark Knight. Think about that - the year (or more) of anticipation that has been building for Christopher Nolan's sequel to Batman Begins. You've spent such a long time getting excited for it, and you'll walk in and watch two hours of entertainment, and walk out. That's why I love this business - so much is invested in just a two hour experience.

Now with Indy out of the way, I'm looking forward to Wall-E and The Dark Knight next. And although 40 and 61 days (respectively) may seem like a long time written out, before you know it you'll be watching Batman and the Joker duke it out. This is what makes the summer movie season so damn incredible - it's just week after week of highly anticipated movies, blockbusters, and some of the most enjoyable cinematic experiences all year long. Whether you're a fan of this year's selection or not, I hope you find at least one movie to love this summer, because I know I'm expecting to remember this year forever.

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Reader Feedback - 10 Comments »

1

Hi Alex,

Say say "While I'm not yet allowed to talk about the movie, I do want to take this time to talk about just how quickly time has passed." then "I recently saw Prince Caspian and now Crystal Skull, and both were fairly entertaining."

Reading between the lines can we assume Crystal Skull is not as good as everyone's been hoping it would be?????

Craig on May 19, 2008

2

Eh… my review will be out tomorrow. It is enjoyable, it is fun, but I won't claim it's the best movie of the summer.

Alex Billington on May 19, 2008

3

OMG Alex! I cant help but think that it didnt live to your expectations, and thats not a good thing. you were pretty hyped about Crystal Skulls… now I'm nervous for indy :S

bltzie on May 19, 2008

4

We all know what "fairly entertaining" refers to. Considering Prince Caspian was pretty entertaining, I'm guessing you're referring to Indy. Good thing I didn't hype myself up for that one too much. Going in, to me, it was all about comic book movies, and so far, the first one more than delivered.

Alfredo on May 19, 2008

5

I thought Prince Caspian was horrid. I've already read the reviews online concerning Crystal Skull from Cannes, and I'm willing to bet that Alex will give it a positive review, but with flaws. Sounds a lot like Temple of Doom, thus far, from the reviews I've read (Meaning, it's good but misses on some points). Personally, I loved Temple. And, anything I've watched since Raiders has been good. I just don't hold the other films to the same flame as Raiders. I don't see how that's fair. Raiders was a different film altogether.

Quanah on May 19, 2008

6

You now it would be awesome if they putconnery back in the indiana jones'

Bill on May 19, 2008

7

Man, I was thinking the same thing Alex. It seemed like yesterday when the theaters were packed for THREE $100M+ opening weekend blockbusters.

Ryan on May 19, 2008

8

I want to thank you for this post. You're letter is EXACTLY how I feel about the movie industry! You worded out exactly what I believe in. So thank you again.

Lex on May 19, 2008

9

ill have to see it for myself before i take Alexs word on not being the best movie of the summer. It should be a lot of fun and exciting to see Indy back on the big screen and my first time seeing him on the big screen may i add. Im looking forward to your review tommorow. I have only seen two movies this summer so far and i have enjoyed them both (Caspian and Iron Man) im really looking forward to catch speed racer soon and all the other movies this summer.

Curtis on May 19, 2008

10

wheres the review? ….

Rigo on May 19, 2008

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