Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is an extremely implausible, ridiculous film. Many will argue that this was true of the three previous films in the franchise, and they would be correct; however, the suspension of disbelief was not nearly as overwhelming as it is in this picture.

Normal people waltz away from nuclear fallout unscathed. Characters plunge from Herculean heights, and the only damage that occurs as a result is a wrinkling of their clothes. And there are aliens. Yes, you heard correctly. Steven Spielberg and George Lucas felt they hadn't had enough extraterrestrial representation for the silver screen up to this point, and felt this film would be a forum to continue their fascination with life beyond Earth. This movie is fantastical on an obscene level.

But there is one other quality to this film that is more prominent than any of the ones previously mentioned: it was a blast to watch from beginning to end.

For those who are nervously anticipating news as to whether their fabled hero's return was justified, rest assured, oh ardent and salivating fans. The fourth installment in the film brings Professor Jones (Harrison Ford) back before his loyal audience a little older and ever so slightly wiser, but make no mistake, it is the same character. The confident smirk still lurks under the classic fedora even in the most intense of situations, and Indiana still rushes into each scenario without any real plan of action and yet still manages to succeed.

In this most recent (and supposedly last) film, Indiana is in search of the Crystal Skulls, a collection of artifacts that may be of extraterrestrial origin. However, the Skulls are also being pursued by a collective of Communists (led by a gloriously over-the-top Cate Blanchett) who desire the skull for the mystical power it is said to possess. As always, a wide assortment of elaborate fight scenes and chase sequences ensue.

There is much that this film has going for it, and the cast in this film, while under-developed in some places, is relatively strong. Harrison Ford, as I mentioned previously, slips back into the role with relative ease, and he is superb in the role throughout the film. Though age may have slowed Ford to some degree, it certainly doesn't hinder his performance. And the always reliable Cate Blanchett is also wildly entertaining as the sinister Soviet psychic Irina Spalko. While her character sounds much like the stereotypical Russian Communist female (think Natasha from Rocky and Bullwinkle), this role was meant to be played to extremes, and Blanchett does this effectively.

And as for Shia Lebouf, credit is due to the young actor for not turning this role into another "Short Round" debacle (for those who are confused, do yourself a favor and rent The Temple of Doom after reading this). Though his role of Mutt Williams is initially a tad on the obnoxious side, he ultimately redeems himself with amusing banter between his character and Professor Jones, and even manages to hold his own in some impressive action scenes.