When a beloved franchise returns to the big screen after years of dormancy, fans cannot help but get excited. The prospect of seeing their favorite characters return for another adventure is enough to get anyone pumped up. However, there are some franchises that return as mere ghosts of what they once were. The magic that the series once held is nothing more than dust in the hands of disappointed viewers.

According to a vast majority of viewers, this is what happened to the Indiana Jones franchise.

After the success that was “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” creators George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, as well as actor Harrison Ford, hung up their proverbial (and in the case of Ford, literal) hats and moved on to bigger things. But in 2008, the trio decided to reunite for one last film: “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.”

Filmgoers were ecstatic. Not only were the original trio coming back, but they also would be joined by the likes of John Hurt, Cate Blanchett and Shia LeBeouf. The trailers showed a return to form, and fans of the adventuring archaeologist primed themselves for the movie of their lifetime.

What they ended up getting was… different. Scenes in the film include Jones escaping from a nuclear blast by hiding inside a refrigerator and surviving being hurled miles away, giant ants swarming and consuming human beings whole, Jones’ illegitimate son and aliens. Needless to say, this was not what fans were expecting on their return trip to the Indiana Jones Universe. While a new picture is in the works for the franchise, fans are now more cautious because of “Crystal Skull.”

However, some enjoyment can be had within the film. It is still Steven Spielberg directing the picture, a man who has garnered many awards for his filmmaking. Several of the action scenes are well choreographed and each actor seems to be having a good time performing in the film. The story, while jumping the rails later on, is actually pretty interesting and goes well with what the aged adventurer can pull off.

It isn’t the worst adventure movie in the world, but it is nowhere close to being the best. The biggest fault “Crystal Skull” has is that it cannot live up to the expectations that the previous Indiana Jones films set forth. The magic that is projected from the screen is difficult to capture and re-package, and the creators made a valiant effort, but ultimately fell short.

“Crystal Skull” could’ve been worse. It could’ve been one of the Star Wars prequels.

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