This movie is the second to worst Indy for story, but the best in terms of staying away from violence. Sure, there's some bloody shooting, and a scene where a guy is eaten by ants, but the violence stays away from the heart-ripping, stabbing, melting, decapitating, shredding, and crushing that filled the old ones. So if your a teen or preteen, it probably would be O.K.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Fourth Indy isn't perfect, but it's tons of fun.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 11 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull was written by S. Jhoanna Robledo
Parents need to know that Indiana Jones' fourth adventure is one of the most anticipated movies of the past 20 years, and kids will definitely want to see it. It bears the marks of classic Indy fare -- meaning lots of adventures, some of which (like a scene involving killer ants, or another involving an atomic bomb test) might be too spooky for younger kids. There's a supernatural and extra-terrestrial undercurrent and lots of punch-heavy good-guy-versus-bad-guy fights, which do have some blood (as well as plenty of weapons, including swords and guns). There's also a bit of light swearing ("s--t," "son of a bitch," etc.) and innuendo, and enemies routinely hurl unpleasant threats at each other. But it's all handed with roguish, acerbic Indy wit, which makes it -- for the most part -- all in good, popcorn movie fun.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about what Indiana Jones stands for. If he's a good guy, why does he break the rules? Is that OK? What separates him from the "bad" guys? Are real-life bad guys as thoroughly evil as the ones in movies? Where does Mutt fit in? What does he have in common with Indy? How are they different? Families can also discuss the ongoing appeal of the Indiana Jones series. Why is Indy so popular? Why is it so hard for other movies to duplicate the Indy formula? Do you think the franchise needed another movie? Why or why not?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
What’s the Story?
Indiana Jones is back with a vengeance in KINGDOM OF THE CRYSTAL SKULL, the long-awaited fourth installment in George Lucas and Steven Spielberg's mega-hit franchise. It's 1957, and the Russians -- led by Irina Spalko (Cate Blanchett) -- have double-crossed their way into a military base in Nevada. Irina thinks the Soviets can win the Cold War by dominating the world with their minds -- but how? Find a mysterious, powerful crystal skull hidden in the South American jungle with the reluctant help of Professor Henry Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford), of course. Indy's friend Oxley (John Hurt) apparently found it once, but he's in enemy hands. Indy sets out on a rescue mission, aided and abetted by friends old and new, including motorcycle-loving, leather-jacketed punk Mutt (Shia LaBeouf).
Is It Any Good?
Decades have come and gone since our dear Dr. Jones' not-so-last crusade, and it's good to report that his return was worth the wait. Sure, the movie's good vs. evil race to the finish is marked by twists and turns that require not just a suspension, but a complete removal, of disbelief. But that's only to be expected -- after all, the Indiana Jones mythology wasn't built on reality. It's the ride, not the details, that audiences are paying for. And what a ride: The suspense, the wisecracks, the gloomy caves to explore -- they're all there. When Indy first enters the frame, it's like seeing a dear old friend. The filmmakers didn't reinvent the wheel (so don't expect any innovations), but they didn't ruin it, either.
And the newbies? When it comes to an iconic film series like this, passing the torch can be tricky. But diehard fans can relax: LaBeouf proves himself worthy enough to carry on the Indy tradition. He's prickly and adventurous, edgy and intelligent -- much like Indy himself. Though he's no Harrison Ford, LaBeouf could believably have been cut from the same cloth. As for the women, while Karen Allen's return to the series as feisty Marion is a delight, Blanchett's Russian accent is somewhat marred by plummy, Australian inflections when she says Indy's last name, which is often. And that's not the only jarring tone: While the first two-thirds of the film is classic Indy, the last act takes a hard swing that swerves into otherworldly territory. It's like Indiana Jones meets E.T. -- which is pretty iffy. The transgression's forgivable, but only just.
Movie Details
Studio: Paramount Pictures, Director: Steven Spielberg
Run time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/22/2008, DVD release: 10/13/2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images.
Run time: 122 minutes
Theatrical release: 05/22/2008, DVD release: 10/13/2008
MPAA Rating: PG-13 for adventure violence and scary images.
Our Members Say
See all 104 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
Tweens up
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
Not the best.
good.
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I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
- Good role models
Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrreaaaaaaaat
This is good. The violence is not for kids under 7.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
perfect for older kids and tweens
It was OK. It wasn't as good as when Indy was younger.
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I rate this title iffy for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
Too Many Things Happening to Care About a Plotline.
I tried to watch this movie, and it bored me. There are too many things happening to be able to develop or understand a plotline. It's not good. It has a lot of cursing, too. Of course, explosions and violence are very high. BORING
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I rate this title iffy for age 7 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Off For Ages 6 And Under; Iffy For Ages 7-8; On For Ages 9 And Up
The scene where the guy gets eaten by bugs might frighten kids.
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
Bad bad bad. Shame shame shame. Indiana Jones back as an ageing 50 year old?! The storyline is absolute garbage, nothing like the traditional Indy. And he survives a nuclear explosion is a FRIDGE?! PLEASE PEOPLE, WAKE UP TO YOURSELVES!
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
ALL AGES 1O+
Good Movie
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I rate this title iffy for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
ALL AGES 1O+
Good Movie
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
Great, Awesome.
I saw this movie at my friend Nick's birthday party. Very good movie for the ages it was made for.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
good movie
it was a good movie
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I rate this title on for age 11 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
ok jose
pretty good
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
The least violent Indy film, yet it's PG-13.
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I rate this title on for age 9 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
AWESOME!
very entertaining!!
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
Go ahead and let the family watch this one.
What can I say? It's classic Indiana Jones. Our entire family watched it and had a blast. Complete with silly one liners, predictable jokes and lots of action...how can you not love this movie? This one is (as always) visually appealing with an interesting story line. And you know what? Harrison Ford is still handsome :0)
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I rate this title iffy for age 10 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
I think this was by far the worst of the series, the story line was just ridiculous. My husband and I screened this for our 5 year old who was dying to see it (He'll be dying to see it for another 7 or so years) Though I didn't care for the plot myself, the level of scary moments seemed greater in this than most of the others put together. Just doesn't seem like entertainment for a younger crowd.
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I rate this title pause for age 10 and give it
pretty ok
This movie was very cool. In the back of my mind it still was a little over the top, but I still kinda like the idea of "whoops almost said a spoiler to those who havent seen the movei" Good for Indy fans but not as well as the rest of the movies.
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I rate this title pause for age 8 and give it
WORST MOVIE
horrible
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I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
I loved the movie when I watched it!!!!!! It was amazing!!!!!!!!!!
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Ratings at a Glance
| 33% | of parents say it's too violent |
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