VMA Coverage

by Dave Kilgo


The VMA's kept their reputation this weekend as a water cooler favorite. I'm not sure if this was because of the unusual amount of controversy but it is definitely being talked about. One thing stood out among all the controversy. This was something people had been dying to witness ever since it was announced. There was also concern that because it's been so long since the one before, is it really a good idea? Not to mention the star has aged profusely since their last performance and could be out of shape.

I am of course talking about the announcement of a new Indiana Jones sequel. It will be called "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull". I can't imagine how well a crystal skull can manage a kingdom but more power to it.

It's exciting to think about George Lucas' other franchise coming back for another round, but it's also an iffy situation. Don't get me wrong, I am a "die hard" Indiana Jones fan and very excited that something new is coming. Casting Shia Lebeouf (Translation: The Beouf) was a wise pick as Jones' predecessor. It's always economical for a company to use a person they legally bought years ago. Cate Blanchett was also a good choice; I can now assume that given the year this takes place, his new love interest will be Katherine Hepburn or if they're going for more of a fantasy element, Queen Elizabeth. Its definitely a shame that Sean Connery won't be coming back as Indie's dad, but perhaps he's gotten on the bandwagon as well and went off to reprise his role as James Bond (Bond... Gold Bond). Harrison Ford is one of my favorite actors of all time, but it can't feel vital to be playing his dad.

Here's what concerns me though; a big trend right now, other than tepid remakes, is bringing back franchises from past decades. All the CGI in the world can't hide the fact that our action stars have gotten a little older. We've already seen John Mcclain, Rocky Balboa (Rambo is coming) and the Terminator come back. Of the three, I would have to say Willis was the best one, and I think it's because at 52, he's almost 10 years younger than Sly or Arnie. Harrison Ford is 65, so we'll see how that goes. Though our action stars are getting up there, I would much rather see them fighting an imperial walker with... a walker before seeing someone replace them. Bruce Willis was the last choice to play in Die Hard because at the time he was a sitcom star, imagine picking Danny Tanner. Despite all of that, he made John Mcclain a rough neck 90's icon. Harrison Ford wasn't Spielberg's first choice either but can you imagine Tom Selleck as Indie? If these guys think they have another action movie in them, by all means. I'll usually be glad to see it. I'm a firm believer in the cliché, "you're only as old as you feel" from what it looks like, Ford is feeling about 24. Not to mention, Lucas and Spielberg are teaming up again, so I'm not expecting a bad film. Though I love the classics, I am hoping we take the time to create a new action icon before these guys decide to retire. I'm looking at you, Brad Garrett.