Snakes, Nazis and a subtle dash of mysticism. Indiana fans are easy to please if you keep true to the essence of Indiana Jones.
The Ark of the Covenant. The Holy Grail. Nazis. Snakes.
When it comes to Indiana Jones, there are many things that come to the minds of the fans that have followed the jetsetting archaeologist since the early 80s. It's been almost twenty years since Indy has last graced the screen, but fans have been adamant: they want him back.
That being said, there are a few things that fans want to see and a few that they definitely don't want to see.
What fans do want to see:
- The reluctance. There was always a bit or reluctance with Indy. While he always wanted the prize, you always got the feeling that he felt there were things he'd rather be doing. Or at least doing those things a different way. When Indy goes after his "fortune and glory" in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, it's because he feels cornered by his own conscience to do so. With the Holy Grail, it was parental guilt that sets him on his way. It was this trait that made Indy more accessible to his audience.
- Nazis. Okay, let's face it: when Indy wasn't facing down the Nazi Regime in the Temple of Doom, audiences got a bit antsy. Despite the fact that Indiana Jones 4 will take place in an era in which the Nazi occupation of Europe is no longer a threat, it just won't feel like an Indiana Jones film without Indy's hatred for said foes.
- A touch of mysticism, but not too much. The Indiana Jones films have always carefully bridged adventure with fantasy. This film should not fail to do so. It's the foundation of what Indiana is made from and a film without it will seem like just another cookie-cutter Hollywood adventure flick.
What fans do not want to see:
- Indiana romancing a much, much younger girl. Woody Allen did this for awhile, but soon it just got downright creepy. There's no reason for a twenty-something actress to be cast opposite Ford when there are plenty of sexy, vibrant and amazing actresses over forty working (or not working) in Hollywood.
- A kid. This is probably a moot point at this juncture, but throwing a kid into the mix where there wasn't one before is almost always the death of a series. Luckily, with Shia Lebouf playing his older son, this seems to be a worry that is null and void.
- Key characters being played by new actors. No one wants to see anyone other than Sean Connery as Indiana's father. The comparisons that would be made between the two would be constant and annoying, distracting from the overall enjoyment of the film. Same goes for Denholm Elliot. Fans will only assume that, like Mr. Elliot, Dr. Marcus Brody has passed away as well.
- Bad age jokes. No Danny Glover type, "I'm too old for this.." jokes. No plays on how Indiana is constantly wishing he was younger. Fans realize that Indiana is older. There's no need to remind us.
Overall, fans want an honest, exciting and true-to-the-character Indiana Jones movie. Cue the march. Bring in the mystique and the adventure and the fans of Indiana Jones will once again gladly admit another installment.
