Festival de Cannes 2008 by Mandy_Rodgers

    It's the day all of Cannes and many movie lovers around the world were waiting for - the world premiere of the fourth installment of the much beloved Indiana Jones series. What better place to have a world premiere than in the French Riviera during the largest film festival in the world? After many press junkets and photo opps, everyone was set for the cast to arrive and the verdict to come in...does Harrison Ford still have what it takes to be a convincing action/adventure star? Is the franchise still alive and running?

    Earlier in the day, I took in a screening of Woody Allen's Vicky Cristina Barcelona, which turned out to be my favorite movie thus far, I think. Critics are responding well to the movie too, calling Penelope Cruz Allen's newest muse. Cruz, by the way, turns in a great performance as the bitter and pretty insane ex-wife of Javier Bardem's suave and easy-on-the-eyes Juan Antonio. It was received with a standing ovation at its premiere.

    While waiting outside in the line area for the film, documentary director Michael Moore casually walked by with his small entourage. Everyone cheered, but I was shocked at just how large he is in real life. I mean, he's obviously a big guy, but walking right by me, he was bigger than I imagined.

    Invited to the big Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, was a who's who of Hollywood and a who's huh? too. Vincent Cassel (Ocean's 13, Eastern Promises) is a huge force in the French film world and has been regularly attending premieres this year. Natalie Portman (in this year's jury), Goldie Hawn and Salma Hayek also made their way through the packed crowds waiting for Ford and company.




    Then came a few blasts from the past: Dean Cain (remember The New Adventures of Superman), Billy Zane (Titanic) and Christian Slater (Heathers).

]

    Soon the carpet was hit with the Indy cast, including Steven Spielberg and George Lucas. The theme music begins, and Harrison Ford is joined by Calista Flockhart, Cate Blanchett, Karen Allen, Shia LaBeouf, Ray Winstone and John Hurt. It was one of those monumental occasions - having all of the legends together at one time on a flashy red carpet, and the sheer excitement of Spielberg, Lucas and Ford together again sent the crowd into uproars. Slowly, the cast/crew walked up the carpet together, posing for pictures, minus LaBeouf, who arrived without much introduction and disappeared during the last of the cast photos. Not sure who's move this was, but when he was on the carpet, he looked incredibly overwhelmed on the most crowded and monstrous day of Cannes 2008.


    The next morning, reviews were in and (mostly) critics enjoyed the lighthearted adventures of dear 'ole Indy. I personally found the film to be a great throwback to the originals, as it maintained the same mood of the series with some new faces to boost the morale. Definitely a fun escape, and Lucas is already hinting at a possible Indy 5 with LaBeouf starring.