It was also a financial success like the previous three films in the series, grossing over $790 million worldwide, becoming the franchise's highest-grossing film when not adjusted for inflation, as well as the second-highest-grossing film of 2008. Critics praised the film for its visual effects, performances, action sequences, John Williams's musical score, and the costume design, but criticized the dialogue, storyline, pacing, and overuse of CGI. It received generally positive reviews from critics but more polarized responses from audiences. The film premiered at the 2008 Cannes Film Festival on May 18, 2008, and was released worldwide on May 22, 2008. To maintain aesthetic continuity with the previous films, the crew relied on traditional stunt work instead of computer-generated stunt doubles, and cinematographer Janusz KamiĆski studied Douglas Slocombe's style from the previous films. Shooting began on June 18, 2007, at various locations in New Mexico, New Haven, Connecticut, Hawaii, and Fresno, California, as well as on sound stages in Los Angeles. The filmmakers intended to pay tribute to the science fiction B-movies of the 1950s era. Screenwriters Jeb Stuart, Jeffrey Boam, Frank Darabont, George Lucas and Jeff Nathanson wrote drafts before David Koepp's script satisfied the producers. Ray Winstone, John Hurt, and Jim Broadbent are also part of the supporting cast. Jones is aided by his former lover, Marion Ravenwood ( Karen Allen), and their son, Mutt Williams ( Shia LaBeouf). Released and taking place nineteen years after the previous film, it is set in 1957, pitting Indiana Jones ( Harrison Ford) against Soviet KGB agents led by Irina Spalko ( Cate Blanchett)-searching for a telepathic crystal skull.
Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is a 2008 American action- adventure film directed by Steven Spielberg and the fourth installment in the Indiana Jones series.