But Spielberg also pushes things too far, be it a ridiculous vine-swinging interlude in which a pack of computer-generated monkeys inexplicably helps the heroes, or the big finale involving -- well, I can't tell you that, but I will say it was created on computers. The CGI artificiality is a most unwelcome addition to the Indiana Jones franchise, robbing some of the action of the tactile, rock-crunching, this-is-really-happening kick you felt when Indy scrambled to get out of the way of that giant rolling boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Crystal Skull's secret weapon -- and the smartest thing the filmmakers have done -- is the introduction of the rebellious Mutt (Shia LaBeouf), who makes an entrance atop a motorcycle like Marlon Brando in The Wild One and, thanks to LaBeouf's easy, unforced charisma, matches Ford quip for quip as they go spelunking, plunge over waterfalls and encounter some unearthly creatures deep in the Mayan ruins. LaBeouf is obviously being groomed to take over the series from the aging Ford, and it's not hard to imagine a spin-off franchise with the actor at its helm.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull may be the slightest, least memorable entry in the franchise, but it's a franchise with a rather high bar, and the film's plentiful flaws do not overwhelm its pleasures. We'll soon find out, though, if modern audiences are eager for an action extravaganza in which the protagonist has reached the age ``where life stops giving you things and starts taking them away.''

Cast: Harrison Ford, Shia LaBeouf, Cate Blanchett, Ray Winstone, John Hurt, Karen Allen, Jim Broadbent

Director: Steven Spielberg

Screenwriter: David Koepp

Producer: Frank Marshall

A Paramount Pictures release. Running time: 122 minutes. Brief vulgar language, violence, adult themes. Opens at midnight tonight in area theaters.

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