I need to resurrect this thread to lay down my 2c...
I was discussing this the other night with a friend over a bottle of Scotch, and I see it thus:
1. I love the Indiana Jones series because the formula is simple - action, traditional special effects, action, good casting, and action.
2. George Lucas failed to improve on the Star Wars series with the three prequels because he fiddled with the formula too much IMHO.
3. If Lucas fiddles with the Indiana Jones formula the new movie will suck.
4. Casting looks good; Rhys-Davies and Connery will be missed but are not essential (c.f. Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom).
5. Lucas says that traditional special effects will be used; this is good.
Conclusion: Of all the movie franchises out there, the Indiana Jones series must be one of the hardest to add to without making a stinker, since the bar has been set so high - and unlike the Bond movies (which have high highs and low lows), it's all been good so far. However, the formula of the films is extremely simple, and therein lies the secret for success: new locations, new macguffin, new girl, same Indy!
Fingers crossed that it's good and pray that Lucas doesn't create another JarJar-like situation...