Never saw the original but I laughed out loud at some of this (and cried at some of it too); I was very surprised at the interaction between Dwayne Johnson and the kids. This will be a purchase when it comes out on DVD.
It's a shame that a children's hero needs to be "adultified" to this extent. Batman himself (as well as his supportive staff) were all brilliant (Michael Caine is fantastic as Alfred); however, Heath Ledger's Joker--while superbly acted--was way too insanely horrific for children (of course, I grew up on Adam West's Batman when children were allowed to be children and imagination was encouraged). I would never recommend this for anyone under 17.
I got more than I ever expected; Indiana Jones has always been pure escapism for me (I never expect this series to be "intellectual" although I do enjoy researching the archaelogy on my own).
Trying to write a review without spoilers is difficult, but I laughed; I cried; I sat on the edge of my seat; I drooled over Harrison; I boo'd Ray Winstone and Cate Blanchett (deliciously evil here by the way) and I cheered Karen Allen.
Please let the franchise continue (and pretty please, don't wait 19 more years)...