Harrison Ford’s career, spanning a good four decades, has never really faltered. How could it, when the man is a living legend? So when “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” premiered at Cannes on May 18, it was no great surprise that critics and audience alike reveled in his return to the trademark fedora and leather jacket of archeologist Indiana Jones.

It has been nearly two decades since Harrison Ford last handled Indiana Jones’ leather whip on the big screen, but the time has finally come. “Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” confidently premiered at the Cannes Film festival Sunday and was warmly received by film critics (ok, there were a few naysayers, but only a few).

Yes, they have pulled it off. The fourth installment in the very very successful franchise is quite satisfactory, most critics seem to agree. But even if they had said it was a lousy attempt to rejuvenate a series that was best left at three, would moviegoers have stopped short in their tracks?

The release of the adventure has been building such momentum, that surely its opening week will cover director Steven Spielberg, producer George Lucas and all involved, in glory.

The years spent in development hell will pay off, both literally and metaphorically. One after another, writers attached to develop a script were dis-attached, until finally David Koepp (“Jurassic Park,” “Mission: Impossible,” “Panic Room,” “Secret Window”) proved to be the much-needed catalyst.

Ford may be a good 18 years older than when he last impersonated the dashing archeologist, in 1989’s “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade,” but this time around he plays a character his actual age.

“Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Skull” is set in 1957 and the villains are Soviets led by the very classy Cate Blanchett, in the form of Colonel Professor Irina Spalko.

Young actor Shia LaBeouf costars as Indy’s sidekick, the rebellious Mutt Williams, while Ray Winstone and John Hurt turn up as companions in time of hardship. Karen Allen returns as Marion Ravenwood, Indy’s love interest in “Raiders of the Lost Ark.”

The film is released Thursday, May 22. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, there will be “hurrays” and there will be “boos,” but most important of all, the project has finally made it.

And Harrison Ford, one of Hollywood’s living legends, is very much back in the public eye, with his indefatigable movie star charisma and ease.