The Indiana Jones Trilogy

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

In an attempt to catch Indy fever, I sat down for a marathon viewing of the three Indiana Jones films this Sunday. Admittedly, the Raiders of the Lost Ark is the only one I {vaguely} remember seeing. Nazi faces melting...Indy pulling a gun on the sword wielding Indian...the massive boulder... These memories are piece meal, so discovering them today was a real treat.

Adventurer and archaeologist, Dr. Henry 'Indiana' Jones (Harrison Ford) has been charged with finding and preventing the Nazi's from obtaining the Ark of the Covenant--the fabled chest said to contain the stone tablets on which is written the Ten Commandments. The possessor of such an artifact would obtain the very power of God. Danger lurks at every turn as Indy recruits a former girlfriend and an old mate to help him find the artifacts first.

What can I say? For every reason not to like this film, there are three more reason why you can't not like this film. Plot wise, we have holes even Indy would have trouble jumping. Still with such brilliant craftsmanship from writers George Lucas and Phillip Kaufman and under Steven Spielberg's direction, Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is an epic adventure.

You'll find love for this classic tale across the Net and you don't really need a review, so just allow me to sing the movie's praises. I could argue that a film of this nature would benefit from depth and a bit more seriousness, but why bother when the movie is this much fun.

Harrison Ford is phenomenal as Indy what with his cheeky delivery, geeky professor {complete with bow-tie and glasses} attire that magically gives way to his trusty fedora, leather jacket and bullwhip.

The elements of the film are perfect; you simply can not take your eyes off the screen. The exotic settings are gorgeous, effects and stunt work are thrillingly top-notch with the perfect touch of danger at every corner. Damsels in distress are gorgeous and costumes are beautifully rendered for the period. Lucas and Spielberg's epic is further enhanced by John William's remarkable score that becomes a character in it's own right.

Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark is a direct result of movie-making genius. It's a definitive action-adventure classic that is a must see!

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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

The epic adventures of Dr. Jones continues with the Temple of Doom. A plane crash, after a narrow escape from a Hong Kong night club {Club Obi Wan--gotta love it}, has Indy, his young charge, Short Round and night club singer, Wilhemenia (Kate Capshaw) in a remote land. In the search for civilization, they discover a desolate Indian village. The village elder shows the trio through the ruins-- ruins caused by the abduction of their children and the theft of their magic Sankara stone. Agreeing to the task, partly to annoy 'Willie', Indy and company set out to the mountain palace to investigate and stumble upon an ancient mine that houses the Thuggee cult. The crazed high priest, Mola Ram, engages in human sacrifice. Now, Indy must stop the Thuggee priest, rescue the children and conquer the Temple of Doom.

The Temple of Doom has the campiest feel of the three films, but still contains spectacular feats and graphic images. Winding through secret passages, careening through the old mine, plane crashes and a bridge collapse provide edge of your seat thrills. This time around, Spielberg and Lucas provide another edge with graphic scenes of child torture, human sacrifice, bugs and monkey brains.

Harrison Ford expands his character as Indy, too. Indy is compassionate with Shortie; he is human under the spells of the Thuggee, but he's still his cavalier, educated self.

Kate Capshaw is an annoyance for me; but she fits the bill as the damsel in distress.

Spielberg and Lucas have turned a page with this one. The production feels tighter. The Temple of Doom is a non-stop {and more humanizing} thrill ride. From the beginning plane crash to the breath-taking bridge collapse, the film is brilliant with it's pulse-pounding adventure. Once again, John William's reprises his remarkable score.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom is a solid {more serious} bridge in the series. The dark, multi-faceted storyline here makes this film another must see from cinema greats, Lucas and Spielberg.

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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Seems academics and adventure run in the Jones family. When Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery) goes missing while on the hunt for the Holy Grail, Indy goes on the search. The rescue mission turns into a race against the Third Reich. Indy calls on his trusty friend, Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and the three set out for the Canyon of the Crescent Moon only to run into Nazis and their American financier. We can only hope that Indy will ultimately obtain the biblical artifact before it falls into evil hands.

The Last Crusade will go down as my favorite of the series, but not for the reasons most people would image. Spielberg and Lucas explore Indy lore. The origin story found here {starring River Phoenix, no less) is a must-see highlight. Turns out young Henry was a boy scout whose interaction with a historical fedora and leather-clad mercenary alters his life forever. We even see the origination of his ophidiophobia.

Harrison Ford continues in the legendary role of Indiana Jones. {See Han Solo.} Junior is as cock-sure as ever and yet still looking for parental approval.

Sean Connery is another reason The Last Crusade is a favorite. As the elder, academic Jones, Connery is cantankerous and charming. His comedic timing is impeccable, but he rises above it to provide solid foil to Ford and {almost} steals the show. Ford and Connery have remarkable chemistry onscreen. The two trade cheeky dialogue through the whole film.

Denholm Elliott shouldn't be overlooked either. As the lovable Dr. Marcus Brody, he plays more for the laugh, but still creates a memorable character.

Beautifully-crafted The Last Crusade has the feel of the last 'hurrah'. The production is laid back, revelling in it's previous successes. Still Spielberg and Lucas bring it with slick effects, amazing stunts, top-notch settings and costuming. Plot wise, the film is average. You can call what's coming around the corner, but ultimately it doesn't matter you're having so much fun. An additional shout-out to composer John Williams.

Finally, one more reason this one ranks higher than the other two films-- Indy's interaction with Hitler himself. Lucas and Spielberg play it from two angles and wonderfully so.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is a most exhilarating end to a remarkable trilogy. Thanks to impeccable production, the masterful hands of Lucas and Spielberg {and Harrison Ford}, Indiana Jones is the epitome of cool for all ages.

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It's is simply too easy to lose yourself in this series. Although each film stands on its own merits, together they great an adventure for the ages. Thanks to the masterful hands of George Lucas and Steven Spielberg, we have adventure for a lifetime. What I wouldn't give to have the opportunity to see these films on the big screen, surrounded by fellow movie-goers, enveloped in that adventure.