Hype: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade is the last of the initial Indiana Jones films. Since the latest Indiana Jones just came out a few weeks ago, I felt it was necessary for me to see the first three Indy films. So far I enjoyed The Temple of Doom more than Raiders of the Lost Ark, but overall Raiders is a better film, the acting and story are pretty weak in Temple of Doom. Once again I have no idea what this one is about, all I know is that Sean Connery appears as Indy's father. Let's see how this one holds up against the other two.
Initial Review: In Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, Indy (Harrison Ford) is sent to look for his father, Henry Jones (Sean Connery), who goes missing while searching for the Holy Grail. While looking for his father and the Holy Grail, Indy learns that the Nazi's are also looking for the Holy Grail.
The Last Crusade does a really nice job of filling in a lot of blanks with Indy's past. The film starts with a young Indy, played by River Phoenix, as a Boy Scout in Utah. While exploring a cave Indy comes across grave robbers stealing the Cross of Colorado. Indy decides that the cross belongs in a museum and tries to steal it from the robbers. This starts a fairly entertaining chase between Indy and the robbers. Another aspect of Indy's past this film reveals is his father. While growing up Indy's father cared more about finding the Holy Grail than spending time with his son.
Initially I didn't think I would like Connery as Indy's father. Half way through the movie and I still wasn't sure if he was a good fit, but after a while he starts to grow on you. The interactions between Ford and Connery were very entertaining and comical. Indy is one that is quick to act while his father is more level-headed and thinks things through.
The Last Crusade is a lot more closely related to Raiders of the Lost Ark rather than The Temple of Doom. After seeing the three films, Temple of Doom doesn't really seem to fit. The Last Crusade and Raiders of the Lost Ark both have Indy searching for a biblical artifact (Holy Grail and Ark of the Covenant). Both also have strong female leads, the girl in Temple of Doom was way too annoying. Also the acting and plot are a lot more enjoyable to watch than that found in Temple of Doom. The characters in the Last Crusade are also a lot stronger than those in the Temple of Doom.
Overall I felt that Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was a fitting end (at the time) to the Indy franchise. It brought back the glory that was in the first film and did a nice job wrapping things up. Sean Connery was enjoyable to watch as Indy's father and Harrison Ford once again was fun to watch in the action scenes. The Indiana Jones franchise is a pretty decent one and I can see why so so many people enjoy it.
Repeat Viewings: N/A
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