After “Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” came out in 1984, Steven Spielberg and George Lucas went on to work on separate projects. The former directed “The Color Purple” & Empire of the Sun.” Both films introduced Whoopi Goldberg and a young Christian Bale. Mr. Spielberg’s production company Amblin Entertainment produced a bunch of films including “The Goonies,” “Back to the Future,” “An American Tale” and last but not least, “Who Framed Roger Rabbit?” Mr. Lucas produced Jim Henson’s “Labyrinth” and the critically panned “Howard the Duck.” Steven hired rising filmmakers, Joe Dante, Rober Zemeckis, Don Bluth, Barry Levinson & Chris Columbus.
With nothing on their plate, the duo produced “The Land Before Time.” They worked on a sequel to “Raiders of the Lost Ark” titled, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” Released in 1989, (same year Tim Burton’s Batman came out) it received positive reviews from critics and movie goers alike. In addition to praise, the third film made more money than last two installments and became the highest grossing film of 1989.
As you already know, Harrison Ford will reprise his role as Indy in the fifth and final entry, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” scheduled to for a worldwide release on June 30, 2023. Before the upcoming fifth film comes out, I’m rewatching and reviewing all four entries.
It doesn’t matter if SPOILERS are listed. We’ve already seen the Indiana Jones films countless times, either referenced or parodied in other works. I already wrote my reviews on Raiders of the Lost Ark and Temple of Doom. So, don’t forget to check ‘em out.
Shiny & Rusty Qualities
Shiny: Harrison Ford reprises his role as the titular character. He did an excellent job for his performance.
Sean Connery also did an excellent job for his performance as Henry Jones. Sean stole the film as Henry. He gets Bonus Points providing Comic Relief and redeems himself from being a workaholic to a caring father. Henry’s my favorite character in the Indiana Jones series. It’s a shame Sean didn’t reprise his role in “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” after The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen” caused him to resent acting. This is why we can’t have nice things.
John Rhys-Davies reprises his role as Sallah from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” He factors to help Indy & Henry track down the Holy Grail.
Steven Spielberg and George Lucas both did a spectacular job constructing a cohesive narrative.
Jeffrey Boam (The Lost Boys, Lethal Weapon 2-3, The Dead Zone) wrote the script filled with memorable dialogue.
Action Sequences are spectacular. My favorite one is the tank battle. Not a single one disobeys the laws of reality as in the raft scene in Temple of Doom.
Humor has some funny moments.
John Williams orchestrated the soundtrack.
Cinematography captures in-depth imagery. Makes you wanna go on an adventure with Indy.
Practical Effects were heavily involved in Set Pieces and stunt work.
The late River Phoenix (may he Rest in Peace) played a young Indy in the Opening Flashback depicting his first adventure. As a boy scout, he discovers robbers stealing a crucifix, Indy flees from them. He acquires his whip in a circus train, develops a fear of snakes, gets a scar on his chin (reflecting Harrison’s real-life scar) and obtains his fedora.
Fun Fact: River worked with Harrison in “The Mosquito Coast.”
Chemistry between Indy & Henry serves as the main highlight. They must work together and put aside their estranged relationship if they wanna prevent the Nazis from obtaining the Holy Grail.
Unlike Willie, Elsa’s not an annoying love interest. She’s actually a Nazi and gets her comeuppance near the end.
A Wilhelm Scream is used when a baddie falls from a hill. It never gets old whenever a Wilhelm Scream’s included.
My favorite line from Indy is, “No ticket.” Kevin Smith referenced it in “Dogma.” My other favorite line from Indy is, “That belongs in a museum!”
It’s heartwarming Indy resurrects his dad with the Holy Grail. UGH! I’m appalled the Oscars didn’t nominate Last Crusade for “Best Picture.”
Rusty: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving Steven, George and their crew an Extra Point for making a flawless threequel as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
I consider Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade as the best installment of the franchise as well as my favorite film of 1989. If you’re gearing up to see Dial of Destiny, rewatch all four entries.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 