One of the best films ever to see the light of day. Produced by George Lucas and directed by Steven Spielberg, this film highlights the pair's best qualities and avoids their flaws. Forget the Happy Meal sequels and savor this great work for all it's worth. C'mon, Spielberg is as good as everyone claims he is only when he's killing Nazis* and there's plenty of Nazis that get mowed down here.

Sporting what may be the greatest intro shots of a hero put to film, this film delivers from the first frame. Like Star Wars, The Godfather, Casablanca and Citizen Kane, from the opening scenes this film gives an epic feel of a movie that is larger than life - larger than cinema. This is a film that will outlive us and be enjoyed by generations to come.

Other than some notable logic issues (how does a guy ride on the outside of a submarine across the globe - doesn't the sub have to submerge at some point?) this film is nearly flawless in its delivery. Harrison Ford is perfectly cast as the intrepid archaeologist/professor/adventurer Indiana Jones. The role custom fits Ford because it calls for lots of gritty charisma and the ability to express simply emotions without much dialog - Ford's specialty. Combined with the incredible script by Lawrence Kasdan (Body Heat), Ford is able to create a character that became an icon before he finished his first run in theaters.

I can't imagine too many people haven't seen this film. If you haven't seen this yet, you have a serious problem with your choice in movies. You really need to crawl out from under that rock you call a roof and see this film.


* - Except Jaws and Close Encounters of the Third Kind ( and I'm not going to argue too hard if you demand that Close Encounters isn't any good), Spielberg stinks unless he has a Nazi to kick around - have you seen Always, The Terminal or Hook? Puuleese!


Related Reviews:
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Spartacus (1960)
Stagecoach (1939)


Other Critic's Reviews:
Matt's Movie Reviews
Rotten Tomatoes

Labels: classic, film, George Lucas, Harrison Ford, movie review, Steven Spielberg