Here we can rank the three films in order of preference and give a response as to why:
Ill go first:
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark-4 Stars
This film makes it on to several "official" lists as one of cinemas best movies, and I argue it being the very best. Harrison Ford is fantastic as Indiana Jones, epitomizing the all American adventurer, and perfectly contrasts the semi nerdish academic with the exotic explorer. The script is well thought out and the craft going into it, from the biblical research to the classic serial homages and a well paced plot, everything is enjoyable even on your upteenth viewing. The cast is superb, one of the best casts for a movie, and the film transends the time it was made as it fits in well with the 1930's adventure film, and as an all time classic.
2. The Last Crusade-3.5 Stars
Some see this as a watered down Raiders but the film is a classic in its own right. Its only simliarities to the first film are how well thought out the story is, working in an emotional context the first two films didnt show while keeping the adventure/intrigue at intresting and exciting heights. Elsa is my favorite Indy girl, sexy, deceptive, and holds her own when next to Harrison Ford and Sir Sean. The Nazi's and Donnovan are just as meanacing, shooting Henry as an incentive to get the grail is genius. And ending the film riding off into the sunsent is a classic salute to a classic hero. The only minor quibble I have in this film is making Marcus Brody the butt of every joke, I liked his more informed, intelligent performance in Raiders. Still, its a small slip in what is one of the best movies ever made.
3. The Temple of Doom-3 Stars
This is the weakest of the three films.....and thats not a bad thing. This film is still great, feels like its straight out of an old adventure comic book. The film clearly takes its cue from Gunga Din and does it justice with Indy giving another great performance. Kate Capshaw is little more than eye candy, which is unfortuneate, and Shorty can be slightly annoying. I dont really see the "sterotypical, imperialist.." criticisms of this film and find it to be well shot with good use of location. What earns Temple its stars, however is having some of the best action in the series. The drop from the plane in the raft is genius, as is the cart ride through the mines, and and bridge stunt. They rank with some of the best action scenes in film. The child slavery still sends chills up my spine, and some of the humor is ill placed. All in All, its fun, adventure filled, and exciting to the end.
Ill go first:
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark-4 Stars
This film makes it on to several "official" lists as one of cinemas best movies, and I argue it being the very best. Harrison Ford is fantastic as Indiana Jones, epitomizing the all American adventurer, and perfectly contrasts the semi nerdish academic with the exotic explorer. The script is well thought out and the craft going into it, from the biblical research to the classic serial homages and a well paced plot, everything is enjoyable even on your upteenth viewing. The cast is superb, one of the best casts for a movie, and the film transends the time it was made as it fits in well with the 1930's adventure film, and as an all time classic.
2. The Last Crusade-3.5 Stars
Some see this as a watered down Raiders but the film is a classic in its own right. Its only simliarities to the first film are how well thought out the story is, working in an emotional context the first two films didnt show while keeping the adventure/intrigue at intresting and exciting heights. Elsa is my favorite Indy girl, sexy, deceptive, and holds her own when next to Harrison Ford and Sir Sean. The Nazi's and Donnovan are just as meanacing, shooting Henry as an incentive to get the grail is genius. And ending the film riding off into the sunsent is a classic salute to a classic hero. The only minor quibble I have in this film is making Marcus Brody the butt of every joke, I liked his more informed, intelligent performance in Raiders. Still, its a small slip in what is one of the best movies ever made.
3. The Temple of Doom-3 Stars
This is the weakest of the three films.....and thats not a bad thing. This film is still great, feels like its straight out of an old adventure comic book. The film clearly takes its cue from Gunga Din and does it justice with Indy giving another great performance. Kate Capshaw is little more than eye candy, which is unfortuneate, and Shorty can be slightly annoying. I dont really see the "sterotypical, imperialist.." criticisms of this film and find it to be well shot with good use of location. What earns Temple its stars, however is having some of the best action in the series. The drop from the plane in the raft is genius, as is the cart ride through the mines, and and bridge stunt. They rank with some of the best action scenes in film. The child slavery still sends chills up my spine, and some of the humor is ill placed. All in All, its fun, adventure filled, and exciting to the end.
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