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Indiana Jones Series

Category: , By Alcatsar


After gestating for years the latest installment in the Indiana Jones series will debut before mass audiences on the 22nd of May 2008. Some 27 years after the fedora donning archaeologist/adventurer first enthralled audiences with the superb Raiders of The Lost Ark (1981).
We'll leave all the speculation, whether it be Harrison Ford's ability to crack the whip at the ripe old age of 65 or if George Lucas' meddling nature, would hinder ones enjoyment of Indiana Jones and The Kingdom of The Crystal Skulls, for later. For now lets celebrate the legacy of the highly entertaining series and all the shenanigans which have enamoured Indy to fans of all ages.

Raiders of The Lost Ark [1981]
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: George Lucas & Philip Kaufman (Story), Lawrence Kasdan (Screenplay)
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Alfred Molina

Is it even possible to dislike this movie? It's true escapism at its best. Right from the moment we're introduced to a leather jacket sporting Indiana Jones in one of his many adventures to the final horrific unveiling of the Arks powers this is one thrilling ride. Some people credit it for starting the modern day summer blockbuster trend and justifiably so. It has huge action set pieces, witty one-liners and romance to keep members of the fairer sex happy.

Highlights:

Where does one begin? The boulder chase? Out smarting a sword wielding henchman? Decapitating a Nazi? Crazy truck chase through the deserts of Egypt? Choose one.

Temple of Doom [1984]
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: George Lucas (Story), Willard Huyck & Gloria Katz (Screenplay)
Starring: Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Jonathan Ke Quan, Amrish Puri

The sequel, which is really a prequel taking place years before the events of Raiders, is often singled out for its gory imagery. A villain who rips hearts out of live humans, crazy monkey brain eating Indians were probably what lead the MPAA to create a brand new film classification category - PG-13. Having been through bitter divorces each producer George Lucas and director Steven Spielberg craft a darker, yet highly entertaining, adventure.

Highlight:

The mine chase is a thing of beauty. Especially surprising when one takes into account the era when this movie was filmed.

The Last Crusade [1989]
Directed By: Steven Spielberg
Written By: George Lucas & Menno Meyjes (Story), Jeffrey Boam (Screenplay)

Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, John Rhys-Davies, River Phoenix

The first proper sequel gets a lavish treatment. Fans get a quick introduction to Indy's humble beginnings, the inspiration for his gear and the origins of the whip! Upping the comedic angle after the dark Temple of Doom we're also introduced to Dr. Jones Sr (Sean Connery seemingly having a ball playing the part).

Highlight:

Brilliantly the storytellers are able to give us a glimpse into Indiana Jones' early years as a boy scout. Someone should teach all these modern day directors how to do it right! River Phoenix doing a great job as the young Indy is just icing on the cake. If only George Lucas had cast someone just as able to play the role of Anakin sitting through those trite Star Wars prequels wouldn't be half as bad!

 

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