Raiders of the Lost Ark




Snakes, why did it have to be snakes?

It revived the action genre. It helped create the summer blockbuster. It "put adventure on the map." Of course I'm talking about Indiana Jones. It's probably George Lucas' second best effort, and it's Spielberg doing what he does best.

Ok, for you poor saps who've never seen it, here it goes. Indiana Jones is an adventuring archaeologist who goes around the world collecting rare artifacts. Teaching in college between adventures, he's a well drawn out character of contrasts and flaws. Too bad George doesn't do that now adays. In this movie the object he's after is the ark of the covenant, (hope you figured that one out) which the Nazis are also after. It would mean the end of the world if Indy doesn't come through. That's a brief synopsis, but if you haven't seen it yet I'll escort you to the nearest rental myself.

There are numerous elements that are repeated in the series and just about any other action movie, the girl, the villian, and such. What sets this movie apart from the rest is the pacing, courtesy of Mr. Spielberg. The story's not bad, John Williams is good as always, but it's Harrison Ford that really makes it work.

Of course it is Ford that embodies the movie. He defines the meaning of rough and charming. Though he starts off kind of rocky in the beginning, he settles into the role quickly.

Personally I prefer The Last Crusade. This one is good, but it does feel a little generic. With the sequels you can see the dimensions that were added onto the character. Plus, in this one you don't have Dr. Jones senior or Marcus Brody (kind of). Still, this is the one that started it all. Here's hoping that Indy IV, when it gets made, will be good.



-The Gnome