Maybe my all-time favorite action film.

Rating: 10/10 (10 July 2001)

***SPOILERS*** ***SPOILERS*** **** out of ****
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade features the most action, adventure, comedy, and character development in the series. Does this make it the best in the series? In my book, I suppose so (it's been a while since I've seen Raiders). In any case, The Last Crusade is a superb, fast-paced, non-stop thrill ride that's more fun than any rollercoaster ride I've ridden. This film definitely has its heart set in the old days of Saturday Matinee Serials, and if you just don't get any enjoyment out of this movie, I feel sorry for you.
For the third-go-round, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford, who else?) has been hired by myterious benefactor, Donovan, to continue the search for the lost cup of Christ, the Holy Grail. Indy is reluctant at first, but when he discovers his father, Henry Jones (Sean Connery), led the first expedition and disappeared, he agrees. Teaming up with Dr. Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliot) and the beautiful Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), they proceed to figure out the riddle of the numbers in the library, which leads to the completion of seal on the knight's tomb (if this sounds complex, don't worry, it really isn't).
Now on the search for both the Grail and his father, Indy discovers traitors among his midst and can only rely on his old friends, including Sallah (John Rhys-Davies). Captured by the Nazis, who are also searching for the Grail, he finds his father. Together, they escape and it becomes a race against time to reach the secret location of the Grail before the Nazis get their hands on it.
It was probably pointless for me to describe the plot since almost everyone has seen this movie. Yes, I realize a lot of people will probably call me crazy for considering this the best in the trilogy, but for me, it simply felt more adventurous and fun the original (don't get me wrong, Raiders is a VERY close second to this). It's lighter-hearted than the other films in the series and it's one gross-out scene (all three have got one) is considerably less bloody than the others.
I've always considered Steven Spielberg cinema's best action director (if not the overall best director), and he proved himself in true superb fashion in The Last Crusade, directing some marvelous setpieces. The train sequence is a great touch and is among my favorite chase scenes. The motorcycle is chase is also a lot of fun, and the climactic tank chase (boy, we've got a lot of chases going on) is a true standout.
Humor is what separates it apart from Raiders and Temple of Doom. Now, both those movies had their fair share of great comedy, but The Last Crusade is absolutely hilarious, and all the better for it. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery have absolutely brilliant chemistry together, with most of the laughs coming from their retorts to one another. Credit should also be given to the late Jeffrey Boam's script, which is witty and smart. He simply knew what the audience wanted, and delivered.
Harrison Ford is Indiana Jones, of course, and he was born to play the man. Nobody else would have fit the role and, once again, the movie is mostly his (he's gotta bump aside just a bit for Connery and company). Just as terrific is Connery as the not-so-affectionate father who has no idea how to tell his feelings to his son. Their interaction plays off very well, and Spielberg wisely never gives in to any maudlin sentimentality. Trust me, that one scene where Henry Jones thinks his son is dead is played more for laughs than anything else.
The supporting cast is a lot of fun, too. Denholm Elliot, who didn't seem quite this goofy in Raiders, is very funny and likable as the somewhat clumsy Marcus Brody. John Rhys-Davies is equally good and fun to watch as the jovial Sallah. These four are the good guys, and unlike most films, they steal every scene they're in, never giving in to whatever performances the "villains" deliver.
These villains are played by Julian Glover and Alison Doody. Glover is appropriately snaky and easy to hiss at as the traitorous Donovan. Doody is the third Jones girl, and she's easily the best-looking and least annoying, which makes it a small pity she plays a not-so-nice girl.
There's been plenty of speculation on a fourth Indiana Jones film, but I don't see it happening. Ford has aged too much, same with Connery, and I don't believe I would really be that interested to see Costner as Indy's brother, fun as it may sound. But it may be better that the series ends this way, on such a high note. The Last Crusade pretty much has all action/adventure fans are looking for and more: Great action, great characters, great locations, and a lot of fun. That's why this is one of my favorites.