The Perfect Indy Formula

Rating: 10/10 (26 February 2017)

"Raiders of the Lost Ark" established the Indiana Jones franchise as the standard for action/adventure on the big screen. "Temple of Doom" proved that the films could also have a sense of humor. "The Last Crusade" melds both of those elements together, creating the perfect formula for an Indiana Jones film and making it the best of the lot in the process.
For a basic plot summary, "Last Crusade" sees Indy (Harrison Ford) initially dealing with the capture of his father, Dr. Henry Jones (Sean Connery), by the Nazis. Indy quickly discovers that the ultimate prize is the literal Holy Grail of biblical lore, which Papa Jones had an almost single- minded devotion towards finding.
The most easily-identifiable reason for the rousing success of "Last Crusade" is the chemistry between Ford & Connery, which steals every scene they are in together (a considerable portion of the film). Indy was never supposed to be a superhero-type figure (just an archaeologist with a penchant for adventure), so having a father (one who even saddles him with childish nicknames, no less!) really serves to humanize the character even further. Also, each Indy film needs someone to play against Indy's straight-arrow personality towards discovery, and Connery is absolutely perfect in that role. The banter between the two is pure cinema gold!
I think the film is also helped by a move towards more "traditional archaeology pursuits", so to speak, after the Indian mysticism of "Temple of Doom". Not that "Temple" was a bad film by any means, but I think the Indy formula works a bit better if the "pot of gold at the end of the rainbow" is a bit more identifiable. The quest for the Holy Grail fits this mantra perfectly, and sets up perhaps the best sequence of the entire Indy series (progressing through the three traps set to protect the Grail).
Another remarkable aspect of "Last Crusade"? The initial "Indy as a kid" (played by River Phoenix) section, meant to promote a spin-off that never reach much critical acclaim, should have probably been nothing more than a money-grab. However, probably thanks to Spielberg's directing, even that material is thrilling and adds depth to the Indy character.
Overall, "Last Crusade" is my favorite of all the Indiana Jones films for the way it combines all the best aspects of adventuring filmmaking. As far as I am concerned, this is the true creative ending to the Indy saga. There is a great quote from Spielberg noting "There's a reason we had Indy riding off into the sunset for the final scene". After the embarrassment of "Crystal Skull" many years later, perhaps a future "Indy 5" will get things back on track creatively. Until that time, though, Indy will always be first and foremost a trilogy to me, with "Last Crusade" shining brightest at the top of the pyramid.