I prefer the Austrian way.

Rating: 10/10 (2 June 2007)

"I prefer the Austrian way." In reference to something in the film, that is one of the best one-liners ever put on film.
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade does match up to the original, Raiders of the Lost Ark, (I've seen all 3, but only the first is one I've seen many times to remember, and this is my 2nd viewing of this film, though equivalent to a first time as I've forgotten many details). But one problem I have with Last Crusade is the mythos and esoterica surrounding the "Holy Grail" seem to be a bit too campy for my taste. I just never imagined a Christian artifact giving immortality at least not in This Life.
However, the film works because the characters are never flat, as with virtually all Spielberg, this is probably the Indy film that explores his recurring exploration of the theme of father-son relationships, and is done so here much more blatantly.
Last Crusade has one of the most absurdly preposterous, yet entertaining slapstick action sequences, the "rotating wall" sequence, and even the little bit where Indy bumps into Hitler and has to pretend the precious diary is a mere book he wants der Fuhrer to autograph is sure to give audiences nervous laughter. Very nervous laughter, I'm sure.
Spielberg has always been a creator of - besides his heavy epic films; highly watchable, wholesome, low faluting entertainment that no one has to feel guilty for being pleased about.
5/5