If only more "action/adventure" movies were this good

Rating: Null/10 (20 June 2001)

Warning Spoilers!
A stupendous movie that is much more than an `action and adventure' flick. Sure there's a lot going on with all the impressive stunts and exciting fight sequences, but the mix of humor, sly serendipity, crafted dialogue and the heroic resilience of Indiana Jones all add up to a fun and smart film that more than meets its terminus ad quem---to entertain.

I remember seeing this for the first time and enjoying it from beginning to end. The opening scene in the cave was exhilarating, the hero was refreshingly flawed, the leading lady was sexy, the villains were classic, the ending was fateful; the whole thing was just so damn good. It also had clever side moments like the student who wrote `I love you' on her eyelids and Marion's drinking contest in Nepal. Not to mention the famous shooting of the flashy swordsman scene, which is still, after repeated viewings, a fresh and spontaneous vignette.

Now for the one thing that REALLY bugs me about this film. I am more than willing to suspend reality for the pure enjoyment of a movie, and I know that such a position is virtually required for a movie like this, but what the hell is the deal with the U-boat? I mean I can buy the multitude of snakes living in a mass (snakes would never do this), I'll ignore the big stones, entrenched for thousands of years that Indy moves with ease, and I'll simply appreciate the numerous, highly improbable stunts. The reason is because they all ADD to the film's allure. I have no problem suspending belief if it enhances. But the U-boat scene doesn't make sense. Indy jumps on board (on the outside of the craft) and rides for hundreds of miles and the submarine NEVER SUBMERGES? WHAT?????? The reason it irritates me is that there was no reason that it had to be a U-boat. It need only be a German battleship. Then Indy could have latched on, hid somewhere and enjoyed the ride no problem.
By the way Spielberg shines here as a director. His use of shadows and innovative camera cuts add much to the film. He was without a doubt the man for the job.