Indy's First Adventure Sets the Gold Standard - As Does Harrison Ford's Starring Performance

Rating: 9/10 (11 May 2013)

Lucas and Spielberg's first ode to the serial adventure is still a densely atmospheric, loaded thrill ride. Indy is such a fascinating, larger-than-life personality that he outright demands our attention when he's on the screen (which is something like 95% of the time) and, even when we think we've got him figured out, still manages to surprise us. Casting Harrison Ford was absolutely crucial, though, because without his off-the-chart levels of confidence and charisma, the character wouldn't have been able to get away with half the things he does or says. Although it trots the globe, seemingly without rest, the plot is actually very well-paced and wisely gives the cold shoulder to any hint of overwrought back-story or origin. We're having enough fun in the present, so why get caught up in anything more complicated than "He's a professor who moonlights as a tomb raider"? Quick-witted and funny when appropriate, exciting and unpredictable the rest of the time, it manages a near-perfect blend of realism and fantasy. The dark, dated cinematography is probably the only aspect of the film that hasn't aged gracefully.