They just don't make 'em like this anymore.

Rating: 10/10 (17 February 2008)

Raiders of the Lost Ark is truly one of the greatest films of all-time. This was the first film to introduce us to one of the best film characters of all-time, archaeologist Indiana Jones, played by the one and only Harrison Ford.
The story of Raiders follows everyones favorite whip-totting archaeologist as he battles Nazis, woos the beautiful Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), and discovers the lost Ark of the Covenant. The story begins when Indy learns that the Nazis are searching for the Ark of the Covenant. Indy can not stand the thought of the Nazis gaining possession of such a powerful, and holy artifact, so he agrees to go after the Ark himself to protect it from evil. Across Indy's adventure we meet his colorful sidekick Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), his feisty love interest Marion, and watch him in a deadly struggle against the Nazis for possession of the Ark.
As I mentioned in the tag-line above, they just don't make them like this anymore. This is pure, high octane adventure every step of the way. The film is superbly directed by Steven Spielberg, and the script by Lawrence Kasdan is marvelous, perfectly balancing the comedy with the action and drama, something that today's directors and screenwriters should take note of. As well the acting is amazing, Harrison Ford is the only man on Earth who could have played the character of Indiana Jones with so much conviction. Then of course John William's score was just truly amazing, one of his finest he has ever produced. Everything else: production design, cinematography, special effects, etc., all top notch.
This film is truly a classic in every way. The action is unlike any other action I have ever experienced on film, each action sequence was scripted to perfection (in particular the boulder chase, the plane fight, and the truck chase). Then of course the end when the Ark is finally opened is truly amazing and captivating to watch. Though what makes me love the film so much more is the last shot of the film, when the Ark is placed in that huge warehouse, it makes my jaw drop every time.
If you have never watched this film before you don't know what you are missing. Raiders of the Lost Ark is one of the greatest, most exciting, and fun stories ever told on film. Every time you watch it you feel like a little five year old kid again.
Raiders gets a perfect 10 out of 10!