The Original Adventure Film

Rating: 8/10 (12 December 2007)

This is the original adventure film! Steven Spielberg's homage to those fantastic cliff hanger serials of the 30's and 40's is exciting and action-packed as we follow dare devil archaeologist Indiana Jones across several continents as he searches for the Lost Ark of the Covenant.
George Lucas and Phillip Kaufman's script is fantastic, very funny, and all of its marvelous characters are spot on. Harrison Ford is wonderful as our hero Dr. Jones, adding the right amount of bravado and seriousness to the role, whilst Karen Allen makes a very good feisty heroine as Marion Ravenwood. Also lending great support are Denholm Elliot as Indy's confidant Dr. Brody, John Rhys-Davies as good friend Sallah, Ronald Lacey as the ruthless Toht and Paul Freeman as adversary Belloq, a French archaeologist who has an equal interest in the Ark.
Spielberg's film is the epitome of adventure, and his direction suits the movie down to the ground. And the action is great fun as we cheer each time Indiana squeezes out of yet another thrilling tight spot, though never unscathed! Rounding off this very entertaining film is Michael Kahn's professional editing and John Williams' rousing, triumphant score which is instantly recognisable and, as Spielberg himself has said, "the heartbeat" from which this film flows. Special effects and stunts are also very impressive.
Thursday, December 30, 1993 - Astor Theatre
Unsurpassed as a classic genre piece and perhaps the most fantastic adventure flick of all time is Steven Spielberg's "Raiders of the Lost Ark". A roller coaster ride of thrills and spills, it follows the exploits of daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones from the treacherous jungles of South America to the searing deserts of Egypt as he searches for the Lost Ark of the Covenant in which the Hebrews kept the sacred stone tablets on which were written the Ten Commandments.
George Lucas' story is enthralling and oft times very funny, while Lawrence Kasdan's screenplay is well balanced and true to the fine script. Spielberg keeps the movie fast-paced while still allowing enough of the plot to sift through, Harrison Ford is ideally cast and crafts a memorable screen hero with his world weary, cynical and sharp performance. Karen Allen's portrayal of strong willed heroine Marion Ravenwood is impressive, Paul Freeman is most enjoyable as Indy's arch rival Rene Belloq, and the rest of the support cast (including John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliot and Ronald Lacey) are also marvellous.
Add to this superb craftsmanship the editing skills of Michael Kahn, the art direction/set decoration prowess of Norman Reynolds, the costume design which brings 1936 brilliantly back to life and the highly charged and exciting score from the pen of John Williams, and you have a most memorable film.
One can even forgive the razzle dazzle finale depicting the Wrath of God as He closes the lid on the Nazis. Though excessive, it is spectacular. Definitely no other complaints about a picture show that's infinitely watchable.
Sunday, August 28, 1994 - Video