Revolutionary cinema!

Rating: 9/10 (1 January 2004)

Given that this movie is, at this writing, over twenty years old, I must say it has well withstood the tests of time. Every summer action "blockbuster" thereafter has reached for the star that is "Indiana Jones," and for the most part, fallen flat.
Harrison Ford, fresh out of the "Star Wars" franchise, has done himself proud with the three Indiana Jones installments; each a bit better than the one before it. He is the embodiment of realistic acting. His character would have been completely unbelievable had it been played by anyone else, but Ford lends to it a certain quality of honesty and reality; the same admired traits he contributed to the Star Wars sagas. I feel safe in saying that had anyone else been cast as Indiana Jones, the franchise would not have been as successful as it was...and is.
With the new release of the Indiana Jones Boxed Set on DVD, the popularity of this series has been rekindled. Collectors and fans alike are flocking to the video stores to stock up on the latest release of their best and dearest favorites. According to Yahoo.com, it is the second-highest top selling DVD collection in the Action/Adventure genre as of right now, what with having all three movies and an additional DVD full of extras. (01/01/04)
The Raiders of the Lost Ark is all about the Ark of the Covenant, a religious artifact which is written a lot about in the old testament. It was reported to lay waste to vast armies and bring sure victory to any army which marched into war bearing this relic. It was old, even in the days of the Bible. What was built, was an elaborate case in which to house and carry it, fashioned by one of the twelve tribes of Israel and fought over every since.
The infamous German dictator is in search of the ark, which puts the American Government into the holy relic business. They enlist Dr. Indiana Jones, famed archaeologist, to find the ark and bring it back to safety before Hitler's men can get their hands upon it.
Not a bad premise, actually, and the Spielberg/Lucas team bring it to life for us. The story was fresh and edgy, with a wonderful cast and crew. Every aspect of this movie was action, fantasy, and an awe-inspiring creativity.
While I did find Karen Allen a bit whiny, and wanted to see her beheaded by the fifth scene, she finally pulled through and delivered a stellar performance by the end of the movie.
By any standards, this movie is still a huge success, and a goal for any aspiring actor/director/screenwriter/cinematographer to shoot for.
What I liked most about this movie, was the feeling bestowed by Ford's character that you actually knew him. The character development was wonderful, but without Ford's down-to-earth performance, that character development would not have been nearly as effective. So honestly, what I liked best about this production was Harrison Ford. He does not play his character like he knows everything, has no flaws, and is the perfect ... anything. He is honest, in his portrayal, about his shortcomings, lack of knowledge in certain areas, and his physical vulnerabilities. Excellent performance. Simply excellent.
It rates an 8.9/10 from...
the Fiend :.