Harrison Ford was born for this movie

Rating: 7/10 (7 January 2014)

Harrison Ford really puts in a brilliant performance in this movie. No one else could pull off the swashbuckling hero with such poise and confidence. It's like he was born for the role. My favourite part of the whole movie is that opening sequence where he is rescuing a golden idol from a booby-trapped cave - it encapsulates everything I imagine Indiana Jones to be about. Karen Allen also deserves a mention for a great supporting performance as the bolshy heroine Marion Ravenwood.
But despite the classic performances this isn't my favourite India Jones movie. I think it loses its way at times. The scene where Marion puts on a white dress and drinks Belloq under the table is presented as a pivotal moment but doesn't seem to lead to anything. And towards the end of the movie, the scenes on the U-Boat feel disjointed from the rest of the plot. Others will disagree, but overall I prefer Temple of Doom and The Last Crusade.
I don't want to be too harsh, mind. I really do love this movie. There are scenes such as the pit of snakes and the car/tank chase that rank among the best in the Indiana Jones franchise. A very enjoyable viewing.