Movie Classic: Raiders of the Lost Ark

-Directed by: Steven Spielberg

Starring:
-Harrison Ford, John Rhys-Davies, Karen Allen

So it's almost Father's Day, and if you're looking for a fun movie to watch with your dad then you should give this one a try. Oscar winning director Steven Spielberg joins forces with George Lucas in the first of the franchise that stars Harrison Ford. Ford, who filmed this movie right after a little project called Star Wars, is in fine form in what's one of his most memorable characters of all time. This is a tribute in many ways to the sweeping action movies of cinema history where the hero is bold, handsome and clever and never fails to get the girl. The real difference here though is Ford himself. He makes Jones funny, and reminds you of people you've met before. That is the mark of a Hollywood great.

The movie isn't without it's flaws though. Filmed in 1981, you will see some of the "glitches" that might not stand up to special effects masterworks that are in theaters today. Consider who made the movie though, Lucas and Speilberg were who set the bar for many of the contemporary action directors. Their work in special effects is visionary, even if you can see how they made it. There's also the fact that this isn't a movie without violence. Plenty of guns, swords and whips are used throughout this film. A lot of characters die, but it's done in such a way that there's nothing graphic. One of the best scenes involving violence is when Indiana faces a weapon whirling bad guy, and just gives him this look. It's a look that stemmed from the fact that Ford was quite ill the day that scene was shot, and instead of a fist fight simply pulled out his pistol and shot his would be attacker. It was an improvised move on Ford's part, but it works in perfect harmony with how Indy himself would respond.

Language wise, it's pretty mild and if you rent or seen an edited version there might not be any at all. What will be an issue though is the drinking. Karen Allen's character is introduced in a drinking game and it's apparently seen as a good thing to be the last person standing. It's not really necessary to the plot, and I've always wondered about it.

The bottom line though is that this is a fun adventure movie that really doesn't take itself too seriously. Ford is in his element as Indiana Jones, and you'll be glad you joined him on the adventure.

Raiders of the Lost Ark celebrates its 25th anniversary this year, and is available at Amazon.


-Jenn Untch
Liberty, Missouri
jennuntch@yahoo.com
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