Pub.lished Movie Reviews
Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)
"Kinesthetically, the film gets to you, but there's no exhilaration, and no surge of feeling at the end. It seems to be edited for the maximum number of showings per day." - Pauline Kael
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" is an incredibly fun, classic action movie that keeps you glued to your seat with non-stop action. There truly is never a dull moment in this thrilling film.
The movie transitions smoothly from one high-octane action scene to another, from the exhilarating desert truck chase, powered by John Williams's flawless score, to the gripping fistfight around the airplane.
The special effects, while based on what was available in the 1980s, do not detract from the timeless storyline. This classic narrative was carefully crafted by George Lucas and brought to life under the skilled direction of Steven Spielberg.
The core plot of the film is set in 1936, where the archaeologist adventurer, Indiana Jones, is commissioned by the U.S. government to locate the Ark of the Covenant before the Nazis can harness its formidable powers.
Such is the captivating allure of this movie that it inspired a group of school children to recreate it, scene by scene, over a remarkable span of 10 years. Naturally, the children matured during this period, resulting in a fascinating inconsistency where, in one scene, the children play their parts as teenagers, and in the next, as eight-year-olds.
While I wouldn't recommend watching this remake over the original, the documentary of their endeavor, "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made," is an engaging companion to this iconic film. It stands as a testament to the sheer extent of inspiration a well-crafted, action-packed movie can impart on future filmmakers.
I don't know if all memorable heroes need an equally memorable theme song in order to inspire such dedication, but it certainly does not hurt!
"Da-da-da-daaa, da-da-daa, da-da-da-daaa, da-da-da-daaa, da-da-daa, da-da-da..."
"It's not the years, honey, it's the mileage."
- You are under the age of 13. The movie contains some violent and intense scenes that may not be suitable for younger viewers.
- You dislike adventure films. Raiders of the Lost Ark is a quintessential action-packed adventure movie.
- You are not keen on historical mysteries or mythical elements. The plot revolves around the search for a biblical artifact.
- You are expecting a realistic plot. Some sequences in the movie require a suspension of disbelief.
- You prefer movies with a slow and relaxed pace. Raiders of the Lost Ark is fast-paced and full of excitement from start to finish.
Warning: The following may contain spoilers:
What's the deal with "Raiders of the Lost Ark?"I mean, they're running around, getting chased by giant boulders, fighting off Nazis, all for a fancy box that nobody's allowed to look inside? It's like the world's most dangerous game of hide and seek!
And Indiana Jones, this guy's a professor? When does he have time to grade papers? He's always off in some jungle or desert, swinging from vines, escaping death traps. No wonder his students are always confused. They probably think Archaeology 101 is a survival skills course!
- Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation (1989)
- Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
- Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation (1989)
Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Connoisseurs of "Raiders of the Lost Ark" will also love "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade" as it brings back the thrilling adventure and charismatic charm that made the first film a classic. Set in the late 1930s, the third installment in the Indiana Jones series reprises Harrison Ford's role as the daring archaeologist and introduces Sean Connery as his father, adding an engaging father-son dynamic to the plot. The movie is filled with high-octane action sequences, clever humor, and intricate puzzles, all set against the backdrop of a quest for the Holy Grail, appealing to fans who loved the blend of history, action, and adventure in "Raiders of the Lost Ark".
The Mummy (1999):If you love 'Raiders of the Lost Ark', you'll probably also enjoy 'The Mummy'. While it's not quite as critically acclaimed as 'Raiders', the film shares many similar elements: lush, exotic locales, pulpy action, comic relief, and a dashing hero in Brendan Fraser. His character, an American adventurer, who accidentally awakens Imhotep, an ancient Egyptian priest who has been cursed for eternity.
King Solomon's Mines (1985):This movie is an adaptation of the H. Rider Haggard's classic novel of the same name. It not only shares similarities with the Indiana Jones series in terms of setting and tone, but also features the same kind of treasure-hunting adventure. The story follows a fortune hunter, Allan Quatermain, as he pairs with a beautiful woman to find her missing father in uncharted African territories.
Romancing the Stone (1984):This is a popular adventure film that was heavily influenced by the success of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'. In it, a romance writer sets off to rescue her sister in Colombia and stumbles on a priceless treasure along the way. Just like Raiders, the film is action-packed, fast-paced, and full of entertaining character interactions.
National Treasure (2004):This action-adventure film stars Nicolas Cage as a historian and amateur cryptologist searching for a lost treasure, a story that taps into the same love for history, discovery, and adventure that Raiders of the Lost Ark did. The movie is jam-packed with exciting set pieces, clever puzzles, and a amount of historical trivia, making it a delight for any 'Raiders' fan.
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