INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE
A film review by Ife Hsu
Copyright 1996 Ife Hsu
Paramount Release (1991) Running Time: 2:05hr approx. Starring: Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, Allyson Doody, River Phoenix. Director: Steven Spielberg
It is always refreshing to watch [again] summer movies from previous years and compare them with current movie flicks. This is especially true given the emphasis placed on special effects that seem to carry 1996 summer films.
Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade is the third movie in the adventurous trilogy of Dr. Henry Jones, Jr. [Harrison Ford]. In this entry, Indiana Jones attempts to rescue his father [Sean Connery] and battles old nemesis in the journey for the Holy Grail. The journey is engaging, entertaining, and filled with obstacles.
Even at the most dangerous barriers, this movie is light-hearted and humorous. It contrasts heavily with the previous Indiana Jones movie - The Temple of Doom, a dark and horrific tale drawn on black magic and revengeful characters. Some of the best sequences in fact revolve around the chemistry of Ford and Connery who find themselves at odd circumstances that call for a level of personal interaction they are not accustomed to.
Yes, this movie also had numerous special effects. But unlike current movies, they are not designed to overshadow the characters or undermine the storyline. Special effects are utilized to enforce visualization, thus demonstrating how drazzling some of Indiana Jones' stunts really are.
Characterization is what makes Indiana Jones movies entertaining and enjoyable. Even removing the somewhat outdated special effects, there remains a movie that can still be recommended.
**** of ****
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