Movie Review # 607: Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark (1981)

Ladies, and gentlemen, today, we continue on the Indiana Jones train. This time, we will be reviewing the very film in the library that I originally planned to make the first film that I rewatched, and reviewed. However, after hearing that the prequel, Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom takes place before the events of the other now four films, I decided to review that one first, and then review them in order of their release dates from there. That is since they are in order release wise, and chronically from there. So now, let’s finally review Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark.

Plot: When Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) discovers that Nazi German forces are in Tanis, Egypt to seek, and excavate for the Ark Of The Covenant, he reunites with ex-flame Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), and, together, they attempt to find the Ark, and put it in a safe, and secure place before the Nazis find it, and attempt to use it for their own power, and gain?

Hands down, Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark is most definitely one of the better films of this franchise, especially when it comes to one’s that were released in the 1980s. First of all, the storyline feels much more stronger, and grittier than Indiana Jones & The Temple Of Doom at least seemed to be. I’m not sure where Steven Spielberg put his creative brain when he directed Temple Of Doom. However, after this one, I’m not sure that Spielberg had all of his creative brain on him, since Temple Of Doom didn’t seem quite as strong as either Raiders Of The Lost Ark, or possibly even 1989’s The Last Crusade (though we’ll see about the latter one once I rewatch that one as well). Anyway, enough of those comparisons, eh? Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark has a great plenty to like. First of all, the villains are very good. Also, for a starter film, it is really good. It almost feels like a James Bond type of film, but with more archaeology, and mystery involved. In addition to all of this, how could you not like Harrison Ford playing the leading role in this film? In addition to him, there’s also Karen Allen as ex/flame, soon to be love interest again Marion Ravenwood, Denholm Elliott as Jones’ loyal friend, Marcus Brody, and John Rhys Davies as Egyptian excavator, and Jones’ acquaintance, Sallah. Okay, before I move on with this review, let me just say that John Rhys-Davies really seems to help bring humor in many movies that he’s been in, like The Lord Of The Rings trilogy, and more. Any of the Indiana Jones films that he’s in are no exceptions. What’s more is that Indiana Jones’ relationships are handled really well, including the romance between him, and Marion Ravenhood, you name it. Additionally, there was the score by John Williams. Of course be did the score for films like the earlier Star Wars film, and Home Alone. Well, he did the score here, and most of the other Indiana Jones films like this one. Once again, Williams doesn’t disappoint. This Indiana Jones film also does a splendid job of keeping you on the edge of your seat. I mean from the action, to keeping you on the edge of your seat, and overall being excited nearly every moment of the film, there’s hardly a dull moment at all in Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Oh, and it was really cool to have part of the Bible brought up in this film since, well, this film revolves around our heroes, and villains trying to find the Ark Of The Covenant.

Still, there is at least one thing that keeps this film from having an A+. That being that there is a scene that occurs somewhat near the end. It is an iconic scene too, by the way. Anyway, one of the most iconic scenes that occurs near the end likely may drag for a little too long. Yes, it was still a good scene. It’s just that it probably could have been cut a little short.

And that’s my review for Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark. Honestly, after seeing both this film, and Temple Of Doom, I will say that part of me wishes that Temple Of Doom had been the one released in 1981, and Raiders Of The Lost Ark released in 1984. But hey, whether or not the franchise would have been as successful, or not, you got me. Either way, this film is engaging, had likable characters, a fantastic score, well developed relationships, and really great action. If you haven’t seen Indiana Jones: Raiders Of The Lost Ark, then al the more reason to see this film. Now, will Indiana Jones: & The Last Crusade be just as good, if not better, than this first film? We shall! Well, see you all in the next review either way!

Final Grade: A