Listen, I respect your opinion… but that Last Crusade section has gotta be top 10 worst takes of all time 😭 Ford and Connery have some of the best chemistry ever put on screen and the way their characters’ relationship develops throughout the story is beautiful. All Indy wants is to be validated by his father. They aren’t even close but Indy will go to the ends of the earth and fight the world’s greatest evil just to save him. When his dad finally calls him “Indiana” at the end… absolutely beautiful. It’s all he ever wanted. And for Henry Sr, he has been so obsessed with his own interests his whole life. Books, learning, structure. He finally just embraces adventure at the end, tying his handkerchief around his head and riding off on his horse towards the sunset. It’s perfect
Luke- you nailed it. The father son relationship was done so well. Even small scenes like when Indy looks at henry with a bit of admiration after he gets the birds to crash the plane. You see how they grow to understand each other. I also liked that Connery played him quirky. It would have been boring to have Indy's father just be an older version of Indy.
The only thing I disagree with is the take on Last Crusade. I think they did a great job grounding and humanizing indiana more then the other films, which makes his character more relatable and realistic.
@@deathmagnetic12085 I have such a personal weird ranking for me its 1, 3, 4, 2. I saw the 4th one in the theaters and it was such a great experience. I really liked crystal skull a lot
As expected, I have to disagree on the Last Crusade. I'd give a solid 8 or even a 9. Probably the most fun to watch, and an iconic Sean Connery in addition, what's not to like
Agreed, I like the change in tone and its a class film but just because its a bit darker people hate it. Its the best film but tbh all of them are (maybe crystal skull is the worst but it isn't bad)
I think _Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade_ is the greatest sequel ever made. I say sequel because, technically, the events of this film take place two years after his quest for the Ark. This film has everything we could possibly want and more. The pacing is also flawless, and we have Marcus and Sallah returning. We open with an Indy origin story. Turns out he was indeed a cowboy, growing up in a state where the Wild West would have been thriving. Indeed, the early 1910s are acknowledged by most historians as being the final years of the era. We have plenty of Biblical references, with the Cross of Coronado subplot, Indy once again falling into a pit of serpents, and finding himself in a “Daniel in the lion's den” dilemma, and on a moving circus train, no less! It's an exhilarating first act. We go globetrotting again, stopping at many exotic locations. Utah, Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, and Hatay. In beautiful Venice, we find out that X really does mark the spot. We descend into creepy rat-infested catacombs and uncover the remains of a knight from the Dark Ages. We also get a nice reference to Indy's earlier discovery of the Ark. After a heart-pounding boat chase through the Venetian waterways, we arrive at an ancient castle in Austria, where Indy revives the grand old tradition of jousting - with motorbikes! Next, we take a detour to Berlin and Indy comes face to face with the Führer, and gets an autograph to prove it! From here we board an airship and engage in a dogfight over the Greek coast, where Indy and his dad haphazardly take down two fighter planes. No sooner have we got our feet back on the ground, we're venturing into the Arabian desert. At the Sultan of Hatay's palace, Donovan negotiates a joint expedition across the desert to the Canyon of the Crescent Moon while Indy and Henry meet up with Sallah at Iskenderun. We then come to my favourite action sequence of the entire series, the tank chase. Indy, on horseback, takes on an entourage of German soldiers and their WW1 tank, which is a relic in itself. We eventually arrive at our final destination, where Indy faces his toughest challenge yet. Donovan is betrayed by Elsa, and pretty much turns into a zombie. We meet a 700 year old Templar knight guarding the cup of Christ, which is ultimately lost, but Indy realises that the real treasure was staring him in the face all along. The quest for the grail has rekindled his relationship with his estranged father. To top it off, we discover how Indy got his name. What more could you ask for? This movie is absolutely jam-packed. As a sequel, it delivers on every level, never leaves the viewer wanting, and the ending shot is simply spectacular. My only criticism would be that the Path of God test makes no sense. If the bridge is hidden via optical illusion, then the trial has nothing to do with faith and those who are not pure of heart may cross it as successfully as the faithful. On the other hand, if the bridge is an invisible one that only manifests if you have true faith, how did Donovan and Elsa cross it? They are not true believers, so shouldn't they have fallen to their doom?
Can’t disagree more on your take of last crusade. The relationship between Indy and his father isn’t forced, it’s strained, this is clearly explained in the airship scene. The comedy aspects fit in well within the context of each scene. Henry Snr is hardly a screaming damsel in distress, he’s the calm personality to tame Indy’s impulsive behavior.
I adore last crusade. I highly relate to the relationship between Indy and his dad aswell as love the crusade/medieval period of history. It all just speaks to me on a personal level.
So, fun fact about the intro of Last Crusade, the guy who was in charge of the dig who gives Indy his hat was originally supposed to be Abner Ravenwood, Indy’s mentor and Marion’s father. It was technically changed but that was the original intent and viewing it through that context makes the intro so much more meaningful.
It would be even better if it actually was Abner Ravenwood (and also a young Marion somewhere in that scene?). I can't imagine why they would have changed what was originally intended to be Abner. Desire to know more intensifies....
Fun fact about Temple of Doom. Lao Che is the only villain not to die. I don't consider Fedora Man at the beginning of Last Crusade a villain. He was only working for one (maybe just for that one job), but he really respected young Indy and clearly inspired him. His boss was a villain who later died. Raiders had the same main villain for the opening and main story and he of course died.
Honestly the Indiana Jones movies have some things that arent that great but they are still masterpieces in my opinion (all 4 of them) and that being said i cant wait for the 5th movie to come out Oh and also at 4:41 the reason why Indy knows when to close his eyes is because as to simply put it "he went to sunday school" Basically in the bible its explained that anyone who saw the power of god was turned into dust wich is also referenced earlier in the movie so Indy knowing when to close his eyes is justified.
I've never understood the level of shade thrown at Temple of Doom. It's always been my favorite Indy movie. Maybe because it was my first Indiana Jones movie when I was a kid and I was a HUGE Indy fan. I mean, I bought a hat and whip and dressed up for adventures in my backyard (dont judge me, I was an only child), and even enrolled in junior archeology programs, although I lost interest as there was very little whip swinging or Nazi shooting. Anyways, aside from the boulder scene in Raiders, Temple of Doom has more iconic moments than any other movie in the series--The mine carts, the rope bridge, the heart-ripping scene... Overall, it's still my favorite.
TOD is a good movie in my opinion. My only complaint is Willie's constant screaming. I mean I understand that she's suppose to be the damsel in disstress. But after a while it sets super annoying.
Fun fact: temple of doom is the reason we have the pg13 rating. It was so violent that it couldn’t classified as pg, but not violent enough to be rated R, so Lucas encouraged the esrb to create the middleground: pg13
I'm not so sure Kate Capshaw got the job because she was with Spielberg. My understanding is that it's the other way around. She was cast in the role and that's how she and Spielberg met and started dating then eventually married. I remember seeing an interview with Spielberg where he says he really disliked Temple of Doom and disagreed with a lot of Lucas' choices, but the one good thing that came of the movie was that he met Kate Capshaw.
You hit the nail on the head. The raft out of the plane was the beginning of the end of the serious adventure film. Temple of Doom redirected the focus and placed it more on Jones as a comic book hero. Last Crusade is a mixed bag, it is as if its using the story for the comedy, where as Raiders did the opposite. In Last Crusade it was also the music. It is more of a family friendly amusement ride. The film also gives it away. There is one moment in the sewer, where they pass an inscription on the wall, which is the Ark of the Covenant, and for a moment the music returns to that haunting mysterious tune which was absent in the rest of Last Crusade. They could have unpacked the Holy Grail story much more, and by the end, it is not just the grail that is found, what about the knight. It could have followed with a simple montage where Henry Jones is documenting history while Indy talks to him.
I really enjoyed your take on this. Raiders is in a class of its own, but the others are still very enjoyable if you are just looking for some mindless fun. I agree that Last Crusade is overrated and played it too safe in trying to be like Raiders. I also really enjoyed Crystal Skull, but I think that’s because I managed to avoid the internet chatter before seeing it. That’s definitely my plan with the new one too - although I think that is even harder to do now.
The young indiana jones series actually explains why indy traded the urn for the diamond at the beginning of doom. The diamond was an artifact he has been looking for for a long time.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" - It's original and fun to watch. "Temple of Doom" - It's very original but not as fun to watch. "The Last Crusade" - It's not original but very fun to watch. "Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" - It was fun for a bunch of 60-somethings to make, I'm sure.
I had a good time at Crystal Skull. It was fun to be immersed in the Indiana Jones universe in a theater - John Williams filling the room, etc. It was a good experience
Raiders and Crusade could literally be two perfect movies! Doom is another great movie but could be looked at as it’s own movie. Plus Sean Connery as Indians dad is perfect casting.
Crusade is unoriginal. The constant jokes, and the fact he gets most of his traits in 15 minutes of his life, is absolutely silly. I also find it funny how many people love Crusade, but hate Crystal Skull, when they're essentially the same movie.
Personally I love thel first 3 so much that on any given day any might be my favorite. I saw them all in the theaters . I was 7 when I saw Raiders . The female lead of Temple of Doom is not my favorite but outside of this it is equally iconic. Most series tend to include more humor as people are more familiar with the characters. From a purely technical standpoint the first film may be the best . I've likely watched all them in the theater, on VHS, DVD, blu-ray and television by myself and with family and friends more than any other films. There are very few things that I don't love. I recognize some of the stereotypes abd a few effects that haven't aged well but these haven't detracted from my enjoyment. Any film is a product of its time. These were blockbusters in the true sense of tge word made to entertain and succeed very well.
I always thought that when Indiana Jones closed his eyes at the end, that was because he was a well studied scholar, who knew his Bible well, “no one looks upon the face of God and lives.” so I never really thought of it as a plot point problem.
Have to disagree with your take on The Last Crusade, but very much love your take on the Temple of Doom. It was just so much to watch, then and now. I didnt mind the comedy/goofiness of The Last Crusade, as it was fun watching Indy and his dad interact through the movie. Overall its a awesome trilogy that ended on a high note, with indy rifing off into the sunset.
You do realize the Last Crusade in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, are essentially the same movies? Both are full of silly jokes, both have the father-son dynamic, and they both are slower paced than the original 2.
The "Anything Goes" intro to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, with Capshaw standing in front of the titles, really fits with the pulp comic book vibe of the movie. I think that it is perfect. I remember seeing it at the cinema in 1984, and somebody asked my dad whether they were in the right theater, as they were confused at the Busby Berkeley type number. Also, Willie's constant screaming is just a homage to those damsels in distress tropes, and she plays that pretty well.
Michael, the one thing you are missing with your Last Crusade take is a true appreciation of the addition of River Phoenix as a young Indy. This was HUGE at the time, as he was poised to be the next Johnny Depp, or Timothee Chalamet or Austin Butler, etc. His untimely passing, at the beginning of what would have been a wonderful Hollywood career, has only made this 3rd installment more poignant for those of us of a certain age in particular, and in general for cinephiles. Further to include the trifecta of a wonderful actor in the infancy of his career (RP), a wonderful actor in the prime of his (HF), and the mountain of accolades due the elder statesman (SC), the bookends of whom have now passed, makes this movie a treasure. No pun intended. Your other takes are spot-on, though, especially countering a lot of the hatorade directed to Temple of Doom.
It was unfortunate of River Phoenix’s passing. So many young stars are taken so early, you wonder what they could have went on to do. I have respect for River and understand seeing him in a Indiana Jones movie must have been huge. His brother his a great actor. I don’t have TLC but nostalgia is a strong thing for people. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
You're so wrong on The Last Crusade, that was arguably the best of all the films, I think it was objectively better than Raiders. The acting, writing, editing, everything was fantastic. It was a classic.
You know I get why people hate crystal skull but I personally enjoyed it. I thought aliens were a fun concept considering how many theories there are of aliens in ancient human civilizations. While in comparison to the previous films it does struggle as a stand alone movie it had a lot to be enjoyed.
Yea you were smoking something strong when you broke down the last crusade. The opening scene is iconic, the chemistry was great with Connery and ford, the humor was enjoyable. I put raiders and the last crusade on pretty much the same level
Last crusade is beautiful because Connery alienated his son searching for the holy grail his entire life. He was searching for eternal life, but meanwhile it was staring him in the face his whole life in his son. When the professor says “Indiana” as Indy reaches for the cup that’s when Indy realizes he would rather spend time with his father than have the cup. Man. How can you miss that?!??
Indiana Jones AND the Last Crusade Is the Best of the Best. Sean Connery really enjoyed His rol. What a pair of iconic characters. I'm sorry Pal but I Will now and always rate that movie with a 100/100.
Hi, Here is my ranking: 1) Raiders: As the first one, it was such a great surprise to see a movie like this one 2) Temple of the doom: very entertaining and the producers took the risk of trying something else than raiders 3) Last crusade: big disavantage: the story is very similar to raider's, so a feeling of "déja vu". Fortunately, interaction with Indy's father is really really good. 4) Cristal skull: I have to admit Harrison is now too old for the character (this is why I am scared about the dial of the destiniy), but I can't see any other actor for the role anyway... and the more I see the movie, the more I enjoy it.
Thank you Michael , I totally agree with you about Crystal Skull . Never understood how people would accept anything far fetched from the other films but not the Crystal Skull 💁♂️ I love the movie pretty much for all the reasons you give . I’d mark it far better than 5 ! I just like that you are being objective 👍 I do think Kate Capshaw was good though. She was meant to be playing a high maintenance “princess “ that was the point - the antithesis of Marion ? ( I actually don’t think Kate was attached to Spielberg before she got the role either - pretty sure it was during filming ? )
Everything else supernatural was of this world, aliens aren't. I am happy to accept ancient spirits and magical properties etc. but once you introduce aliens that gets far beyond the scope of an treasure hunting archeologist. Most people had a problem because it jumped the shark in a gigantic leap, roughly the size that your brain had to take to get to such a lame conclusion.
Good job mate. It was really cool to hear the views of someone who didn't grow up with Indy like me (who has a childhood bias) but was also not just jumping on the bandwagon of what "everyone is supposed to think" (as so many channels do). A refreshing look from an outside perspective that isn't just parroting what has been said before. You've definitely made me rethink the question "If you had to pick a favourite - if you could only watch one for the rest of your life... which would you pick...."
My rankings (including games): 1. Raiders of the Lost Ark 2. The Last Crusade 3. The Emperor’s Tomb 4. Temple of Doom 5. The Infernal Machine 6. The Fate of Atlantis 7. The Staff of Kings 8. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Ima be here a while listing off everything about Last Crusade. Firstly, the opening has more to say than simple action entertainment and how Indy got the hat. It’s not straight up, but it shows Henry sr’s negligence towards his son which is further touched on later. Much like you said in Temple of Doom, it also shows the protagonist’s inexperience in everything. It builds up his ideals in the importance of culture and respect within artifacts. It adds some side stuff like how he got his scar on his chin, learned to prefer a whip, was traumatized by snakes, and learned a lesson about losing and how it isn’t the end. Don’t forget, too, that in Henry sr’s absence, he had to choose his own role models such as Fedora(the character from the beginning). The next scene showing him as an adult is also a really cool transition with cinematography and shows his perseverance to get what he wants and what he thinks is right. Onto Henry sr as a character, you are missing everything. He’s not a “Willie” character. He’s a man that, despite not showing care for his son, is the main reason Indy is doing anything. In the beginning, Indy says that chasing the grail is hopeless and that he wouldn’t do it. The push for him to go on the quest is to follow what his dad would’ve done to find and rescue him. Beyond that, his character arc is letting go of old dreams to reconnect with his son and be something meaningful for the first time ever. His apparent weakness in action is a result of him having other useful skills and being a person from different time, unlike Willie in either of those aspects. When Indy is fretting over being attacked by fighter planes without a mean of defense, Henry looks to other methods that seem beyond his son and saves both their asses. Another side thing: the comedy lands, unlike in Temple of Doom. Now for the enemy, the nazis were a perfect choice. This is a time period movie, taking place just before the start of WWII. The nazis, just as in Raiders, are driven by lust for power and the belief that ancient artifacts of Christianity will bring them victory. Hitler was absolutely like that in real life. That’s just history. They are also easy to view as a bad guy without offending large groups of people like Indian people and Russians. It isn’t exactly controversial. Indy also has a large gate for these bad guys, as a result of the first movie. The only reason we end up seeing the grail at the end instead of cutting off with them all leaving on the spot after rescuing everyone is because they’ve come so far and so have the nazis. Henry’s lifelong dream of finding the holy grail is at their fingertips and has rubbed off on Indy. Also, if they left right then, there was still enough chance that the world would be left in some of the worst possible hands. They’d have to end things themselves. The action scenes are really good. Maybe less so than Raiders, but they have stakes and originality. The special effects suffer as they did in Temple of Doom, but it still holds up in comparison to what we’re getting nowadays. Something you never touched on in any of the analyses was the God tier music in the first three films. The movie also serves as a way to give Indy some rest with his new relationship with his dad, reunion with his friends, ability to now reminisce the story with Brody, and conclusion to his previously very strict goals with his profession and to his story.
Great video. I actually agree with you in the disappointment of Last Crusade reusing the same villain as original Raiders movie. I like that Temple of Doom and Crystal Skull had distinctive villains. Sadly looks like the new Dial of Destiny movie is going right back to Nazi villains again. Would have rather seen something unique. But we'll see how that movie goes.
But we didn't even see the villains in Temple of Doom until an hour into the movie and the villains in Crusade were a little different. Elsa was conflicted about her love for the Jones men and working for the Nazis. Colonel Vogel got to actually fight Indy in a one on one match and had some funny lines ("This is how we say goodbye in Germany"). They both had dimension in the story as opposed to just being some evil doers Indy has to defeat.
As someone who has barley watched all the Indian jones movies I kinda agree with your ranking on the Indiana jones movies. But I kinda disagree with the crystal skull. I actually found it a lot of fun. But I thought the last crusade was kinda lacking for me. But it was still fun and entertaining. But not as good as the previous movies. Regardless, I honestly find all the movies to be super entertaining. And am actually now very excited for this new one that’s coming out this summer.
I actually love every Indy film. I wasn’t raised with expectations of how a good Indiana Jones film should be and I also played the video games as a kid too which were already ridiculous in their own right. The emperor’s tomb literally had Indy fighting a abomination, the kraken and a freaking fire breathing dragon. So the supernatural and wacky things in the movies didn’t phase me at all. Aliens were not weird to me. Ghosts were not weird. Time travel in the new movie is not weird. Since the bar to pass for me of unbelievably is a fire breathing dragon. Emperors tomb is a excellent game, you should review it for your channel
My only complaint about the alien was the execution, which I guess was also the climax of the movie. I liked the mystery and buildup surrounding it up until it was revealed, it looked too goofy looking and the spaceship part didn't help either. Even my kid-self when I first watched it was let down.
Knowing what I know now about Ke's life, I wish they had ditched Shia and given us Short Round instead of trying to make Indi and Marion's kid their own genetic child. They shoulda adopted Short Round.
The dance sequence at the beginning of "Temple of Doom" is telling us right off the bat that it is not "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Check out the film "Gold Diggers of 1935".
I just watched the Indy films in story chronological order, Temple first, then Raiders. Hadn’t seen them in years, I really enjoyed Temple as a fun action packed adventure, and Raiders even more so. I didn’t rewatch Last Crusade because once was more than enough, really don’t care for that one. Never watched Crystal Skull all the way through, and have no desire to try. I have no hopes for Dial of Destiny either.
Hard disagree on the "degradation of quality". TLC had better character beats for Indy, since he & his father are paired up for most of the movie. Also, the ending part of finding the Grail was great. Much more suspenseful than finding the Ark of the Covenant, & it also boasts the best ending of the series (one of the best film endings ever IMO). I think most of your opinions on TLC are way off. As for Temple, I think it has the best score & Mola Ram was the best Indy villain. Belloq felt like he was along for the ride while Mola Ram feels like a threatening, creepy antagonist.
About the first movie and the closing eyes thing, it's due to the origin of the story about the arc itself. I believe it goes that Moses built it basically against his will because people wanted to worship a visual thing, not just have blind faith. My religious father pointed that out during his first time ever seeing the movie and I was blown away because it makes complete sense. Basically, believe that the arc has powers, don't look for an Idol to adore, thus why he closes his eyes and tells Marion the same. Tl,dr: have faith, do not visually worship something.
temple of doom is timeline wise before raiders, thats why indy doesnt make stupid decisions in raiders (example: throwing a rock at patt roach guy in temple of doom). Indy is more foolish in temple of doom, as seen giving away an artifact, but he learned from his mistakes thats why hes ''wiser'' in raiders
I put them literally in order of order. Raiders is pretty much my favourite movie of all time, Temple of Doom was great, Last Crusade was good and Crystal Skull was ok based on the prior 3.
My tier list for all the Indiana Jones Movies: 3:Temple of Doom 8/10-I loved this one because it’s the most different of all of them and the most thrilling. 2:Raiders of the Lost Ark 9/10-It started the whole franchise, it is an amazing story, and Belloq(I don’t remember how to spell his name) is the greatest Indiana Jones villain. 1:The Last Crusade 9.2/10-I enjoyed a good portion of the comedy, and was interested in the story. Henry Jones Sr, Marcus Brody, Sallah, and Indy we’re a quad. Side note: KotCS wasn’t a bad movie, but lots of it seemed like lazy writing, or just ridiculous. The ants were used most likely just for filler, the Crystal Skull seems to be highly magnetic only when it’s convenient, no one was able to hear the beeping of all those tracker things that double agent dude who can’t pick a side in the movie, and the UFO was way to much of a stretch. I’d probably give it a 4.5/10 because I did like brining Marion back, and I was so happy that Indy grabbed his hat before Mutt put it on.
Say what you will with Crystal Skull, it can go either way. However, Temple of Doom is just a fantastic film. Once you look at it without thinking of Raiders, it is much easier to like it. They wanted to do something different from the original and they did.
LOL I remember in high school. Individually we were tasked to do a book report. While at the book store. I saw a soft cover Raiders of the Lost Ark pocket book. I bought it as an insurance in case my teacher have doubts. And went home to watch the Indiana Jones. I wrote the my report book based from the movie.
big indiana jones fan here and i rewatch all the movies every four or five years, but the funny thing is: my favorites always seem to change every time. after my most recent run i‘d say temple of doom entertained me the best this time around.
Well said. While I don’t agree with everything you said, you do a great job explaining your opinions. I agree with you on KOTCS; it’s nowhere near as bad as many want to believe. It’s a fun romp!
13:00 he went against his “museum” line at the start of Temple because of the lesson he learns from the intro of Crusade - “You do the right thing, you lose”
I’m 45……so not a boomer. Instead, i was a kid when this movie… and the sequels came out. The story telling was amazing. Lucas and Spielberg were in their prime. This was a decade of Indy, Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Goonies, Lost Boys, Karate Kid, Top Gun, Rocky, etc. They are trying desperately to recreate these movies..copies in these times. Why? Peak humanity and pop culture…that is why. Hell, they have a modern Magnum PI nowadays. Why? Because EVERYTHING was cooler in the 80’s. I feel so bad for those that didn’t live it.
I get what you're saying, but at the same time calling it the most kid friendly sounds weird, considering that Temple of the Doom is the one where hearts get ripped off, people are burned alive etc...
In terms of personal preference and not necessarily best to worst, my ranking goes: The Last Crusade Temple of Doom Raiders of the Lost Arc Kingdom of the Crystal Skull I don't imagine many will agree. I see some people put the Last Crusade as their favorite and for others it's Temple of Doom, but I'm not sure I've ever seen someone else put both ahead of Raiders. I love all 3 but I thought they got better as they went as far as the original 3 go, same with the original Star Wars trilogy. For both franchises, if I saw them all today for the first time, I might rank them differently. I saw them all in order when I was very young and impressionable and had this idea in my head that the next movie will always be better than the one before it. The wait and anticipation likely factored in too.
Just my personal opinion on the franchise as a whole so far... Raiders- Most Iconic. Temple- Most entertaining/rewatchable. Crusade- Most emotionally satisfying. Crystal Skull- Most disappointing. I've never understood the hate for Temple of Doom. In fact, I never even knew people didn't like it until about the last 8 years or so. And while I do agree that Crystal Skull isn't AS bas as some will say, it is absolutely a noticeable dip in quality. When you're expecting A level material and get like a C- instead, you definitely notice. We'll see where Dial of Destiny lands later this year...fingers crossed it goes out on a better note.
Awesome video, I know it's an unpopular opinion but I agree with your thoughts on Last Crusade. And even though Crystal Skull has some issues I also don't think it's as bad as it's made out to be. Raiders and Temple of Doom are true masterpieces
Michael, your critique that the ending of Raiders is an issue is off base. It is known through Judeo-Christian beliefs that no man can look into the face of God and survive. It's in the Bible in the Pentateuch. It's pretty reasonable for Jones to know these ancient customs and beliefs
I suppose it is. But it was in a deleted scene him learning not to look. It’s not really a big deal, just something that wasn’t entirely explained to the audience
@@michaelcaravette Hey, there's a script going around that is a rewrite of Crystal Skull. It's really good and way better than the movie. Have you read it?
I remember when I watched the last crusade for the first time at like 10, I loved seeing young Indians and how he became him. And even though I didn’t think or ask for it doesn’t make it a bad decision.
I really loved Last Crusade! I had never seen it before but it was easily my favourite. Had the most heart, family drama, action and story of the lot. I never really got into Raiders unfortunately, and Crystal Skull was atrocious. Temple of Doom and Dial of Destiny - sorry but I kinda liked those two as well. This is from a not very big Indiana Jones fan also, so please forgive me for liking Dial of Destiny.
"The Last Crusade" was the first movie that I saw and probably is my favorite out of the four. I thought the comedy balanced out well with the movie; not as forced as "The Last Jedi". I was fine with the father/son dynamic and it wasn't as insufferable as "Temple of Doom". "Temple of Doom" is probably my least favorite movie as that one was definitely very insufferable with no help from the sidekicks.
Thank you for giving Temple it's due - it's a fantastic movie 🍿🍿🍿 edit - I should have watched the whole thing before commenting because i also TOTALLY AGREE on Crusade - the father/son dynamic super cheesed me out! It felt like unnecessary pandering due to the backlash of ToD. In my absolutely expert opinion, you nailed this retrospective 👍💯
Completely agree. I think The Last Crusade and Crystal Skull have too much comedy, like how Indy stops in the middle of a fight to look bewildered after shooting three Nazis with one bullet. But after watching them over and over, I'm more forgiving. I'm not a big fan of Disney but I still hope this next one's good.
I disagree. I never had that problem, especially with the Last Crusade where the comedy I think hit well in many scenes unlike a lot of movies today where they have to force in comedy just for the sake of laughs.
@@captainhowlerwilson508 You're right,. The comedy in modern movies isn't earned. Action series of the seventies, eighties, and nineties (Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon) kind of had a formula. The first film established the characters and tone. The second was darker/more violent. The third had more humor because, by now, we know and like the heroes and want to go on a fun adventure with them. Then the fourth pushed the limits of our suspension of disbelief. It was almost meta with the jokes and the incredulous situations the characters would get into (Mutt swinging on vines with monkeys, Murtaugh walking around in his underwear and clucking like a chicken, pretty much everything in Live Free Die Hard). I might not think Crystal Skull is a better movie than Raiders because of the humor and some of the stuff that happens take me out of the story a little, but I still really do like it because Indy is Indy and it's good to go on another adventure with him. The problem with modern films is they always want to go straight to that fourth movie. Too much goofy comedy, too much winking at the camera, too many unbelievable stunts with characters I haven't spent enough time with to pull all that off.
You didn't find Temple of Doom to go too far with comedy? It's full of slapstick humor and gross out gags. Crusade does have a lot of emotional content to balance it's humorous parts and maybe it's a personal thing, but I find the humor to be actually funny as opposed to Temple's "hey let's laugh at these gross dishes that these foreigners eat or let's laugh at what stupid thing Willie does".
@@TheMrHavish I think there are plenty of moments where the comedy in Temple of Doom works, mainly when it doesn't interfere with the dark stuff and when Willie Scott is barely involved.
16:00 I think it's pretty obvious that the reason why there's a flashback is to properly introduce his family/father into the story, as he hasn't had a presence up to this point in the films and it does a good job of showing where Indy's adventurous roots come from and foreshadowing how that clashes with his father, along with the friction with his father. It's not "unnecessary" at all, lol. Otherwise when you bring the dad in later, the audience has literally no context about who his father is and what relationship he has with him. Now, maybe you could argue that the cross of coronado element and the rainy boat fight might've been unnecessary, but again, it does a decent job of tying young Indy's adventures to repercussions for modern-day Indy and how those plot threads didn't just disappear into the ether. I also don't understand your grievances with the "lack of tension" during the drinking the grail part. Like... what would you have happen instead? They pause after he drinks from the grail because they have no idea if it works, but you can't exactly SEE the success there, it's just that he doesn't turn into some VFX Christopher Lloyd like Donovan did. The whole tension aspect was reaching the grail... it's a little weird pacing-wise to keep that extra tension going when you're already secured the macguffin. It'd honestly be more noticeable if they were lagging around taking up more time rather than just cutting back to the father who has been dying this whole time. The longer you take, the more the audience's disbelief of the situation grows; best to be efficient about it.
Temple of Doom is a fantastic thrill ride. It’s not Raiders, which was exactly what they wanted. It is my favorite, even though Raiders is an overall better film. There is something about TOD that just works for me. After watching it around 40 times in my life, I recognize the flaws, but they are minimal. I think it’s Harrison’s best performance as Indiana Jones. I agree with you on THE LAST CRUSADE. It’s not as good as people think. It was always my least favorite of the three. I felt the same way about it being Nazis again. I want something different in every film. It didn’t have the scale, set pieces, and special effects the first two had. I do like the movie, but it missed the mark by brining in his father. The dynamic between them is good, but it made Indy look foolish often, and that wasn’t the hero I wanted to see after the first two films.
I couldn't stand Temple of Doom. Kate Capshaw's constant screaming and shrieking drove me crazy. She literally screamed or shrieked every 2 or 3 minutes. I didn't really think about bad writing until you brought it up. It's a good point.
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I have a lot to say but I’ll sum up my thoughts. First off, Indy and Henry’s relationship in Last Crusade is really great because it isn’t forced, it’s naturally sour. Because that’s the point of the movie. They didn’t like each other but learned to appreciate the others interests and therefore each other. Also I think saying the tension at the end being ruined is complete bs. In Raiders (which is my favorite movie ever) he does a lot less in the climax, which is why it’s my least favorite climax of the original 3, and it feels kinda unsatisfactory, even if it’s longer than Last Crusade. The reason that climax works is how much Indy contributes, and in my opinion (though they’re both great scenes) the Last Crusade is still a very satisfying climax. Lastly I don’t hate on the aliens because they’re aliens, if they were from space I’d be fine. No no no, they are inter dimensional. That’s just a step too far for Indiana Jones. Or it was until the dial of destiny climax, which still feels less outlandish, probably because what they’re after was made by humans and not aliens. Having the city be built by aliens is my biggest problem with the movie, since things like that are what ruin archeology as a whole for me, and it’s something I wished more people talked about since what makes so much of the films (and archeology as a whole) so cool is everything was built by humans. And crystal skull ruined that.
Listen, I respect your opinion… but that Last Crusade section has gotta be top 10 worst takes of all time 😭 Ford and Connery have some of the best chemistry ever put on screen and the way their characters’ relationship develops throughout the story is beautiful. All Indy wants is to be validated by his father. They aren’t even close but Indy will go to the ends of the earth and fight the world’s greatest evil just to save him. When his dad finally calls him “Indiana” at the end… absolutely beautiful. It’s all he ever wanted. And for Henry Sr, he has been so obsessed with his own interests his whole life. Books, learning, structure. He finally just embraces adventure at the end, tying his handkerchief around his head and riding off on his horse towards the sunset. It’s perfect
Bingo.
This kid just destroyed 90% of people caring about his opinion with that hot take. Very sad.
Luke- you nailed it. The father son relationship was done so well. Even small scenes like when Indy looks at henry with a bit of admiration after he gets the birds to crash the plane. You see how they grow to understand each other. I also liked that Connery played him quirky. It would have been boring to have Indy's father just be an older version of Indy.
One of the best I respect ur opinion but fuck you moments right here
Glad I’m not the only one on this. My immediate take. Last Crusade was the perfect culmination of the trilogy
Fr, I think that's the best one
The only thing I disagree with is the take on Last Crusade. I think they did a great job grounding and humanizing indiana more then the other films, which makes his character more relatable and realistic.
Agreed. Last Crusade is my second favorite in the franchise.
Loved it, even much more after my dad passed away
Plus Sean Connery is a hero
@@andrewkathe3471 /?
Couldn’t have worded it better
I personally think Last crusade is the best 1 out of the series.
agreed
@@rclark_tv2475 i just hope dial of destiny doesn't suck like KOTKS did.
@@deathmagnetic12085 I have such a personal weird ranking for me its 1, 3, 4, 2. I saw the 4th one in the theaters and it was such a great experience. I really liked crystal skull a lot
yes this comment!
same, really liked seeing his young self and that he had a dad as well as the actor being sean connery
As expected, I have to disagree on the Last Crusade. I'd give a solid 8 or even a 9. Probably the most fun to watch, and an iconic Sean Connery in addition, what's not to like
9 or 10 for sure
I would say it is just as good as Raiders.
The scene with Hitler and the book burning rally was great. Added just the perfect amount of tension for those who are history buffs.
Pg 13
It's better than Raiders and just as good as ToD
The Last Crusade was a perfect sequel, and it was so fun to see in the theaters nothing like his Grail trials had ever been shown before
Dude Temple of Doom rules, you’re nuts
The whole trilogy albeit.
Didn’t like Temple of Doom as a kid in comparison to Raiders and Crusade. Love that movie as an adult.
Agreed, I like the change in tone and its a class film but just because its a bit darker people hate it. Its the best film but tbh all of them are (maybe crystal skull is the worst but it isn't bad)
None of the first trilogy were bad but it's definitely the worst of the 3.
@@SolidPain6624 exactly all three films are great B movies
I think _Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade_ is the greatest sequel ever made. I say sequel because, technically, the events of this film take place two years after his quest for the Ark. This film has everything we could possibly want and more. The pacing is also flawless, and we have Marcus and Sallah returning. We open with an Indy origin story. Turns out he was indeed a cowboy, growing up in a state where the Wild West would have been thriving. Indeed, the early 1910s are acknowledged by most historians as being the final years of the era. We have plenty of Biblical references, with the Cross of Coronado subplot, Indy once again falling into a pit of serpents, and finding himself in a “Daniel in the lion's den” dilemma, and on a moving circus train, no less! It's an exhilarating first act.
We go globetrotting again, stopping at many exotic locations. Utah, Italy, Austria, Germany, Greece, and Hatay. In beautiful Venice, we find out that X really does mark the spot. We descend into creepy rat-infested catacombs and uncover the remains of a knight from the Dark Ages. We also get a nice reference to Indy's earlier discovery of the Ark. After a heart-pounding boat chase through the Venetian waterways, we arrive at an ancient castle in Austria, where Indy revives the grand old tradition of jousting - with motorbikes! Next, we take a detour to Berlin and Indy comes face to face with the Führer, and gets an autograph to prove it! From here we board an airship and engage in a dogfight over the Greek coast, where Indy and his dad haphazardly take down two fighter planes.
No sooner have we got our feet back on the ground, we're venturing into the Arabian desert. At the Sultan of Hatay's palace, Donovan negotiates a joint expedition across the desert to the Canyon of the Crescent Moon while Indy and Henry meet up with Sallah at Iskenderun. We then come to my favourite action sequence of the entire series, the tank chase. Indy, on horseback, takes on an entourage of German soldiers and their WW1 tank, which is a relic in itself. We eventually arrive at our final destination, where Indy faces his toughest challenge yet. Donovan is betrayed by Elsa, and pretty much turns into a zombie. We meet a 700 year old Templar knight guarding the cup of Christ, which is ultimately lost, but Indy realises that the real treasure was staring him in the face all along. The quest for the grail has rekindled his relationship with his estranged father. To top it off, we discover how Indy got his name. What more could you ask for? This movie is absolutely jam-packed. As a sequel, it delivers on every level, never leaves the viewer wanting, and the ending shot is simply spectacular.
My only criticism would be that the Path of God test makes no sense. If the bridge is hidden via optical illusion, then the trial has nothing to do with faith and those who are not pure of heart may cross it as successfully as the faithful. On the other hand, if the bridge is an invisible one that only manifests if you have true faith, how did Donovan and Elsa cross it? They are not true believers, so shouldn't they have fallen to their doom?
Great analysis, you’re absolutely right
Indy threw rocks onto the bridge which revealed it to be an optical illusion.
Donovan and Elsa would have seen that it was safe to cross.
Then it wasn't really a test of faith. Unbelievers may cross it as well as the faithful.
Can’t disagree more on your take of last crusade. The relationship between Indy and his father isn’t forced, it’s strained, this is clearly explained in the airship scene. The comedy aspects fit in well within the context of each scene. Henry Snr is hardly a screaming damsel in distress, he’s the calm personality to tame Indy’s impulsive behavior.
I adore last crusade. I highly relate to the relationship between Indy and his dad aswell as love the crusade/medieval period of history. It all just speaks to me on a personal level.
So, fun fact about the intro of Last Crusade, the guy who was in charge of the dig who gives Indy his hat was originally supposed to be Abner Ravenwood, Indy’s mentor and Marion’s father. It was technically changed but that was the original intent and viewing it through that context makes the intro so much more meaningful.
It would be even better if it actually was Abner Ravenwood (and also a young Marion somewhere in that scene?). I can't imagine why they would have changed what was originally intended to be Abner.
Desire to know more intensifies....
Fun fact about Temple of Doom. Lao Che is the only villain not to die.
I don't consider Fedora Man at the beginning of Last Crusade a villain. He was only working for one (maybe just for that one job), but he really respected young Indy and clearly inspired him. His boss was a villain who later died. Raiders had the same main villain for the opening and main story and he of course died.
That fedora man, with the circus train set peice is supposed to be Abner Ravenwood, Marion's father.
@@cruizlee214 hes not. That was an idea that they scrapped
@@Luka2000_ it could be Abner in one's own head canon, as they never state his name in the film
What about all the nazis in the last crusade
Not all of them die
Honestly the Indiana Jones movies have some things that arent that great but they are still masterpieces in my opinion (all 4 of them) and that being said i cant wait for the 5th movie to come out
Oh and also at 4:41 the reason why Indy knows when to close his eyes is because as to simply put it "he went to sunday school"
Basically in the bible its explained that anyone who saw the power of god was turned into dust wich is also referenced earlier in the movie so Indy knowing when to close his eyes is justified.
I've never understood the level of shade thrown at Temple of Doom. It's always been my favorite Indy movie. Maybe because it was my first Indiana Jones movie when I was a kid and I was a HUGE Indy fan. I mean, I bought a hat and whip and dressed up for adventures in my backyard (dont judge me, I was an only child), and even enrolled in junior archeology programs, although I lost interest as there was very little whip swinging or Nazi shooting. Anyways, aside from the boulder scene in Raiders, Temple of Doom has more iconic moments than any other movie in the series--The mine carts, the rope bridge, the heart-ripping scene... Overall, it's still my favorite.
I think just because of how different it is. It definitely has its own feeling and style, which is something I like about it.
I'd have to agree with you
Same it's my second favorite
I like all the Indiana Jones movie including Temple of Doom. I even like Willie, I had a crush on her when I saw this as a kid.
TOD is a good movie in my opinion. My only complaint is Willie's constant screaming. I mean I understand that she's suppose to be the damsel in disstress. But after a while it sets super annoying.
Fun fact: temple of doom is the reason we have the pg13 rating. It was so violent that it couldn’t classified as pg, but not violent enough to be rated R, so Lucas encouraged the esrb to create the middleground: pg13
Not ESRB, that’s for video games. For film it’s the MPAA.
I'm not so sure Kate Capshaw got the job because she was with Spielberg. My understanding is that it's the other way around. She was cast in the role and that's how she and Spielberg met and started dating then eventually married. I remember seeing an interview with Spielberg where he says he really disliked Temple of Doom and disagreed with a lot of Lucas' choices, but the one good thing that came of the movie was that he met Kate Capshaw.
My name is Jack too
You hit the nail on the head. The raft out of the plane was the beginning of the end of the serious adventure film. Temple of Doom redirected the focus and placed it more on Jones as a comic book hero. Last Crusade is a mixed bag, it is as if its using the story for the comedy, where as Raiders did the opposite.
In Last Crusade it was also the music. It is more of a family friendly amusement ride. The film also gives it away. There is one moment in the sewer, where they pass an inscription on the wall, which is the Ark of the Covenant, and for a moment the music returns to that haunting mysterious tune which was absent in the rest of Last Crusade.
They could have unpacked the Holy Grail story much more, and by the end, it is not just the grail that is found, what about the knight. It could have followed with a simple montage where Henry Jones is documenting history while Indy talks to him.
Raiders was the best. Suspension of disbelief? The payoff was wondering what was inside the ark.
I really enjoyed your take on this. Raiders is in a class of its own, but the others are still very enjoyable if you are just looking for some mindless fun. I agree that Last Crusade is overrated and played it too safe in trying to be like Raiders.
I also really enjoyed Crystal Skull, but I think that’s because I managed to avoid the internet chatter before seeing it. That’s definitely my plan with the new one too - although I think that is even harder to do now.
The young indiana jones series actually explains why indy traded the urn for the diamond at the beginning of doom. The diamond was an artifact he has been looking for for a long time.
To get the full story watch Treasure of the Peacock’s Eye
Raiders is flawless period! Temple of Doom is flawless! Last crusade flawless! Crystal skull does not exist!
Haha. I see a lot of hate around Temple of Doom online. Wish to see Ke Quan back in the series.
Temple of doom isn’t flawless.
😂 part 4 is better than 3. Easily an 8 out of 10.
"Raiders of the Lost Ark" - It's original and fun to watch.
"Temple of Doom" - It's very original but not as fun to watch.
"The Last Crusade" - It's not original but very fun to watch.
"Kingdom of the Crystal Skull" - It was fun for a bunch of 60-somethings to make, I'm sure.
There’s a perfect mood to watch any movie in the original trilogy. But the mood never strikes to watch Crystal Skull again. Lol
How Crusade wasnt original?
@@michaelcaravette lmao strong disagree. I love watching Crystal Skull as much as the others.
I had a good time at Crystal Skull. It was fun to be immersed in the Indiana Jones universe in a theater - John Williams filling the room, etc. It was a good experience
Raiders and Crusade could literally be two perfect movies! Doom is another great movie but could be looked at as it’s own movie. Plus Sean Connery as Indians dad is perfect casting.
“Well, I'm as human as the next man”
Agree
Crusade is unoriginal. The constant jokes, and the fact he gets most of his traits in 15 minutes of his life, is absolutely silly. I also find it funny how many people love Crusade, but hate Crystal Skull, when they're essentially the same movie.
4. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
3. Temple of Doom
2. Raiders of the lost ark
1. The Last Crusade
Personally I love thel first 3 so much that on any given day any might be my favorite. I saw them all in the theaters . I was 7 when I saw Raiders . The female lead of Temple of Doom is not my favorite but outside of this it is equally iconic. Most series tend to include more humor as people are more familiar with the characters. From a purely technical standpoint the first film may be the best . I've likely watched all them in the theater, on VHS, DVD, blu-ray and television by myself and with family and friends more than any other films. There are very few things that I don't love. I recognize some of the stereotypes abd a few effects that haven't aged well but these haven't detracted from my enjoyment. Any film is a product of its time. These were blockbusters in the true sense of tge word made to entertain and succeed very well.
I always thought that when Indiana Jones closed his eyes at the end, that was because he was a well studied scholar, who knew his Bible well, “no one looks upon the face of God and lives.” so I never really thought of it as a plot point problem.
Have to disagree with your take on The Last Crusade, but very much love your take on the Temple of Doom. It was just so much to watch, then and now. I didnt mind the comedy/goofiness of The Last Crusade, as it was fun watching Indy and his dad interact through the movie. Overall its a awesome trilogy that ended on a high note, with indy rifing off into the sunset.
You do realize the Last Crusade in the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, are essentially the same movies? Both are full of silly jokes, both have the father-son dynamic, and they both are slower paced than the original 2.
The "Anything Goes" intro to Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, with Capshaw standing in front of the titles, really fits with the pulp comic book vibe of the movie. I think that it is perfect. I remember seeing it at the cinema in 1984, and somebody asked my dad whether they were in the right theater, as they were confused at the Busby Berkeley type number. Also, Willie's constant screaming is just a homage to those damsels in distress tropes, and she plays that pretty well.
Michael, the one thing you are missing with your Last Crusade take is a true appreciation of the addition of River Phoenix as a young Indy. This was HUGE at the time, as he was poised to be the next Johnny Depp, or Timothee Chalamet or Austin Butler, etc. His untimely passing, at the beginning of what would have been a wonderful Hollywood career, has only made this 3rd installment more poignant for those of us of a certain age in particular, and in general for cinephiles. Further to include the trifecta of a wonderful actor in the infancy of his career (RP), a wonderful actor in the prime of his (HF), and the mountain of accolades due the elder statesman (SC), the bookends of whom have now passed, makes this movie a treasure. No pun intended. Your other takes are spot-on, though, especially countering a lot of the hatorade directed to Temple of Doom.
It was unfortunate of River Phoenix’s passing. So many young stars are taken so early, you wonder what they could have went on to do. I have respect for River and understand seeing him in a Indiana Jones movie must have been huge. His brother his a great actor. I don’t have TLC but nostalgia is a strong thing for people. I’m glad you enjoyed the video!
You're so wrong on The Last Crusade, that was arguably the best of all the films, I think it was objectively better than Raiders. The acting, writing, editing, everything was fantastic. It was a classic.
Here is my ranking,
5# dial of destiny
4#the kingdom of the crystal skull
3#the last crusade
2#raiders of the lost ark
1#temple of doom
You know I get why people hate crystal skull but I personally enjoyed it. I thought aliens were a fun concept considering how many theories there are of aliens in ancient human civilizations. While in comparison to the previous films it does struggle as a stand alone movie it had a lot to be enjoyed.
Yea you were smoking something strong when you broke down the last crusade. The opening scene is iconic, the chemistry was great with Connery and ford, the humor was enjoyable. I put raiders and the last crusade on pretty much the same level
"I don't care about Indiana Jones backstory." Basically, all of Temple of Doom as it is a prequel.
Last crusade is beautiful because Connery alienated his son searching for the holy grail his entire life. He was searching for eternal life, but meanwhile it was staring him in the face his whole life in his son. When the professor says “Indiana” as Indy reaches for the cup that’s when Indy realizes he would rather spend time with his father than have the cup. Man. How can you miss that?!??
The temple of doom was my childhood horror. This scene where the guy gets his heart ripped out scared me to death.
I agree on the Crystal skull isnt as bad as people say, but i do look forward for the 5th.
Temple of Doom has aged the best. Most edgy, most violent, most creative and it's the only film with a character arc for Jones. Easy win.
Disagree with a good 50% of what you said but still liked the video.
I also agree with the comment section. Last crusade rules!
I saw raiders of the lost arc as an 11 year old with my father and I loved it
Indiana Jones AND the Last Crusade Is the Best of the Best. Sean Connery really enjoyed His rol. What a pair of iconic characters.
I'm sorry Pal but I Will now and always rate that movie with a 100/100.
Hi,
Here is my ranking:
1) Raiders: As the first one, it was such a great surprise to see a movie like this one
2) Temple of the doom: very entertaining and the producers took the risk of trying something else than raiders
3) Last crusade: big disavantage: the story is very similar to raider's, so a feeling of "déja vu". Fortunately, interaction with Indy's father is really really good.
4) Cristal skull: I have to admit Harrison is now too old for the character (this is why I am scared about the dial of the destiniy), but I can't see any other actor for the role anyway... and the more I see the movie, the more I enjoy it.
4: Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - Meh
3: The Last Crusade - Great
2: Temple of Doom - Great
1: Raiders of the Lost Ark - Excellent
Correct, have just posted why.
I had the toy car in LEGO, amazing Sets from Crystal Skull back then!💯
Thank you Michael , I totally agree with you about Crystal Skull . Never understood how people would accept anything far fetched from the other films but not the Crystal Skull 💁♂️ I love the movie pretty much for all the reasons you give . I’d mark it far better than 5 ! I just like that you are being objective 👍
I do think Kate Capshaw was good though. She was meant to be playing a high maintenance “princess “ that was the point - the antithesis of Marion ? ( I actually don’t think Kate was attached to Spielberg before she got the role either - pretty sure it was during filming ? )
Thank you for the comment. The Capshaw remark was more of a joke than it was a seriously reason
I just found her so irritating that I couldn't find her entertaining
How can you mark Kingdom of the Crystal skull far better than dial of Destiny. The movie hasn’t even released yet.
Everything else supernatural was of this world, aliens aren't. I am happy to accept ancient spirits and magical properties etc. but once you introduce aliens that gets far beyond the scope of an treasure hunting archeologist. Most people had a problem because it jumped the shark in a gigantic leap, roughly the size that your brain had to take to get to such a lame conclusion.
Good job mate. It was really cool to hear the views of someone who didn't grow up with Indy like me (who has a childhood bias) but was also not just jumping on the bandwagon of what "everyone is supposed to think" (as so many channels do). A refreshing look from an outside perspective that isn't just parroting what has been said before.
You've definitely made me rethink the question "If you had to pick a favourite - if you could only watch one for the rest of your life... which would you pick...."
Wow. Don’t see Last Crusade takes like this everyday. I think you’re on an island with this one, dude.
Gotta have some spicy takes sometimes lol
My rankings (including games):
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. The Last Crusade
3. The Emperor’s Tomb
4. Temple of Doom
5. The Infernal Machine
6. The Fate of Atlantis
7. The Staff of Kings
8. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Ima be here a while listing off everything about Last Crusade. Firstly, the opening has more to say than simple action entertainment and how Indy got the hat. It’s not straight up, but it shows Henry sr’s negligence towards his son which is further touched on later. Much like you said in Temple of Doom, it also shows the protagonist’s inexperience in everything. It builds up his ideals in the importance of culture and respect within artifacts. It adds some side stuff like how he got his scar on his chin, learned to prefer a whip, was traumatized by snakes, and learned a lesson about losing and how it isn’t the end. Don’t forget, too, that in Henry sr’s absence, he had to choose his own role models such as Fedora(the character from the beginning). The next scene showing him as an adult is also a really cool transition with cinematography and shows his perseverance to get what he wants and what he thinks is right. Onto Henry sr as a character, you are missing everything. He’s not a “Willie” character. He’s a man that, despite not showing care for his son, is the main reason Indy is doing anything. In the beginning, Indy says that chasing the grail is hopeless and that he wouldn’t do it. The push for him to go on the quest is to follow what his dad would’ve done to find and rescue him. Beyond that, his character arc is letting go of old dreams to reconnect with his son and be something meaningful for the first time ever. His apparent weakness in action is a result of him having other useful skills and being a person from different time, unlike Willie in either of those aspects. When Indy is fretting over being attacked by fighter planes without a mean of defense, Henry looks to other methods that seem beyond his son and saves both their asses. Another side thing: the comedy lands, unlike in Temple of Doom. Now for the enemy, the nazis were a perfect choice. This is a time period movie, taking place just before the start of WWII. The nazis, just as in Raiders, are driven by lust for power and the belief that ancient artifacts of Christianity will bring them victory. Hitler was absolutely like that in real life. That’s just history. They are also easy to view as a bad guy without offending large groups of people like Indian people and Russians. It isn’t exactly controversial. Indy also has a large gate for these bad guys, as a result of the first movie. The only reason we end up seeing the grail at the end instead of cutting off with them all leaving on the spot after rescuing everyone is because they’ve come so far and so have the nazis. Henry’s lifelong dream of finding the holy grail is at their fingertips and has rubbed off on Indy. Also, if they left right then, there was still enough chance that the world would be left in some of the worst possible hands. They’d have to end things themselves. The action scenes are really good. Maybe less so than Raiders, but they have stakes and originality. The special effects suffer as they did in Temple of Doom, but it still holds up in comparison to what we’re getting nowadays. Something you never touched on in any of the analyses was the God tier music in the first three films. The movie also serves as a way to give Indy some rest with his new relationship with his dad, reunion with his friends, ability to now reminisce the story with Brody, and conclusion to his previously very strict goals with his profession and to his story.
Great video. I actually agree with you in the disappointment of Last Crusade reusing the same villain as original Raiders movie.
I like that Temple of Doom and Crystal Skull had distinctive villains.
Sadly looks like the new Dial of Destiny movie is going right back to Nazi villains again. Would have rather seen something unique. But we'll see how that movie goes.
Yea I think if you don’t have any expectations for Dial then it can’t be too bad
But we didn't even see the villains in Temple of Doom until an hour into the movie and the villains in Crusade were a little different. Elsa was conflicted about her love for the Jones men and working for the Nazis. Colonel Vogel got to actually fight Indy in a one on one match and had some funny lines ("This is how we say goodbye in Germany"). They both had dimension in the story as opposed to just being some evil doers Indy has to defeat.
As someone who has barley watched all the Indian jones movies
I kinda agree with your ranking on the Indiana jones movies. But I kinda disagree with the crystal skull.
I actually found it a lot of fun. But I thought the last crusade was kinda lacking for me. But it was still fun and entertaining.
But not as good as the previous movies. Regardless, I honestly find all the movies to be super entertaining. And am actually now very
excited for this new one that’s coming out this summer.
I actually love every Indy film. I wasn’t raised with expectations of how a good Indiana Jones film should be and I also played the video games as a kid too which were already ridiculous in their own right. The emperor’s tomb literally had Indy fighting a abomination, the kraken and a freaking fire breathing dragon. So the supernatural and wacky things in the movies didn’t phase me at all. Aliens were not weird to me. Ghosts were not weird. Time travel in the new movie is not weird. Since the bar to pass for me of unbelievably is a fire breathing dragon. Emperors tomb is a excellent game, you should review it for your channel
My only complaint about the alien was the execution, which I guess was also the climax of the movie. I liked the mystery and buildup surrounding it up until it was revealed, it looked too goofy looking and the spaceship part didn't help either. Even my kid-self when I first watched it was let down.
Knowing what I know now about Ke's life, I wish they had ditched Shia and given us Short Round instead of trying to make Indi and Marion's kid their own genetic child. They shoulda adopted Short Round.
The dance sequence at the beginning of "Temple of Doom" is telling us right off the bat that it is not "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Check out the film "Gold Diggers of 1935".
100%. Im sure it was bizarre to see when it first came out. You’d think you walked into the wrong theater lol
@@michaelcaravette I loved the dance sequence but admittedly asked the question 'What movie is this? I bought the ticket so...
@@michaelcaravette Even more bizarre is that i found out, 30 years later, that Dan Akroyd played in this movie
I found that out too when I was researching for the video. I had no clue
I just watched the Indy films in story chronological order, Temple first, then Raiders. Hadn’t seen them in years, I really enjoyed Temple as a fun action packed adventure, and Raiders even more so. I didn’t rewatch Last Crusade because once was more than enough, really don’t care for that one. Never watched Crystal Skull all the way through, and have no desire to try. I have no hopes for Dial of Destiny either.
Hard disagree on the "degradation of quality". TLC had better character beats for Indy, since he & his father are paired up for most of the movie. Also, the ending part of finding the Grail was great. Much more suspenseful than finding the Ark of the Covenant, & it also boasts the best ending of the series (one of the best film endings ever IMO). I think most of your opinions on TLC are way off. As for Temple, I think it has the best score & Mola Ram was the best Indy villain. Belloq felt like he was along for the ride while Mola Ram feels like a threatening, creepy antagonist.
About the first movie and the closing eyes thing, it's due to the origin of the story about the arc itself. I believe it goes that Moses built it basically against his will because people wanted to worship a visual thing, not just have blind faith. My religious father pointed that out during his first time ever seeing the movie and I was blown away because it makes complete sense. Basically, believe that the arc has powers, don't look for an Idol to adore, thus why he closes his eyes and tells Marion the same.
Tl,dr: have faith, do not visually worship something.
temple of doom is timeline wise before raiders, thats why indy doesnt make stupid decisions in raiders (example: throwing a rock at patt roach guy in temple of doom). Indy is more foolish in temple of doom, as seen giving away an artifact, but he learned from his mistakes thats why hes ''wiser'' in raiders
SO SO wrong about last Crusade
I put them literally in order of order. Raiders is pretty much my favourite movie of all time, Temple of Doom was great, Last Crusade was good and Crystal Skull was ok based on the prior 3.
Really good Video. But I think, that the last crusade is the best of the movies.
Thank you! I know a lot of people love The Last Crusade. Nothing tops Raiders tho it’s classic.
My tier list for all the Indiana Jones Movies:
3:Temple of Doom 8/10-I loved this one because it’s the most different of all of them and the most thrilling.
2:Raiders of the Lost Ark 9/10-It started the whole franchise, it is an amazing story, and Belloq(I don’t remember how to spell his name) is the greatest Indiana Jones villain.
1:The Last Crusade 9.2/10-I enjoyed a good portion of the comedy, and was interested in the story. Henry Jones Sr, Marcus Brody, Sallah, and Indy we’re a quad.
Side note: KotCS wasn’t a bad movie, but lots of it seemed like lazy writing, or just ridiculous. The ants were used most likely just for filler, the Crystal Skull seems to be highly magnetic only when it’s convenient, no one was able to hear the beeping of all those tracker things that double agent dude who can’t pick a side in the movie, and the UFO was way to much of a stretch. I’d probably give it a 4.5/10 because I did like brining Marion back, and I was so happy that Indy grabbed his hat before Mutt put it on.
Say what you will with Crystal Skull, it can go either way. However, Temple of Doom is just a fantastic film. Once you look at it without thinking of Raiders, it is much easier to like it. They wanted to do something different from the original and they did.
Did you know the refrigerator in Crystal Skull was taken from Back To The Future? In early drafts the time machine was a refrigerator.
„Aged Well?“ is an understatement more like aged phenomenally!!! 😱😂
LOL I remember in high school. Individually we were tasked to do a book report. While at the book store. I saw a soft cover Raiders of the Lost Ark pocket book. I bought it as an insurance in case my teacher have doubts. And went home to watch the Indiana Jones. I wrote the my report book based from the movie.
big indiana jones fan here and i rewatch all the movies every four or five years, but the funny thing is: my favorites always seem to change every time. after my most recent run i‘d say temple of doom entertained me the best this time around.
Well said. While I don’t agree with everything you said, you do a great job explaining your opinions. I agree with you on KOTCS; it’s nowhere near as bad as many want to believe. It’s a fun romp!
If the next one is even remotely as good as Temple and Crusade that would be incredible
Temple has terrible pacing.
It just needs to be better then Crystal Skull, nothing will beat the first 3, especially something coming from Disney.
underrated video, loved this
Thank you! I appreciate it
13:00 he went against his “museum” line at the start of Temple because of the lesson he learns from the intro of Crusade - “You do the right thing, you lose”
The entire intro in Last Crusade sets up his relationship with his dad.
Last Crusade is totally my favorite.
Temple of Doom was actually my first Indie film as a kid.
I’m 45……so not a boomer. Instead, i was a kid when this movie… and the sequels came out. The story telling was amazing. Lucas and Spielberg were in their prime. This was a decade of Indy, Star Wars, Ghostbusters, Goonies, Lost Boys, Karate Kid, Top Gun, Rocky, etc. They are trying desperately to recreate these movies..copies in these times. Why? Peak humanity and pop culture…that is why. Hell, they have a modern Magnum PI nowadays. Why? Because EVERYTHING was cooler in the 80’s. I feel so bad for those that didn’t live it.
Yeah you lost me at not liking the third movie. What's the point of this video? To tell everyone how you feel differently?
The second one is more of a kids movie then the others. My favorite when I was younger.
I get what you're saying, but at the same time calling it the most kid friendly sounds weird, considering that Temple of the Doom is the one where hearts get ripped off, people are burned alive etc...
Wasn’t temple of doom one of the reasons PG-13 was made?
In terms of personal preference and not necessarily best to worst, my ranking goes:
The Last Crusade
Temple of Doom
Raiders of the Lost Arc
Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
I don't imagine many will agree. I see some people put the Last Crusade as their favorite and for others it's Temple of Doom, but I'm not sure I've ever seen someone else put both ahead of Raiders. I love all 3 but I thought they got better as they went as far as the original 3 go, same with the original Star Wars trilogy. For both franchises, if I saw them all today for the first time, I might rank them differently. I saw them all in order when I was very young and impressionable and had this idea in my head that the next movie will always be better than the one before it. The wait and anticipation likely factored in too.
2:43 Kinda like a superhero. In the field, he's Indy the Super Archeologist. At the university, he's mild-mannered Professor Jones.
Just my personal opinion on the franchise as a whole so far...
Raiders- Most Iconic.
Temple- Most entertaining/rewatchable.
Crusade- Most emotionally satisfying.
Crystal Skull- Most disappointing.
I've never understood the hate for Temple of Doom. In fact, I never even knew people didn't like it until about the last 8 years or so. And while I do agree that Crystal Skull isn't AS bas as some will say, it is absolutely a noticeable dip in quality. When you're expecting A level material and get like a C- instead, you definitely notice. We'll see where Dial of Destiny lands later this year...fingers crossed it goes out on a better note.
ghostbusters also does this opening. hook at the start followed by some world building and exposition but its very subtle like in temple.
Awesome video, I know it's an unpopular opinion but I agree with your thoughts on Last Crusade. And even though Crystal Skull has some issues I also don't think it's as bad as it's made out to be. Raiders and Temple of Doom are true masterpieces
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. Last Crusade
3. Temple of Doom
4. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Haven’t seen dial of destiny
Michael, your critique that the ending of Raiders is an issue is off base. It is known through Judeo-Christian beliefs that no man can look into the face of God and survive. It's in the Bible in the Pentateuch. It's pretty reasonable for Jones to know these ancient customs and beliefs
I suppose it is. But it was in a deleted scene him learning not to look. It’s not really a big deal, just something that wasn’t entirely explained to the audience
@@michaelcaravette I recall also reading it in one of the earlier drafts of the script. P.S. the fourth movie is freaking horrible imo
@@michaelcaravette Hey, there's a script going around that is a rewrite of Crystal Skull. It's really good and way better than the movie. Have you read it?
Finally someone who agrees with me on Last Crusade!
I remember when I watched the last crusade for the first time at like 10, I loved seeing young Indians and how he became him. And even though I didn’t think or ask for it doesn’t make it a bad decision.
"Comedy is fine when it has its place, but if it's forced into every line, then it becomes meaningless." Somebody tell that to marvel
I really loved Last Crusade! I had never seen it before but it was easily my favourite. Had the most heart, family drama, action and story of the lot.
I never really got into Raiders unfortunately, and Crystal Skull was atrocious.
Temple of Doom and Dial of Destiny - sorry but I kinda liked those two as well. This is from a not very big Indiana Jones fan also, so please forgive me for liking Dial of Destiny.
The Last Crusade is the weakest of the three - still good though 👍🏻 Just my opinion 😊
My ranking Best to Worst :
1. Raiders of the Lost Ark
2. The Last Crusade
3. Dial of Destiny
4. Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
5. Temple of Doom
"The Last Crusade" was the first movie that I saw and probably is my favorite out of the four. I thought the comedy balanced out well with the movie; not as forced as "The Last Jedi". I was fine with the father/son dynamic and it wasn't as insufferable as "Temple of Doom".
"Temple of Doom" is probably my least favorite movie as that one was definitely very insufferable with no help from the sidekicks.
Thank you for giving Temple it's due - it's a fantastic movie 🍿🍿🍿 edit - I should have watched the whole thing before commenting because i also TOTALLY AGREE on Crusade - the father/son dynamic super cheesed me out! It felt like unnecessary pandering due to the backlash of ToD. In my absolutely expert opinion, you nailed this retrospective 👍💯
Short round my favorite Indiana Jones side character he is best boy
Completely agree. I think The Last Crusade and Crystal Skull have too much comedy, like how Indy stops in the middle of a fight to look bewildered after shooting three Nazis with one bullet. But after watching them over and over, I'm more forgiving. I'm not a big fan of Disney but I still hope this next one's good.
It might be wishful thinking but hopefully they learned their lesson from Crystal Skull. It will make money regardless.
I disagree. I never had that problem, especially with the Last Crusade where the comedy I think hit well in many scenes unlike a lot of movies today where they have to force in comedy just for the sake of laughs.
@@captainhowlerwilson508 You're right,. The comedy in modern movies isn't earned. Action series of the seventies, eighties, and nineties (Indiana Jones, Star Wars, Die Hard, Lethal Weapon) kind of had a formula. The first film established the characters and tone. The second was darker/more violent. The third had more humor because, by now, we know and like the heroes and want to go on a fun adventure with them. Then the fourth pushed the limits of our suspension of disbelief. It was almost meta with the jokes and the incredulous situations the characters would get into (Mutt swinging on vines with monkeys, Murtaugh walking around in his underwear and clucking like a chicken, pretty much everything in Live Free Die Hard). I might not think Crystal Skull is a better movie than Raiders because of the humor and some of the stuff that happens take me out of the story a little, but I still really do like it because Indy is Indy and it's good to go on another adventure with him. The problem with modern films is they always want to go straight to that fourth movie. Too much goofy comedy, too much winking at the camera, too many unbelievable stunts with characters I haven't spent enough time with to pull all that off.
You didn't find Temple of Doom to go too far with comedy? It's full of slapstick humor and gross out gags.
Crusade does have a lot of emotional content to balance it's humorous parts and maybe it's a personal thing, but I find the humor to be actually funny as opposed to Temple's "hey let's laugh at these gross dishes that these foreigners eat or let's laugh at what stupid thing Willie does".
@@TheMrHavish I think there are plenty of moments where the comedy in Temple of Doom works, mainly when it doesn't interfere with the dark stuff and when Willie Scott is barely involved.
16:00 I think it's pretty obvious that the reason why there's a flashback is to properly introduce his family/father into the story, as he hasn't had a presence up to this point in the films and it does a good job of showing where Indy's adventurous roots come from and foreshadowing how that clashes with his father, along with the friction with his father. It's not "unnecessary" at all, lol. Otherwise when you bring the dad in later, the audience has literally no context about who his father is and what relationship he has with him. Now, maybe you could argue that the cross of coronado element and the rainy boat fight might've been unnecessary, but again, it does a decent job of tying young Indy's adventures to repercussions for modern-day Indy and how those plot threads didn't just disappear into the ether.
I also don't understand your grievances with the "lack of tension" during the drinking the grail part. Like... what would you have happen instead? They pause after he drinks from the grail because they have no idea if it works, but you can't exactly SEE the success there, it's just that he doesn't turn into some VFX Christopher Lloyd like Donovan did. The whole tension aspect was reaching the grail... it's a little weird pacing-wise to keep that extra tension going when you're already secured the macguffin. It'd honestly be more noticeable if they were lagging around taking up more time rather than just cutting back to the father who has been dying this whole time. The longer you take, the more the audience's disbelief of the situation grows; best to be efficient about it.
Temple of Doom is a fantastic thrill ride. It’s not Raiders, which was exactly what they wanted. It is my favorite, even though Raiders is an overall better film. There is something about TOD that just works for me. After watching it around 40 times in my life, I recognize the flaws, but they are minimal. I think it’s Harrison’s best performance as Indiana Jones.
I agree with you on THE LAST CRUSADE. It’s not as good as people think. It was always my least favorite of the three. I felt the same way about it being Nazis again. I want something different in every film. It didn’t have the scale, set pieces, and special effects the first two had. I do like the movie, but it missed the mark by brining in his father. The dynamic between them is good, but it made Indy look foolish often, and that wasn’t the hero I wanted to see after the first two films.
I couldn't stand Temple of Doom. Kate Capshaw's constant screaming and shrieking drove me crazy. She literally screamed or shrieked every 2 or 3 minutes. I didn't really think about bad writing until you brought it up. It's a good point.
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I have a lot to say but I’ll sum up my thoughts. First off, Indy and Henry’s relationship in Last Crusade is really great because it isn’t forced, it’s naturally sour. Because that’s the point of the movie. They didn’t like each other but learned to appreciate the others interests and therefore each other. Also I think saying the tension at the end being ruined is complete bs. In Raiders (which is my favorite movie ever) he does a lot less in the climax, which is why it’s my least favorite climax of the original 3, and it feels kinda unsatisfactory, even if it’s longer than Last Crusade. The reason that climax works is how much Indy contributes, and in my opinion (though they’re both great scenes) the Last Crusade is still a very satisfying climax. Lastly I don’t hate on the aliens because they’re aliens, if they were from space I’d be fine. No no no, they are inter dimensional. That’s just a step too far for Indiana Jones. Or it was until the dial of destiny climax, which still feels less outlandish, probably because what they’re after was made by humans and not aliens. Having the city be built by aliens is my biggest problem with the movie, since things like that are what ruin archeology as a whole for me, and it’s something I wished more people talked about since what makes so much of the films (and archeology as a whole) so cool is everything was built by humans. And crystal skull ruined that.