The Cinematic Adventures of Johnny B: Raiders of the Lost Ark So after sometime away Ive decided to once again deal out my opinions on films in my collection. This time around however, Ill be breaking each review down into four categories (plot, cast/characters, presentation, overall enjoyment). Each category will earn a score between 1-25 for an overall 1-100 rating on how I perceive the film. For my first series of reviews Ive chosen to tackle my favorite film franchise of all time, Indiana Jones. So grab your fedora and bullwhip and swing in as we tread off on an adventure of a lifetime Raiders of the Lost Ark. Plot: So lets be candid for a moment here the Indiana Jones films are not known for there concise plots and realism. Truth be told if one were to categorize these films by there plots alone they would fall deep into the realm of fantasy films. What makes these films work so well however, is the none stop adventure and over the top mans-man title character. Raiders of the Lost Ark sets up the formula used with each of the following films by introducing our hero amongst an ongoing adventure that doesnt directly relate to the overall theme of the film. This suggests to the audience that this isnt Dr. Jones first rodeo. No opening sequence is more iconic than Indy running from the boulder in Raiders. This short series of events show cases the over the top absurdity and fun that is soon to ensue. From here we follow Indy on an adventure to recover the Ark of the Covenant said to hold with in the power of God. As a whole Raiders presents probably the most riveting plot in the franchise. It features insane Nazi villains, a rambunctious female love interest, and best of all you feel a sense of dread attached to the artifact in question. That sense of dread puts up stacks for Indiana which allows us to believe in his quest no matter what absurd methods he must use to reach the end. So I easily reward Raiders with a full 25 for plot. Cast/Characters: The first character to mention is that of Indiana himself. Part time teacher, part time archeologist, and full time bad ass Indiana Jones is the ultimate mans man. Whether it be swooning the ladies or swinging from his signature bullwhip into the midst of an epic brawl, Indy embodies every mans greatest desires. Harrison Ford as Indy has to be one of the greatest casting decisions ever made. Ford brought about a sort of grit to the character that pushed him into the role of icon. The female love interest , Marion Ravenwood, show cased the perfect match for Indy by showing a woman who could out drink and out fight many of her male counterparts. Karen Allen once again proved to be the perfect casting choice and to me lives on as my favorite of Indys love interests. There are many other great characters in Raiders but the last I will mention is that of Sallah, played by the ever talented John Rhys-Davies. What Sallah was a bit under used in the film his character steals nearly every scene hes in. Just as before I give this category a full 25. Presentation: Now to clarify by presentation I mean to overall visuals and soundtrack of the film. First off one of the many things I love about the Indiana Jones films is the unique style and look each has. Each film is given its on tone through visual presentation as much as by the plot itself. With Raiders we are whisked away to several locations and given in sight to many different cultures through out the film. We see the indigence tribes men at the beginning of the film and the crowded market dwellers in the famous marker scene stand off. Each locale offers up its own piece unique back drop for the surrounding story to unfold upon. Ever present during the entire film is John Williams iconic musical score second only to his work on the Star Wars films. Williams score serves as less of a backing track and more of a way to drive the action in many scenes. Still to this day I cant help but crack a smile any time I hear the Indiana theme come on. Raiders scores a strong 25 for its charismatic presentation. Enjoyment: Nothing matters more to me when watching a film then the emotions I experience during my viewing. Any good film should separate you from reality and allow you to feel for the subject matter its presenting. I can honestly say that Ive never experienced more emotions watching any other films then with Indiana Jones. After having seen each one numerous times I still laugh at every joke, squirm at every dark death, and my heart continually races as during each action sequence. Raiders holds some of the biggest high points of enjoyment out of the entire franchise for me. Whether it be the before mentioned intro or the incredible market place fight. As a kid the ending terrified me and still to the day I have to resist covering my eyes as the Ark is finally opened. This to me is what makes a film great and more so than that its the key to creating something more then just a movie but an actual lifelong experience. I proudly give Raiders a 25 for overall enjoyment. Ever since I heard the crack of Indianas whip Ive been a devoted fan of the films. Raiders was my intro to Indys world and what began my lifelong love of cinema. Many films cant with stand the test of time but Raiders of the Lost Ark is still just as great a film today as it was in my childhood. That being said I give Raiders of the Lost Ark a perfect 100 score.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 22:17:20 +0000