Favourite Indy film

An impossible questions for me to answer is; “what’s your favourite Indiana Jones movie?”

I can’t do it! It’s too difficult for me to narrow down a single reason as to why one of the films is my favourite.

Obviously The Crystal Alien Skull thing is the weakest. Temple of Doom is my least favourite of the originals, as I can’t stand listening to Willie Scott scream. Although the most iconic image of Indy is found in Temple of Doom on the rope bridge, the story doesn't intrigue me. Randomly falling out of a plane on a native village, in order to rescue their religious rocks is not overly interesting to me. I do commend the filmmakers for making something vastly different than Raiders, however it falls a bit short for me. Still a good movie, just not my favourite. 

So awesome

Raiders and The Last Crusade however, are two of the most re-watchable and fun movies ever made. The idea for this blog came last week after I watched The Last Crusade on blu ray. For the first time in my life, I think I have found the answer.

The Last Crusade is my favourite. There. I finally made a choice that I will stick with...until I watch Raiders again.

So why the preference for The Last Crusade? Let's start with the obvious. Sean Connery adds a dimension to the series that was lacking in Raiders. Instantly, the character of Indiana Jones is fresh again as his father is introduced. Their chemistry is fantastic and it's one of the most entertaining relationships I've seen on film. 

James Bond is Indy's dad

I love the locations. Ahhh Venice. Great new location for the film to start in, and they only get better from there.

Some of the best scenes of The Last Crusade include Sallah and Marcus Brody. They were such great characters in Raiders that having them play larger roles in The Last Crusade is fantastic. Seeing Marcus act like a fish out of water when Indy tells the Nazis "he has a two day head start," is one of my favourite scenes. 

The holy grail is literally the holy grail of MacGuffins. Such an interesting artifact that instantly grabs my attention; even more that the Ark of the Covenant. 

The three trials that conclude the film are to me; the most riveting aspect of the saga. Seeing Indiana push his faith by taking that leap, is a level of emotion that Raiders never had. 

When it's all said and done, riding off into the sunset is a finale that you smile at. The ending of Raiders is fantastic; but you don't have that sense of excitement watching a room full of crates. Seeing our four heroes ride off into a beautiful sunset is one of the best endings a film series can have.

Don't get me wrong. Raiders of the Lost Ark is AMAZING! I want to watch it at least twice a year. The Last Crusade however, hits me emotionally where Raiders never did. 

Why Indiana Jones 5 is a good idea

I remember the excitement when my Indiana Jones collection arrived at my door on blu ray. I had heard that their transfers into 1080p were fantastic, and I could not wait to re-watch some of my favourite movies. 

When the credits rolled on The Last Crusade, I couldn't help but feel a little sad. The trilogy was over, and there would be no more Indy adventures.

A perfect ending to the trilogy

That was the moment I forgot about Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

As I flipped through the digibook blu ray case, I forgot that there was a fourth movie of the franchise left to watch. I will not lie, I had yet to watch The Crystal Skull until last year. I avoided it like the plague, as I knew it was universally hated.

We all know how bad Indy 4 is. I  don't have to rant about it. Sure, they're actually are parts of film I enjoy. But overall, it's incredibly disappointing and the disc will probably be used as a drink coaster from now on.

I had no idea it would be this bad

So why is Indiana Jones 5 a good idea? Truth is, Indiana Jones 4 was a good idea, and there was a fantastic script from Frank Darabont for it. George Lucas (active producer of the Indy films) rejected Darabont's script, and instead went with the literary achievement that was Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. For the most part, Indy 4 is a very well directed movie. The problems of the film come down to the ridiculous script and horrible characters.

Ford keeps himself in great shape, and he is ready to play the role. Steven Spielberg is coming back to direct with Kathleen Kennedy and Frank Marshall producing.

Indy 5 is a great idea, because George Lucas will not be involved. I am not a Lucas hater. He was a great visionary director and a great man. However his time in Hollywood is done, and Lucasfilm is ready to move forward.

Disney understands how to create a great story. With Disney owning Lucasfilm and the rights to Indiana Jones, I am confident Indy 5 will be a great movie and the send off to the character we've always wanted.

The Force Awakens Blu Ray

An image that started it all

I remember it like it was yesterday. When the picture shown above was released on social media, it took the world by storm. I remember downloading it, just so I could zoom in and see the expressions on all their faces.

It was real.

Harrison Ford was actually sitting next to J.J. Abrams, discussing the film.

Speculation started instantly. Seeing Lawrence Kasdan was to me, the most important person in the room. Kasdan of course, wrote Episode 5 and 6. Seeing his return was reassurance that the script was in capable hands, and George Lucas was far away.

Seeing R2D2 in the corner, having Carrie Fisher talking to Daisy Ridley, is that...is that ANDY SERKIS!

Needless to say, this picture started all the fan theories and and all the hype. It didn't take long for me to envy the fly on the wall in that room. How I wanted to be there to hear the cast discuss the film and read it for the first time.

Luckily for spoiled consumers such as myself, the Force Awakens blu ray has it covered.

I am excited to watch the movie again at home. However I am more looking forward to this special feature that was recently announced. Along with many more features, this blu ray seems to be a great addition to my ever growing collection. As you probably can tell, I was a huge fan of The Force Awakens and I'm looking forward to adding it to my shelf.

Here is the Force Awakens In-Home trailer.