Archeology is the Study of Facts… (21)

Top 30 Greatest Movies of All-Time # 21

Title:  Raiders of the Lost Ark

Actors/Director/Anything Worth Mentioning Right Away:  This is Harrison Ford in that other series of movies made by George Lucas.

Introduction:   I don’t remember my first time seeing this movie either, but it was probably somehow on television and around the time when I was eleven or twelve.    Random Fact:  When I was still a young lad, my dad wouldn’t let me watch The Temple of Doom because he felt it was too scary.

Location:  In the hearts of us all.

Plot:  If you don’t know the plot of this movie- and if you’ve never seen it- then quickly exit this web page now and go find a way to watch it.   For those who have seen it, you know the plot.   However, what I find to be the greatest thing about the plot is that it started what was essentially a great series of treasure hunting movies to follow.   Everything from The Mummy (with Brendan Fraser) to National Treasure can see the influence this series had on it.  This movie really was way ahead of its time, even though it was set in the past.

Acting:  Harrison Ford is a good actor, deal with it.

Production:  Yes, it had money.

Sex/Nudity:   Nope, it was good family fun.

Special Effects:  Again, it had money.

Overall Verdict:  I may stand alone in this, but I don’t care.   When I was a kid growing up, my uncles loved Star Wars and had all the toys.   I never really had the toys or anything back when the movies were relevant, but I had seen them and did enjoy them.    However, my true passion for Harrison Ford and George Lucas would be in the form of Indiana Jones.    While other kids had lightsabers (or items used to portray such a weapon), I was running around my backyard pretending to be Indiana Jones.   What is the one thing a Star Wars kid wants?  Maybe a real lightsaber?  I don’t know, a pet wookie?   Anyway, all I really wanted was an Indiana Jones hat.   I’m not kidding, I would have put that thing on and played all summer by myself, searching for nothing but taking till dark to do it.    But I did that anyway, even without the hat.   Random Fact:  I currently own a talking Indiana Jones doll that was released when The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull came out.  I will not part with it.  Ever.   Random Fact:  I share the title character’s feelings on both rats and snakes.

The List Thus Far:

(21) Raiders of the Lost Ark

(22) Beetlejuice

(23) Escape From L.A.

(24)  Howard the Duck

(25) Cabin Fever

(26) Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure

(27) Uncle Buck

(28) Donnie Darko

(29) Demolition Man

(30) Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory