The Plot:
The story opens somewhere in South America, where Jones is searching for some relic. He manages to find the location of it and outwits the booby traps in order to get it. However, once he gets the relic, the place comes crashing down on him and he barely escapes. He's then captured by his rival, Belloq, who's convinced the local natives to join forces with him. Jones makes a run for it and flies off to safety. Later, while teaching archeology and basically lying to his class about how archeology is mostly book work and not expect any excitement whatsoever. His friend, Marcus Brody, a museum owner, mentions to Jones that two army specialists wish to speak with him about something. The army specialists and Jones meet, where then the specialists mention that they received a transmission from the Nazis about the Staff of Ra, an artifact that can pinpoint the location of The Ark of the Covenant. Jones agrees to help and sets off to Nepal, where he meets Marion Ravenwood, a former lover, and the owner of the headpiece of the staff. Marion tells Jones to come back, but Nazi forces arrive to get the headpiece themselves. After a gunfight, Marion joins Indiana with the headpiece. They head to Egypt, where the excavation of the Ark is located. Another friend of Indiana, Sallah (jeez, for a guy who says archeology is bookwork, not field work he sure knows a lot of people) mentions that the Nazis are digging in all the wrong places. However, Belloq is leading the dig and is closing in on the Ark's location. Jones and Sallah get the headpiece translated and use the instructions to find the location of the Ark. Indiana digs up the ark, but the Nazis and Belloq find him. They trap him and Marion (who was captured by the Nazis) in the site, but they escape. Jones chases after the Nazis who are transporting it to Germany, and he commandeers the truck and plans to send it back to the U.S. Yet again, the Nazis get the ark back, and yet again, Indiana manages to sneak aboard and try to reclaim it. The Nazis and Belloq attempt to test the Ark on an island before sending it to Germany, but the wrath of God wipes out the Nazis, because you know, Nazis are evil. Jones and Marion survive because the plot demands it. They send the Ark back, but those wiley military guys claim to be "studying" the Ark. The Ark is put in a warehouse, while Indiana and Marion get a drink.
The Good:
A whole lot actually. The story's pretty well done and the pacing is just right making everything work well together. The action sequences are arguably better than most action flicks made today. There's no cheesy CGI, and I like that. Harrison Ford does a wonderful job playing Indiana, he says some pretty good one liners that are memorable. For example, Jone has a phobia of snakes. When they open the entrance to the Ark's location, the floor is crawling with snakes. Jones says, "Snakes. Why'd it have to be snakes?" Funny stuff. You're rooting for Indiana as he tries to get the Ark out of the wrong hands. And the other characters are well done too. Marion, is a tough yet lovable girl with an attitude. She's not a damsel in distress, she's the damsel helping Indiana when needed. Sallah's hilarious. I'd love to be friends with that guy.
The Bad:
I honestly can't think of much. There's a stupid sub plot where someone attempts to kill Indiana, but naturally, the main character can't die. It's pretty pointless to be honest.
Bonus Round:
Again? Fine, fine. For those who don't know this, C3-PO and R2-D2 make an appearance in this movie. Not in person, because that would make no sense. They're actually in the room where the Ark is.
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| Oh dear, it seems we're doomed R2. |
Cameos are fun.
Score:
4 rolling boulders out of 5.
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