"Raiders" all the way!!!

Posted by ROB T. from 162.10.138.28 on October 19, 1999 at 23:47:37:

In Reply to: Another fun Indy question posted by HF605 on October 19, 1999 at 22:17:51:

"Raiders" is the best of the three by far. Everything about it is superior to "Temple of Doom" and "Last Crusade."
First it has the tightest script. There's not a single bad line of dialogue or a dull scene or a flat joke. One of the best screenplays of all time.
Second, the villains are the coolest. Belloq is a worthy opponent for Indy and may be even better at his craft than Indy is. He speaks Hovitos and has bested Indy many times before. If he hadn't disobeyed God by opening the Ark he'd have won again.
Toht is a creepy sadist and is far scarier than any of Indy's other villains. He doesn't give a crap about the Ark. He's motivated by his desire to inflict pain.
Of all the Nazis in the Indy films, Dietrich comes off as the most believable. I love how he's uncomfortable with Belloq enacting his "Jewish ritual." He lives to serve his Fuehrer.
Third, Marion is the best of Indy's love interests. Willie Scott comes off as a whiny stereotype more than an actual character. The love scene with Marion and Indy on board the ship is romantic and believable. Marion is so tough and beautiful that she is the only one of the three who really seems like someone Indy would be attracted to. Willie and Elsa just seem like window dressing.
Fourth, "Raiders" has the best action sequences. There are six action scenes and they are all different from each other and different from anything we've seen in movies before. Indy seems to truly be in danger in them and comes away battered and bruised and bloody. The opening scene and the truck chase are two of the best action scenes of all time.
Fifth, "Raiders" has the most laughs. The jokes are better and never seem to be shoehorned in like so many other films do. They flow right out of the situation. In "Temple" all the laughs come from making fun of Willie or because Shorty makes a joke. And "Last Crusade" doesn't appear to have any funny parts.
Sixth, Sallah and Marcus. Two very believable friends for Indy. Marcus is similar to Indy except more of an intellectual instead of an action guy. His belief in the Ark counterbalances Indy's skepticism and forshadows the danger that Indy is in.
Sallah is strong and loving and a respected family man. He believes in the Ark too and even puts his children in danger to help his friend. he's the kind of man that anyone would be glad to call friend.
I can't forgive "Last Crusade" for the way it treats these two great characters.
And seventh, "Raiders" is the best directed. Spielberg is at the top of his game with "Raiders." "Temple of Doom" has too many set pieces; it mostly takes place indoors and doesn't have the global feel that "Raiders" has. "Last Crusade" seems too clean. I like the way in "Raiders" how everybody looks like they need a bath. When Marion kisses Indy on the boat you just know his breath reeks and he has B.O.
Sean Connery goes through all of "Last Crusade" without even rumpling his suit.
All in all, "Raiders" is a masterpiece where the other two are just good films. And with "Temple of Doom" that's debatable.

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