Raiders of the Lost Ark

Raiders of the Lost Ark
Starring: Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, and Paul Freeman
Rating: A

Today I'm doing the first, and best, of four Indiana Jones movies. This is really the classic adventure story ever made in my mind. Under the direction of Steven Spielberg, this movie takes you on a ride you will not soon forget. I remember watching it as a little kid, but I really did not appreciate in until I was older and really paid attention to the writing. George Lucas writes another great story that really takes you all across the globe with one of the great adventure heros ever. This film took Harrison Ford, fresh off the first two Star Wars films, to an all new level of stardom. Ford, with his cowboy hat and whip, really became an icon with this movie. It's hard to believe that Lucas didn't want to use him in the role. What a great mistake that would have been.

The movie really grabs you from the beginning, as Indiana is hiking through the rain forest looking for a lost idol. It is there that you are first introduced to his nemesis Belloq, who once again steals his prize. From there Indiana goes back to his university job and is approached by two men from the U.S. army. They intrust him with the mission of beating the Nazis' to the sacred Lost Ark of the Covennt. Along with his long lost flame Marion and friend Sallah, Indiana hunts down the Ark.

Armed with a great cast and director, this film really is one of my all-time favorites. If you have not seen it, you are really missing out on one of the greatest adventure stories of all-time. This is really a can't miss movie, so get out and see it.