In 1938, famed archaeologist Indiana Jones is in for the adventure of his life. When he receives a mysterious journal in the mail, Indy realizes that his father, Henry Jones Sr., was the one who sent it to him. The journal holds clues and a map to the legendary Holy Grail, which Indy's father has been hunting for all his life. When he goes missing, Indy must pick up where his father left off and work to uncover the location of the Grail. Little does Indy know that his Nazi foes are on the hunt for the Grail, as well, for their nefarious intentions. Now with help from Marcus Brody and Sallah, Indy must rescue his father and race to the Grail before the Nazis can get their hands on it. I think this is my favourite movie in the entire Indiana Jones franchise, tied very closely to Raiders of the Last Ark (1981), which this movie is set 2 years after. This adventure feels like a return to some basics for the trilogy after the quite different Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) that saw a departure from tangling with Nazis, flying to multiple locations across the globe and a well-known religious relic for the MacGuffin. There are a few similarities between this one and the first, mainly due to Spielberg attempting to play it safe after the backlash for the extreme violence and graphic imagery of Temple by parents. Although it shares some themes, this movie is in no regard a carbon copy, it's different, yet still just as fun as its predecessor (if not more). I think the most important aspect of this film's success was the inclusion of, none other than James Bond himself, Sean Connery as Indy's father, Henry Jones Sr., who brings this adventure to life. Their on-screen chemistry is through the roof in every department, from their dialogue to their actions and reactions. I adore every second they are together, whether it be an attempt to escape being tied up in a Nazi-controlled castle that ends up going awry, an escape on a bike pursued by Nazis or dodging planes in a dogfight. There is never a dull moment when they are together. I have too many favourite scenes, but I think their biggest highlight is the sequence where they are strapped to the chair, which is so comical with them both shouting at one another and uncovering secret passages. It is so iconic. Furthermore, I love how whenever Indy does anything impressive, his father gives him the most unimpressed look, I can't stop laughing every time. That is something I noticed a lot whilst watching. I laughed an unbelievable amount of times. There are just so many brilliant moments full of comedic elements that perfectly balance the darker and emotionally driven parts. Another favourite segment of mine is the entire opening. Starting with a young Indy was a fascinating idea that perfectly displayed his character and traits that we all know and love. Seeing him steal an artefact and be chased to a moving train where he acquires his fear of snakes, use of a whip (which also results in his scar on his chin) and hearing him say his famous line, "It belongs in a museum". If you liked this segment too, then you can see some similar moments in The Young Indiana Jones Chronicles (TV Series 1992-1993). The action is so enthralling, with varying locations for duking out some evil Nazis, with the most awesome being the duel on top of the tank. There is so much going on in that fight alone to make it the most engaging piece, certain to keep you on the edge of your seat. Our MacGuffin for this escapade is Holy Grail, the cup of Christ, which makes for a seriously interesting prize that's protected by a great series of trials to overcome that show Indy's skills. The cup's reveal at the end was also really satisfactory and everything they did in regards to it, was beautifully done. Overall, Last Crusade will always hold the title of my favourite Indy movie. I cannot even begin to stress enough how much I adore this film with its overwhelming amount of heart, comedy, action and old-fashioned adventure. There isn't a single beat skipped in this masterpiece that makes it ideal for rewatching. A must-see in my opinion! Such a phenomenal end to the trilogy, but it doesn't end there with the addition of a fourth instalment, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008).
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