Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(L-R) John Rhys-Davies, Harrison Ford, Sean Connery, and Denholm Elliott as Sallah, Henry ‘Indiana’ Jones Junior, Professor Henry Jones Senior, and Marcus Body in ‘Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade’. (Photo Courtesy of Paramount Pictures and Disney.)

Normally in storytelling, we learn everything we need to know about an iconic character, or character in general straight out of the gate. That way, we know who we are dealing with, we know what they stand for, and we can go along on their adventure and watch them do their thing and root for them every single step of the way. Not to mention, this also allows for the character to grow and become more before our eyes as the adventure continues along. So, creatives everywhere stick with the upfront style of storytelling when it comes to backstory to take us on quite the ride. But now and again, you run into a story… that is eager to defy that convention.
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Simply because, there arrives an opportunity to use the past to enhance the story further, or it could be to flesh out the character at a critical moment in their development, but even then… it’s a risky gambit. Just because… that could potentially retcon what we know, or it could lead to a stagnant story that focuses upon other concepts. But when done right, exploring more about a character can in fact take the story to new heights and oddly enough, the next chapter in the Indiana Jones saga, opted to make the past the focus and dig deeper into a character we already thought we knew inside and out. Which was… a risky move for certain. But since this saga is no stranger to bold decisions, Steven Spielberg and the creative braintrust in this saga… opted to stick with risk and well, that paid off in spades and made Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, another iconic film.

Courtesy of the fact that the past actually bolsters the story through and through, simply because it adds new depth to Indiana Jones. For we come to learn here what made him the brave man he is today, and how he forged his respect for history and the artifacts that make up its rich existence. Plus, we also came to learn that he isn’t really named Indiana. That he’s actually, Henry Jones Junior, and that he adopted the moniker to separate himself from his gruff father. And it is the family stuff that truly allows for this story to shine. Because it actually makes Indiana Jones more relatable than he already was. Since we too have dealt with grating moments with our own fathers and have felt the need to separate ourselves from them and forge our own legacy… until we discover the importance of honoring them and theirs and the importance of keeping them as close to us as possible.

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All of which makes this a very personal and intimate feature, which is surprising… considering that it is the biggest Indiana Jones film to date. After all, the Nazis return to hunt for the Cup of Christ, aka the Holy Grail, and that leads to some stunning actions sequences, especially in the third act. Because watching Junior basically fight it out with a tank, is pretty darn impressive, as is risking life and limb to move through the tests that the Knights set forth to keep people out of the very room where the Holy Grail resides. Not to mention, the final search for the Grail and how that plays out is equally as epic thanks to the stakes, along with one bold decision. And really, all of those elements bring forth a stunning entry in the franchise. One that exceeds its predecessors in scope and humor and well… everything… and it also doesn’t hurt that this film is filled to the brim with amazing performances.
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For Henry Jones Senior, is played by none other than acting legend Sean Connery. Who slips into the role of Indy’s father with minimal effort and adds incredible gravitas and depth to the role. And he plays so well off of the legendary Harrison Ford’s own stellar performance here, one that features a real longing from Indiana as he works to please and connect with his dad, whom he loves dearly… that at times… it really feels as though we’re watching a father and son on screen. And that authenticity really does make the bond here quite special and moving and gives us something else to root for as well, peace and connection between these estranged men. And of course, that duo is wonderfully balanced out by the rest of the cast as well, who turn in fine work here to provide us with a moving experience, one that in many ways… felt like the end the line.

After all, Indiana Jones and his father and extended family, ride off into the sunset and the character would move to television briefly and then memory and that too… was a bold decision. Because while going out on top is commendable, we all knew there was more left in the tank and eventually, we would get another controversial sequel. But that’s for tomorrow’s discussion. For today, we celebrate what many rightfully consider to be… the finest film in the franchise. Because this one really did have it all, action, adventure, meaning and high stakes. Because the thought of the unholy Adolf Hitler drinking from that holy cup… is a scary thought, but thankfully… it was Indy that chose wisely and brought to a close… a brilliant and bold and iconic film. One that taught us the past can come into play later if handled correctly and reminded us of the wonder of family and how it is always there for us, regardless of what happened yesterday.  

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