Indiana Jones returns and this time he is searching for his father and the Holy Grail in the third film of the series, “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.” After finding Henry Jones Sr., Indiana learns the people who are supposed to be helping him are actually working with the Nazis in their own quest of the Holy Grail. Eventually, Indy is able to find the Grail and save his father while the temple where it is kept is destroyed by their much greedier former assistant.

This film provides an interesting look at Indiana Jones and his family life and uses some iconic actors for its portrayal. River Phoenix plays a young Indiana Jones whose quest for a crucifix in 1912. This scene helps demonstrate Indy’s archaeological drive while setting up the eventual quest to find his father. This performance has taken on a life of its own following Phoenix’s untimely death just four years after this film was released. He looked to have the talent to sustain a long career like Harrison Ford. It would’ve been really interesting to see if the Indiana Jones series could’ve continued if River Phoenix was still with us.

Viewers get a look at the other end of the spectrum with the relationship between Henry Jones Sr. and Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr. Former James Bond actor Sean Connery shines as Indy’s father, and you can tell the pair have a loving but contentious relationship. Plus, Henry proves worth several times throughout the film while also demonstrating how similar the father and son duo actually are. I would’ve loved to have seen more action films featuring a Harrison Ford and Sean Connery pairing. As it is, I’m just happy we got this one.

Of the first three Indiana Jones films, this is my least favorite, but picking the least favorite of these three is still picking a really good movie. It’s got action. It’s got adventure. It’s got comedy. It is exactly what makes Indiana Jones films fun and great. If the series had remained finished here, it would’ve been a nearly perfect trilogy.

Rating: 4.5 stars

What did you think of “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade?”

Jeremy Brown

Jeremy has been a big Disney fan since he was a kid growing up during the Disney Renaissance. One day he hopes to go to every Disney Park in the world.

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