Boyish, playful and seriously good fun. This film proves that blockbusters can have integrity and be considered a template of a generally, and unjustly lesser, popcorn genre of cinema. Spielberg was on fire, in his element and it shows. Earning his stripes as a skilled and populist director, this finale embodies what he does best. Action that excites and emotes, every twist builds upon the trill of the ride. A sense of joy runs in the blood of this film. The path and tone, are now, well trodden but still greatly enjoyable. The Last Crusade is almost too much. Perhaps even three films in one. The film's opening is a flashback is a lost gem that no doubt would have been the jewel in the crown of River Phoenix's lost career. The relationship between Jones's Senior and Junior leaves a lot of ground unearthed a judging by their rapport would make an interesting concept to explore. Finally we can assume that around this time Indiana would have helped the war effort and took on Hitler personally. After that scene (which is an idea of madness that only cinema can realise) you can't help but imagine Indiana being there when the Fuhrer finds out the war is lost. The Last Crusade is the sum of it's parts which almost bring it too it's knees. As a stand alone film it isn't strong. The best moments of the film, for example the tank, are brilliant because they have been set up in the previous films. Luckily we live in a world where no one will ever watch this film before the first. The concept of the holy grail is one that fascinates on a very profound level. The humanity and subtle psychological inflections of character shown (i.e Indy reaching for the Grail) strongly play into what makes America tick i.e. God, guns and good overcoming evil. Personally I think The Last Crusade is easily up there with Raiders but suffers slightly due to the rules of the sequel; go hard or go home. Though naturally 2nd best is more than good enough when you're talking about the Indiana Jones franchise.
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