What it’s about
Dashing archaeology professor and adventurer Indiana Jones (Ford) races from one exotic, hazardous locale to another in search of the mythical Ark of the Covenant, trying to stay one step ahead of the Nazis, who want it for their own infernal purposes. Good thing he’s got hard-drinking, brassy beauty Marion Ravenwood (Allen) along for the ride.
Why we love it
Thrills, chills, cheeky humor, and pure rollicking fun in the mold of George Lucas's own “Star Wars” mark the ingeniously stylish and monumentally successful “Raiders,” which introduced us to the intrepid, 1930s-era treasure-hunter, played with charming arrogance by Ford. Who else could wield a bullwhip with such authority? With its delightfully outrageous storyline, state-of-the-art special effects, and marvelous supporting performances from Allen, Alfred Molina, and John Rhys-Davies, the film's an energetic, action-packed rehash of old movie genres that, in Spielberg's capable hands, all feel refreshingly new. Some of the violence may be too graphic for younger viewers, but there's no traveling companion quite like Mr. Jones. “Raiders” is a booby-trapped joy ride for the age-defying adventurer in us all.