The lightest, funniest Indiana Jones movie generally ranks second, behind Raiders of the Lost Ark.

Simon takes a look back…

This article contains spoilers for Indiana Jones And The Last Crusade and The Untouchables.

After that, we poppedThe Last Crusadeon.

And it left me wondering: isLast Crusades stranglehold on second place fair?

Certainly by the time my ten-year old sat through it hed have said so.

He guffawed, was excited, and enjoyed the hell out of it.

Yet I still wonder ifTemple Of Doomwill stay him with a little stronger as time progresses.

Still, Im getting ahead of myself.

Lets take a look back to the third adventure of Indy, back in 1989…

Ad content continues below

Whos Gonna Come To Save You, Junior?

Steven Spielberg would eventually say that he madeThe Last Crusadeto apologise to Lucas for howTemple Of Doomended up.

But it was very clear nonetheless that come the next film, a very different approach would be taken.

Indiana Jones And The Last Crusadeis therefore, almost inevitably, a much lighter film.

Some cite it was their favourite of the trilogy, and its certainly the funniest.

That in trying to not be likeTemple Of Doom, it veers a little too far the other way.

I just think its something that becomes a little more pronounced on repeat viewings.

Still, this isnt an article about grumbles.

Quite the contrary, in fact.

BecauseIndiana Jones And The Last Crusadegets an awful lot of things right.

For sometimes, you just need a father figure to throw a fresh perspective on things.

To that point, its been enjoyable, but not exceptional.

But for me, the opening never really feels like vintage Indy.

Until Connery turns up.

But the relationship beween Indy and Elsa, in spite of the twist, feels like ground trodden before.

That was fresh territory for the series.

They bounce off each generously and successfully, with the simmering, distant father/son relationship brought majestically to life.

Every time he says it or even part says it it raises a smile.

A big one, in fact.

Whats interesting is that the power in their relationship keeps shifting slightly.

Full credit to Harrison Ford for stepping back and allowing that to be so, too.

Its hard to find too many leading performances in big films that are quite as generous.

Dad, IWasThe Next Man

Thats why MacGuffins are crucial toIndiana Jonesmovies.

In this case, the quest as it turns out wasnt for the cup of Christ.

It was for a father and son to get back together.

Even though I know theres a happy ending, it still upsets me.

My ten-year old looked crestfallen, on the verge of tears.

Itll be some years until I show himThe Untouchables, thats for sure.

But in the end, those three tests became about one man trying to save his dad.

It proves again that these films can do something that stretches credibility, and get away with it).

It missed what made the third film work so well.

The reunion with Marion was welcome, but ultimately never felt like itmeantthat much.

And nows not the time to get into the issue of Mutt.

Well come to him another day.

Heck, it even has Mr Bronson as Hitler, in a particularly chilling moment.

That hes somehow just a little less in control.

I loveThe Last Crusadeand appreciate why some like it the most.

As for my son?

Well, in common with Steven Spielberg, this is his favourite of the Indy movies.

He flat-out loved it, and is thirsty for more.

In terms of difficult questions, can we watchCrystal Skull?

is up there with where do babies come from?

We will come to the film shortly on the site.

For now, both he and I really enjoyed watching this one together.

1989 didnt produce many better comedies, and certainly no better double act (Turner & Hoochincluded).