Jeff Messerman at 2012-09-09 21:31:05:

"Raiders" is probably one of only a handful of times in history when art and commerce became comfortable bedfellows. It's a popcorn movie that also happens to have one hell of a brain on it. Whenever I get disgusted with Hollywood, I give this movie a spin to remind me of what it (and, conversely, all of us) are capable of. Fedora? Check. Bullwhip? Check. Snakes? *shudder* Can't wait!

Joan Adamaitis Agerholm at 2012-09-10 00:53:58:

We live in Moscow. Just for fun, one night we screened "Raiders of the Lost Ark" on DVD with a bunch of young Russians. No one had seen the film previously. Here's what the group all agreed on: 1.) "Funny" (their word) watching an action movie with almost no tech or CGI in it. I replied that not every helicopter has to blow up to be a good film. 2.) Indiana was generally thought of as a strong character, a wonderful Protagonist. Still works today. 3.) The film absolutely flew right along, without soft spots (but there were no helicopters crashing into police cars . . . . and if I recall correctly, there was only one big explosion in Raiders, where the truck blew up when the gasoline ignited). 4.) Indiana Jones shares parallels with Hemingway's characters. (Russians absolutely love Hemingway, Sherlock Holmes, and Jack London). We discussed Indiana's "conduct"; his "rules" for how he carried himself; how the Hero should act under stress. Everyone just loved the film. John A

Jeff Messerman at 2012-09-10 09:48:41:

Well hot damn if this ain't timely. One of my absolute favorite writer/directors working today, Craig Brewer, hanging out with Harry from AICN, chatting up Raiders. Best of all, he riffs on the screenplay, primarily. Worth a look! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LC9S3V1sBs

Nick Walker at 2012-09-10 13:49:34:

I'm absolutely in love with Raiders and if anyone is looking for the ultimate fan movie - documentary hybrid check out Jamie Benning's work here: https://vimeo.com/36011979 It gives all kinds of insights into the filmaking process and the story. It's a fabulous look at what I consider to be the perfect action adventure film.