Brianne and Grasyn were assigned to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark on their own and write down their thoughts about it. The goal of the assignment was to see the movie and then compare how their opinions and reactions might differ.
Grasyn Peterson’s Review
Raiders of the Lost Ark was a really fun movie to watch, even though it’s older. I liked how the movie always kept a pretty fast pace, which never left me feeling bored. Indiana Jones is a cool character because he’s smart and confident but still makes mistakes. Which I like better than a perfect protagonist. One of the craziest parts in the movie was definitely the melting face scene at the end. It was kind of gross but also the most memorable part of the movie. It gave the movie a much darker and more serious tone, which I didn’t expect from a PG movie. The music was also really good; it kept the scenes exciting. The music also included Indiana Jones’ iconic theme song that everyone recognizes anywhere. I also really enjoyed the variety of locations in the movie. The movie wasn’t stuck in just one spot. We got to see Indiana Jones in a jungle, ancient ruins, a desert, an Egyptian city, and many other cool spots that kept the movie from feeling repetitive.
One thing I didn’t like was the character development. Although there are other movies in the franchise to watch, this was the first one, and I feel like I didn’t learn a lot about the characters. Another thing that I disliked was the lack of explanation about the Ark. I like to try and have a good understanding of everything in the movie, but I was left pretty confused about what its powers were.
Grasyn’s rating: 7/10
Brianne Ryan’s Review
Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark, released in 1981, remains a cinematic milestone nearly 50 years later. Directed by the legendary Steven Spielberg and starring Hollywood superstar Harrison Ford, the film blends classic action-adventure tropes with mystical and supernatural elements, creating an enduring and iconic story. It’s a movie that could not be made in today’s Hollywood, and not just for technical reasons.
Marion Ravenwood, portrayed by actress Karen Allen, is a particularly interesting lens through which to examine the film today. She is spirited, independent, and has been frequently left to fend for herself by the men in her life that were supposed to protect her. These circumstances make her very capable in dangerous situations. All these qualities make her stand out among female characters of the era. Yet the romantic backstory between Marion and Indy, beginning when she was 16 and he in his late 20s, is a relationship that modern audiences and studios would never let touch production, let alone the silver screen. It’s a stark reminder of how storytelling norms and ethical standards in Hollywood have shifted, particularly in the aftermath of the “Me Too” movement.
The filmmaking itself also feels distinctly of its time. The practical, analog cinematography and carefully framed close-ups give the action a tangible energy that modern CGI-heavy blockbusters often lack. Today’s action films lean heavily on over-the-top visual effects and drawn-out fight sequences, many of which feel forced, whereas Raiders thrives on simplicity, tension, suspense, and straight-forward storytelling.
And then there’s Indiana Jones himself. Portrayed as morally gray, impulsive, and deeply flawed, he’s not a hero to be admired in the traditional sense. He makes questionable decisions, chases treasure above all else and often sacrifices his relationships in pursuit of glory. However, he’s endlessly compelling and charismatic. Audiences root for him not because he’s perfect but because he’s an exceptionally complicated and entertaining character.
Brianne’s Rating: 8.5/10
