Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981) First Time Watching! Full Movie Reaction!!

New subscriber here. I thoroughly enjoyed y'alls reaction to my favorite movie of all time. Indy was the man I wanted to grow up to be back in the late 80s. Also being raised with Christian friends, I was thrilled this movie was about one of the most sought after artifacts in the world. How much of a fan of Indy am I: I learned how to do tricks with a bullwhip and I have a collection of brown fedoras. Here's some info that you might be interested to know: the Ark of the Covenant was made out of acacia wood and overlaid with gold. In addition to the Ten Commandments, a jar of manna (a food item God had rained down from the sky to feed the Israelites durning their journey to the Land of Canaan) and the budding staff of Aaron (Moses' brother and high priest) were placed inside the Ark. Rumor has it that the Ark resides inside the Church of Our Lady Mary of Zion in the city of Axum in Ethiopia. One last bit: Paul Freeman, who portrayed René Belloq, has said many times he did not eat the fly.

Lee N.

If you want Jackie Chan's take on an Indiana Jones styles adventure, check out Armor of God (1986)!

JDelwynn

Steaks....why did it have to be steaks??!!

Guston Zimasheen

Well now that you've officially begun your journey into the world of Indy I hope it won't be long until we see Temple Of Doom and Last Crusade. And you will LOVE the Last Crusade when you get around to it. By the way since you are back doing Harrison Ford I hope y'all will get back to the Jack Ryan movies with Patriot Games and Clear And Present Danger.

cant wait for the third.. its my fav

24fps_

You guys would love Armour of God (1986). Jackie Chan's Indiana Jones inspired film

Ken Veader

That's right... I still think a better choice to lead the KGB would have been Sauron.

Andrew Roach

He was also the head of the KGB in The Living Daylights (1987),

David W.

I'd be non-virtuous in more ways than one ;)

Aaron Barlow

Sallah was also in Sliders.. A realy good TV show from the 90s, which I think definitely could be watched on this channel. Last I checked it was only on Hulu, but it's worth it.

Alex

Romancing the Stone is a great movie. Also, with the same magic that Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito have-- War of the Roses.. Absolutely hilarious movie. lol.

Alex

Patience is a virtue.

Alex

Exactly. There's a big difference between a man being attracted to a 16 year old girl who has decent hips and small waist and breasts, i.e. matured physically which is natural and a small prepubescent child which is not.

Aaron Barlow

We missed the LOTR connection! -Sam

TBR Schmitt

LMAO

TBR Schmitt

LOL

TBR Schmitt

I didn't even realize a new one was coming out prior to this week haha -Sam

TBR Schmitt

We have both seen Inception, so unfortunately, we can't do a first time reaction on that one, but I haven't seen Outbreak and I'll have to check with Daniel! -Sam

TBR Schmitt

It's in a different era where underage girls wasn't a thing. There was either children or men/women, and men were considered men at 17, 18, 19 when they went to fight in wars etc. I imagine she was a teenager. Such things were common back then as typically the first menstrual cycle is nature's way of telling a girl she's a woman. It's hugely controversial now because of pedophilia but it is not really written in stone when each person becomes an adult. It's different from person to person. Also interesting thought-- what happens when someone is emancipated. Say they're 16 but they are emancipated so then they're an adult in the eyes of the law. I can't know anyone else's experience but my experience is when I see teenage girls the girls look like women to me while the boys look like little boys way younger than the girls look. Not all of them because they develop at different times.

Alex

Indy does like underage girls tho

Ken Veader

The big problem I think with Indy 4, and this is the problem with cinema in general is CGI. I am not anti CGI per say as there is a lot that can only be done with CGI but the problem is doing everything with CGI even stuff that can be done practically. What is amazing in this trilogy and pre-CGI movies in general is all these amazing visuals were done for REAL. Indy 4 and without question Indy 5 are nothing more than CGI cartoons that don't amaze me in the slightest anymore. I'm glad that in the end you did seem to recognize the Karen Allen was indeed the same actress both here and in Indy 4 but did you notice that Sallah was Gimli from LOTR? And yes imperfect heroes and heroines are usually preferred over perfect ones who do everything just right. Mary (or Marty) Sues are just bad.

Andrew Roach

I read that in Connery's voice. 😂

Marcus Cato

Second for Romancing The Stone

Florian Meier

I fell asleep watching the fourth one. Not a good sign.

Catherine LW

Actually it’s George Lucas whose marriage was over and has blamed the darkness on that(hence the heart getting ripped out of the chest). Spielberg married Amy Irving *after* Temple of Doom came out and they didn’t divorce until around The Last Crusade in 1989. But yeah, Spielberg has all but disowned the film, which was always disappointing because it’s so much fun. The relationship between Short Round & Indy is one of my favourite things. It’s amazing that the kid who played Short Round is now, as of a few months ago, an academy award winning actor. Only in Hollywood. He disappeared from acting for over 30 years and his first role back he wins one of the highest honours bestowed upon an actor. He still has that Short Round twinkle in his eye so I’d love for a Short Round movie or series to be made after this new movie comes out

Stan the Man

Hmmm. Yeah the Indy and her relationship is super awkward & odd. But beyond that…I don’t think not knowing details about a character is a negative. Why is she in Nepal? It doesn’t really matter. What matters is she wants out and she’s “stuck in this dive”. That her father dragged her around looking for “little bits of junk”. And now that he’s dead, she’s stuck. Her character building is she goes from being stuck in Nepal, on her own, left hating the two men in her life responsible for her situation and thru a series of events is partnered up with one of those men and begins falling for him all over again. She’s not a helpless girl, she’s a smart, aggressive woman. Where does she start the movie? Unhappy, out at the end of the world alone, winning drinking games for money. Where does she end the movie? Smiling, back at home, arm in arm with a man she’s forgiven & loves. While it’s not the most complex character in the world, it doesn’t have to be. She is who she is.

Stan the Man

Great Reaction Guys!!! You will love the Trilogy !!! Next Adventure Film after the Indy Trilogie should be "Romancing The Stone" from 1984 with Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny De Vito !! Classic !! And it Plays in Columbia;)

Florian Meier

Yes, I love The Temple of Doom too even though a lot of people don’t. I love that it is a non stop roller coaster ride, more so than the first movie . It is extremely dark though, and borders on a horror film in some places. I believe that’s what turns a lot of people off. Even Spielberg has said he was in a really dark place when making this film as his marriage to Amy Irving was unraveling, but he has also stated that he likes it because directing this film is where he met his second wife, Kate Capshaw.

Robert Boyd

Great reaction, guys, this was a treat! When this came out, I talked my parents into seeing it and they loved it. My late father grew up during the Depression and he said this film was just like the action adventure films he watched on Saturday matinees as a kid. It has pretty much every trope from that era! The next one was almost completely lifted from George Stevens’ Gunga Din (1939).

Catherine LW

I didn’t like Temple but upon rewatching, I think it’s ok. What surprised me was how so much of it was lifted from the old film Gunga Din from the 30’s.

Catherine LW

Obviously you guys are going to love this trilogy!!! I did enjoy Kingdom of the Crystal Skull for what it was . Its obviously not loved by many die-hard fans. I can tell you this ..your in for alot of fun!!! Temple of Doom is pretty dark and i loved that one too but "THE LAST CRUSADE" is my personal favorite and many agree!!! Cant wait guys!!!

Demos Samolis

Harrison Ford was on a roll. To go from Han Solo to Indiana Jones is pretty remarkable. This film really is George Lucas’s baby. Lucas didn’t want to direct anymore at this time so he handed the reins to Steven Spielberg. Spielberg was Lucas’s first choice to direct “Return of the Jedi”, but because Lucas was no longer on the DGA, he was overruled and another director, Richard Marquand, was selected.

Jeff Mills

It’s been a while since I watched along with you guys and this was an absolute joy, as Raiders is a top 10 movie, all-time for me. Looking very much forward to your sharing you experiences with Temple of Doom and Last Crusade with us. And I’m with Dan, BTW, Crystal Skull is ridiculously over maligned and underrated.

Jason Chirevas

What you said "We've seen Indiana Jones movie, but only the 4th" What I heard "We've eaten at the finest restaurants it the world, but only drank tap water and ate the free breadsticks"

TGrimace

wow! yall have had alot of output on content and we always appreciate it!

nick B.

The moral of the story: God dislikes nazis. And so does Indy. I enjoyed the 4th one but it is not an Indiana Jones film.. It's kind of like Star Wars.. A lot of people hate the new trilogy especially the Last Jedi for certain reasons that we should not get into.. Just leave it. but I enjoyed them it's just.. They are not Star Wars. The fifth one actually looked really awesome. But people are always gonna hate on new stuff regardless of any ulterior injections of anything not mentioned. Really looking forward to watching Temple of Doom and especially The Last Crusade with you guys. The Last Crusade is a great film and I think one of the most memorable. The first 15 minutes of this are extremely iconic and it's always interesting like with the boulder thing. There's a part of Resident Evil 4 that has a very similar sequence and it's interesting when you see stuff like that-- If Indiana Jones (or this movie specifically) had not been made would that have still been in the game. Probably not. I love that scene at the end and what I love even more is there's a meme that went around during a really hot summer where it was like.. I can't remember the words in the meme but it was the animation of the dudes face melting in reference to how hot it was 😂😂😂

Alex

When she was kissing all the places he said didn't hurt Indy really missed his chance pointing to his mouth. I know you all were thinking it.

Aaron Barlow

Yep, it’s a classic. Actually the MPAA implemented the PG13 rating because of the sequel, Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, in 1984. When you watch it, you’ll know why. The reaction was great. These type of films are the best to watch reactions to. And it originally was just called Raiders of the Lost Ark. Why the powers that be at Paramount added Indiana Jones, I’ll never know. The finished film really shows how much thought and creativity went into making this movie by Spielberg, Lucas, and everyone involved. Like Psycho, it is one of those films that will be in the pop culture lexicon for years and years to come.

Robert Boyd

I'm sure grass tastes better than bark too, but I ain't eating either of them.

Tostito Buddy

The Young Indiana TV series is also worth watching, if you can find it.

Nicotti

The booby trap with the beam of light. The ancient South Americans had lazer technology? An interrupted beam of light is motion detection tech. I guess aliens were introduced early in the franchise.

Aaron Barlow

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny opens in theaters end of this month, I believe.

Nicotti

Indiana Jones 4 was a masterpiece compared to the Star Wars sequel trilogy abortion.

Aaron Barlow

A stirring adventure that left us shaken.

Aaron Barlow

Indy does blow a poison blow dart down a guy’s throat. That was pretty hardcore. And he punches a guy into killer ants.

Jason Dolan

I have my opinions because I have my opinions because art is subjective. But if you want an answer, I think Marion is a nothing character. She's not interesting to me in the least. The only real thing we know about her is Indy might have been testing the age of consent with her back in the day. How did she end up in Nepal? What has she been doing all these years? There's just no character building at all with her. Found this on wikipedia about Marion's character: "Marion entered into a relationship with Indiana Jones during this time (when she was 15, according to the novelization of Raiders of the Lost Ark).[9] Jones abruptly left the Ravenwoods in 1926; Marion was about 16 or 17 years old when the relationship ended, and Jones was 27, ten years her senior." Uhhhhhh. I want to be clear that this doesn't change my opinion on anything, I just think it's pretty funny how societal norms have changed.

Jeffrey Miller

I remember being excited to see it in theater, and ever since I've been really wary of any attempts to resurrect old franchises.

Jeffrey Miller

It’s not a bad movie. Certainly better than most of its contemporaries, just lacking a lot of the grit the first three had. I know it’s not a huge deal, but something I noticed in Crystal Skulls that just kinda says something about the movie’s tone: Indy never shoots anyone in the whole movie.

Nick of Time

Wow I’m amazed at all the people who find Last Crusade to be the best. Don’t get me wrong. It’s good. It’s action packed. Where TLC doesn’t reach the heights like Raiders or Temple is the villain department.

Stan the Man

Inception is a very good Christopher Nolan film, along with Interstellar. Tenet was good, but in a different way from the others. Looking forward to Oppenheimer.

Nick of Time

@Jeffrey Miller. Wow I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone say Raiders drags in the middle. Big disagree on that. Raiders doesn’t drag for a moment. And Marion is awesome! How can you not dig her? She’s her own woman, tough, feisty, smart. I do love Sean Connery but I enjoy TLC the least out of the original 3. I actually really dislike what the movie does with Marcus Brody and until SC shows up the movie feels oddly flat at times. Even Harrison Ford doesn’t get that Indy twinkle in his eye until his dad shows up. He feels especially flat at times. Likes he’s bored. When SC shows up the movie becomes something special. But I’d still take Raiders & Temple over TLC. TLC can feel a little tame in comparison too. Raiders and Temple could’ve been easily rated R but TLC doesn’t have that grit & grim & like KOTC, it can feel a little too polished. But it has some truly wonderful action set pieces. It’s still one of the best action adventure movies ever made but I don’t find it the masterpiece that Raiders is.

Stan the Man

THIS is one of the best films of all time! so glad to watch it with u both!

Chris Bruneau

Excellent reaction!! I would love to see you guys react to these two movies! These two are just some of my favorites which I believe you will like. 1- Outbreak (1995 Action/Thriller) with Morgan Freeman, Cuba Gooding Jr; Dustin Hoffman, Rene Russo, and Kevin Spacey. 2- Inception (2010 Sci-Fi/Action) with Leonardo DiCaprio, Tom Hardy, Marion Cotillard, Michael Caine and Joseph Gordon-Levitt.

Eddy

Mad respect that Dan loves Kingdom of the Crystal Skull - i think you guys should watch it again in this new context

Jason Dolan

Indiana Jones 4 can't be spoiled. They are just warnings when it comes to that movie.

Tostito Buddy

Spoilers

Tim Raths

I love the callback to this in Temple of Doom, too. The cover on the VHS tape for Temple of Doom was way more faded at my video store as a kid, and I always assumed it was the first Indiana Jones movie until it clicked that the gag makes no sense in that order.

Tostito Buddy

Oh cool, excited to watch these movies with you guys! Everytime I watch them I feel like a kid again.

Joe D. MacGuffinstuff

Now that you have seen this, maybe you will understand the start of the fourth movie. The warehouse they are in is supposed to be where the Ark is kept. I think the two biggest things that people despise the fourth movie for is that there was so much CGI, when the other three movies were mostly practical effects. And also the whole alien ending felt like a big let down to everyone after going through three movies about the magic and wonder of gods and heaven.

Vwlss Nvwls

I saw this in the theater when I was 12. There was a line going around the back of the building of people who bought tickets and were waiting to get in, and the whole time we waited my father was complaining about the cost of tickets going up 50 cents to I think $4.00 per ticket. When it got to the part where the faces were melting my grandmother kept trying to cover my eyes, and I was like "COOL". The second and fourth movies are the weakest in the franchise, but the third, "The Last Crusade" is as good or better than Raiders. I cannot wait to watch them all with you both.

Vwlss Nvwls

I wonder if they'll recognize the guy who betrays Indiana in the opening is Doc Ock from Spider Man 2

Jason Dolan

Yeah totally agree. Having Indiana Jones team James Bond is like mixing a really good drink!

Scott Kerr

Honestly, I feel like that's what did it. lol

Scott Kerr

Looking forward to seeing this! I’m on vacation and this is perfect to watch and chill. 😊

Jeff Mills

For similar adventure movies, Romancing the Stone and its sequel Jewel of the Nile are fun too. Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny Devito. The first movie was actually Robert Zemeckis's first real hit and helped him get Back to the Future greenlit!

Odd Thomas

I agree with the other commenters that Last Crusade went to a whole new level, with the chemistry between Ford and Connery.

Marcus Cato

Awesome! I can't wait to watch this tonight. Such a pleasant surprise!

Alex

India's lack of Nazis to punch is a bit of a downer.

Tostito Buddy

And the way Ford played it was absolutely perfect, you could just see on his face "I am too tired for this"

Sarah

I agree. As far the original first three go, I wasn't a huge fan either, but I agree it is still a watchable movie. It was a bit darker than I expected but I mean it has it's moments.

Scott Kerr

Okay so, when Indy shoots the swordsman in the street… He was originally scripted to have a big sword fight there, but almost the entire cast and crew were sick from heat exhaustion and dysentery. No one wanted to be there and I think it was Ford who suggested Indy just shoot the guy so everyone could go home.

Nick of Time

I love this one and the holy Grail the most. Not a huge fan of the Temple of Doom but it still is worth watching

Terry Lee

I'm glad you two haven't seen the original trilogy yet, now we get to see your first time reaction! 😁

Nismo

I love the first three, but I agree, Last Crusade is best.

Armchair Wizard

This one is just one we’ve been wanting to do, no poll 😊 We had it on the schedule pretty early for the channel and then got hit with all the Paramount issues and then we were too afraid to do it and it just kept getting pushed haha -Sam

TBR Schmitt

I love all four. Last Crusade is the best imo. If you want to see more Karen Allen I recommend Starman, directed by John Carpenter and also starring Jeff Bridges!

Odd Thomas

Sam, is this delightful selection the product of a long forgotten poll, or an unrooted choice? I love the choice, and even more so if it didn’t spring from a poll.

David Wilkins

Can't wait to get home and watch!!!! 😀

Brent

The title itself is a big surprise, even more so today, well ahead of the traditional Sopranos day that usually kicks off the weekly activity. And I’m certainly not complaining.

David Wilkins

The Last Crusade is also my favorite. I think it's a lot better than Raiders. I honestly don't think Marion is an interesting character, like, at all. Sean Connery works so much better off of Harrison Ford. Also, the "He chose poorly" scene will forever be engraved into my memory. Love it so much. Athos Count: Raiders drags so much in the middle. It's a big reason why I can't love it.

Jeffrey Miller

Raiders has to set up the characters, and it's done well, but for me it seems to move too slowly in some parts. I guess I just like the pacing of Crusade better.

Athos Count de la Fère

Yeah, idk if it's just me but Last Crusade has always been my favorite of the original three. The other ones uhh... I don't believe those exist. >.>

Rue

May just be my all-time favorite action-adventure movie...the action sequence that begins with Indie fighting the men on and around the plane and then ends in perhaps the coolest car/horse chase scene ever is still the high-bar for me when it comes to great kinetic action. That, and Indie is just the coolest (even if it looks really funny when Harrison Ford runs...still love you, Harrison).

Steve Mercier

Goodness we take Spielberg for granted. He's been making great movies we all watch over and over again for almost 50 years.

Ellie Miller

My favorite of the original trilogy is #3 The Last Crusade. Harrison Ford and Sean Connery are really fun together. Raiders is my second favorite. Temple of Doom #2 was okay.

Athos Count de la Fère

Also…I know people shit on Temple of Doom…but I love that movie. Raiders is obviously a masterpiece but Temple is just so much fun. Can’t wait to see you guys react to the sequels and hope you don’t wait too long for the next ones. They are so fun. I even have fun with the 4th one. I love the whole opening 30 minutes. I think if Sam hasn’t seen the 4th one you should show her that one too. So many reactors ignore the 4th because of fan pressure but just do you. Who cares what people think. Have fun with it.

Stan the Man

It was the power of the wrath of god. They set this up earlier with the picture showing beams coming out

Stan the Man

Yay!!!! I have so much work to do and this is such a great surprise for when I'm finished. Thanks!

Jason McQuirns

DUDE!!!

Sergeant Pepper

I think this will be the general consensus! -Sam

TBR Schmitt

Wow, I always assumed you guys saw the Indy movies so you didn't react to them. So glad I can watch this today!

Jeffrey Miller

This is one I’m surprised you guys haven’t seen.

Tim Raths

But I guess I’ll save it for tonight!

Jason Dolan

I’m doing the watch along RIGHT NOW 😆

Nick of Time

So tempted to cancel my plans today, lol

Jason Dolan

Yay!! Only one of the greatest adventure movies ever! 😁

Nick of Time