John Carpenter Horror, Sci-Fi on the fringe of Hollywood

The American film director, John Howard Carpenter was born in New York on January 16, 1948. As well as making successful thrillers he is creator of both Science-fiction and Horror film classics. It was Carpenter who’s Halloween character, Michael Myers spawned a franchise, and anti-hero Snake Plissken became a cult character.

John Carpenter has always been a film-making influential anomaly, a film-maker, writer producer and musician that has both box office indiefilm success and mainstream. Interchanging between them both. He’s managed to make B-films that are far from cheap, they have been high concepts with lofty production values and stories that are also thought provoking. He has stayed on the fringe of Hollywood, to ensure that his stories are portrayed the way he envisages them. While sometimes the aesthetics maybe criticised the compelling stories are always the driving force and why he's has stood the test of time.

Of course there are many great Carpenter films including, Prince of Darkness (1987) and Escape from New York (1981) to name a few, but below are my thoughts on my personal favourites.

They Live (1988)

Humanlike, skeleton looking, extraterrestrial's have taken over the Earth and walk among us, but are cloaked by a transmitter that makes 'them' appear like us. A drifter discovers a pair of sunglasses that allows him to see what is being hidden.

Halloween's (1978) horror legend writer/director John Carpenter does his best with a limited budget. The film for the most part has an urban realistic look, due to the on location shots, however, at times it appears very cheap and lacks the production values of The Thing (1982) or The Fog (1980). In true Carpenter tradition there's a heart pumping and relentless score.

Amongst all the 80's cheese there is a fantastic story based on Ray Nelson's short story. They Live themes reflects consumerism, class and corruption to name a few. Underneath, Carpenter's bland screenplay lay a fear that we are not in control and our society is led by 'them', echoing Invasion of the Body Snatchers and 'V'. To join them would be to give I and we would benefit but we'll pay a greater price. They Live is high concept sci-fi with great ideas, the sunglasses touch is genius, that's original and allows some great visuals and interesting moments. There's also the intriguing secret society aspect and space travel.

Suffering from the 80's macho testerone Roddy Piper is entertaining as the lead but he's no great actor, lucky there's the likes of Meg Foster and Keith David to gives the film some weight and there are some good performances from the supporting cast.

Carpenter though a simple story immerses the viewer in the conspiracy and connects us with the heroes search for the truth which has a fantastic, un-Hollywood brave and downbeat ending. In addition, the effects are of the time but are still effective, there are some stand out set-ups, the supermarket, the underground segment and the discovery of the sunglasses. I'm hesitant to use the word, but They Live is cool.

With so many remakes in recent years They Live would benefit from a serious and heavier version. That said, taken at face value it's a great fun ride, with one-liners, action and aliens.

The Thing (1982)

 

An atmospheric understated sci-fi at it best. I'll never understand how Carpenter lost the lustre in some of the other film he made, nevertheless, his Thing is one of his best movies and also once of the best sci-fi movies ever. Despite being based on the same source material (before remakes were popular) the thing has a look and feel of it's own and is very different from its 50's counterpart.

 

The isolated setting, the astounding cinematography and scenery creates intrigue; drawing you in from the very beginning. It's a perfect horror/sci-fi cocktail of Ennio Morricone's haunting foreboding score, Rob Bottin and Stan Winston (dog effect) benchmark practical effects (which are unsurpassed) Carpenters claustrophobic set ups and Bill Lancaster screenplay.

It's rare that every single actor is exceptional and supplied with effective dialogue. All the cast from Kurt Russell to Wilford Brimley as Blair are all captivating, great casting by Anita Dann. The characters have their own issues and as the paranoia sets in relationships are forged and others broken, building to a bold and satisfying conclusion.

This is more than just a cult film with a 'monster' hiding in warm places surrounded by snow, it's a finely tuned science fiction horror masterpiece.

The Fog (1980)

A fog containing zombie-like ghosts seeking revenge on the 100th anniversary of their deaths besieges a small California seaside town. Halloween's (1978) horror creative duo John Carpenter and Debra Hill reunite with Jamie Lee Curtis (in a smaller role) for this effective ghost tale.

Adrienne Barbeau's character Stevie Wayne is centre to this horror chiller, even though she spends most of her time held-up in a lighthouse, transmitting her radio show. Carpenter's The Fog is more about the story than central characters. The cast appear to get equal screen time, including Janet Leigh (Curtis' mother) of Psycho (1960), Tom Atkins notable The Howling (1981) star and George 'Buck' Flower of They Live (1988) to name a few. Veteran actor Hal Holbrook gives a fine performance as the guilt-ridden priest Malone.

Despite the dated smoke machine-like fog the silent 'zombie' ghosts, brandishing blades, with their glowing eyes are eerily effective heightened by an accompanying typical Carpenter pulsing score.

There are a few effective kills but like most good horrors some of these happen off screen. It's mostly shot on location this adds a realistic atmosphere of dread to the proceedings. There are some cheap 'jump' scares in there but what's noteworthy of The Fog is it's set ups, the spooky opening, the creepy gallon and the paranormal effects on the cars and electricity of the town. The Fog appears to be a series of great idea's brought together with a single horror tale as its backbone.

It's not perfect, but The Fog's absorption makes it entertaining nonetheless. Perfect on a dark night.

Halloween (1978)

John Carpenters 1978 textbook horror slasher film.

What make this different to many other babysitter stalker films is the production value, Carpenters direction and score that reeks of dread. Perfect leads include, heavy weight Donald Pleasence and ever reliable Jamie Lee Curtis as they try to out wit an escaped psychotic murderer.

Halloween is a well produced basic, yet essential horror that contains very little nudity or blood for this type of genre. What maybe a little tame for gore hungry audiences of today, it still remains defining archetype horror film, as without the masked Michael Myers there wouldn't be many of the horror's there are on your shelf right now.

A must see for any horror fan.

Big Trouble in Little China (1986)

An everyday Truck driver Jack Burton gets caught up in a centuries-old mystical battle in Chinatown and must rescue his pal's fiancée.

Made the same year as a flurry of fantasy adventure films, including the The Golden Child, Flight of the Navigator, Howard the Duck and Labyrinth to name a few, Gary Goldman's & David Z. Weinstein's Big Trouble in Little China screenplay is rich and director John Carpenter unknowingly creates a rounded personification of an 80's adventure film.

The leads are perfectly cast, a young Kim Cattrall's delivers a defining comedy performance and Kurt Russell is perfect as the All-American beer drinking reluctant hero. A make-up enhanced James Hong is outstanding as mystical evil Lo Pan, the rest of the supporting cast is full of familiar faces.

Although the special effects are of their time, some of the makeup effects hold up well. Veteran cinematographer Dean Cundey's show all gritty, sweat of this pure piece of entertainment fun. There's fantastically dressed sets, great costumes and neon lighting. Director Carpenter delivers outlandish set pieces, some great action scenes, magic and sword fights. Packed with comedy moments, one-liners and dark, creepy supernatural Chinese spirits.

Big Trouble in Little China packs a lot punch for a film that didn't do big box office bucks but found an audience on VHS. It's a fantasy adventure that's production values add to Big Trouble's charm.

The Ward (2010)

A group of in institutionalised young women become the focus of a ghost's revenge.

There's no doubt the John Carpenter can craft a fantastic film. The Ward is no exception with thrills, chill's and jump scares. The look is that of his early films like the Fog and The Thing as appose to the cheap look of the likes of (yet still excellent) They Live. of Mars.

Costume and character wise Laura-Leigh's Zoey is a little too much but she does her best under the circumstances. Susanna Burney as Nurse Lundt gives a fitting and menacing performance. The cast are more than adequate in fact, Amber Heard is perfect as the troubled girl Kristen and gives a fine performance.

There's great looking sets and costumes capturing the feel of the 1960s. The special effects, lighting and make up are expertly handled. Creeepy corridors, a morgue, cellar all add to the tension.

Here Carpenter hands over other duties too the crew to focus on directing. Mark Kilian's score is excellent and complements the build up to the horror moments. However, Michael Rasmussen & Shawn Rasmussen story twist lets the film down considerably as it's be done so many times before.

The twist aside, John Carpenter is on form with an effective chiller horror mystery.

Halloween Horror titillating films

It's that time of year, my favourite time, Halloween. As a child a few of the influences that hooked me to write this genre were 'horror nasty' video sleeves and the elaborate cover-art of horror novels. I've put together a selection of thoughts of some great horror movies (and there are countless others), perfect for that cold autumn night, including Halloween and The Shining which in my are in my opinion horror must sees.

Case 39 (2009)

Going against typecast Renée Zellweger plays a social worker who takes in an allegedly abused child, Lilith after her parents try to kill her. However, the little girl may not be all she seems, reminiscent of the Orphan (2009) and borrowing heavily from the Omen and it's remake, Case 39 is an enjoyable horror yarn.

Aside from a realistic Hornet scene and CGI face changes, thankfully Case 39's director Christian Alvart avoids using noticeable dodgy visual effects. For the first 40 minutes or so it's a strong creepy drama which then turns into a psychological horror in the latter half.

There's nothing new in Ray Wright story, however, what keeps you watching is child actor Jodelle Ferland and Zellweger, who both give great performances. Both Ian McShane and Adrian Lester turn up with American accents and are great at grounding the bizarre occurrences. Also Bradley Cooper of A-Team fame plays a small notable role as a child psychologist and love interest.

While it's not the most original horror drama it is effective with some genuine well executed creepy moments. Great late night viewing.

Rec (2007)

A Spanish female TV reporter, Ángela Vidal (Manuela Velasco) and her cameraman Manu (Ferran Terraza) cover the night-shift at the local fire-station but thing goes awry when they go on a call to a building that becomes quarantined.

Taking style of The Blair Witch Project (1999) to a more fitting effective and aesthetics level and inspiring big budgeter Cloverfield (2008), Rec is creatively directed/written by Jaume Balagueró and Luis Berdejo.

The film is seen purely from the point of view of the cameras and at times the shock factor is high. The film is packed with excellent practical effects, great sound and first rate makeup. This with the on location setting and lighting create and eerie atmosphere.

The acting is superb (and the unnecessary remake Quarantine (2008) is pale in comparison) as Manuela leads a cast of authentic looking firemen into a building as the infection spreads making it's victims zombie-like. The supporting cast of occupants are equally as good, the acting is superb especially in the smaller quieter segments as they are interviewed by Ángela's character and when they find out they are trapped in the building.

The action, suspense and fear builds up to a crescendo as the truth of the outbreak is revealed. With some jump scares and a surprise ending it's a perfect horror ride.

Rec 2 (2009

Continuing right where Rec (2007) left off, a SWAT team outfitted with video cameras are sent into a virus infected quarantined apartment to assist in retrieving some blood samples.

The same writer/directors Jaume Balagueró and Paco Plaza are back on board with an extra writer Manu Díez in the sequel to the excellent Spanish horror flick. It's more of the same, dark corridors, frantic Point of View camera work, blood gore and mayhem.

Rec 2 wastes no time of getting back into the building where the out-break started. It is an entertaining horror piece as the SWAT team are picked off one by one, but it lacks the character development of the first and feels more of a ride than gripping. That said, the acting is first rate, Jonathan Mellor's Dr. Owen is notable and Manuela Velasco returns.

There's some clever story telling that inter-loops the goings on and also links it to the first Rec. However, there is less focus on the virus/zombie and the screen-play centres on a more biblical and parasite theme which takes the story in new directions. Still, it's just as fresh and a chilling as Rec and Rec 2 comes full circle in the closing shots.

Overall a great entry that has inevitably spawned a third and a Quarantine2.

28 Days Later... (2002)

Danny Boyle's 28 Day Later is the best mindless human being film since Romero's zombie movies. It's an exceptional horror film that follows a handful of survivors after an incurable virus spreads throughout the UK.

From the opening frantic scene that is quickly followed by the quiet empty deserted streets of London, you know your watching something different and fresh. Without detriment to the story there's lots of gore and bloodshed. However, there's also a lot of psychological terror happening and subtle character touches that make you feel for these people.

Outstanding writing by Alex Garland and a pulsating chilling score John Murphy adds to 28's perfect tension, atmosphere and tone. The casting by Gail Stevens is faultless, it includes Cillian Murphy, Brendan Gleeson and Christopher Eccleston in their best roles to-date. This is director Danny Boyle's unnerving masterpiece.

A perfect gritty horror, with a realistic scary premise. A must see.

Halloween (1978)

 

John Carpenters 1978 textbook horror slasher film.

What make this different to many other babysitter stalker films is the production value, Carpenters direction and score that reeks of dread. Perfect leads include, heavy weight Donald Pleasence and ever reliable Jamie Lee Curtis as they try to out wit an escaped psychotic murderer.

Halloween is a well produced basic, yet essential horror that contains very little nudity or blood for this type of genre. What maybe a little tame for gore hungry audiences of today, it still remains defining archetype horror film, as without the masked Michael Myers there wouldn't be many of the horror's there are on your shelf right now.

A must see for any horror fan.

The Shining (1980)

A caretaker is isolated with his family in a hotel for the winter season, however they are not alone and the past guests and staff spirits still live on putting the caretaker, his wife and son in grave danger.

What can I say about Stanley Kubrick's 'The Shining' that hasn't already been said? I watched the uncut 146 minute version which only reinforced the fact that it is one of the best, if not the greatest tension driven, psychological horror films that has been made.

Thankfully Kubrick doesn't follow Kings 'The Shining' novel to the letter, or we have the hedged animals coming to life and an explosive ending, while grand it would have lost the reality and realism that Kubrick creates.

Jack Nicholson's antics, Shelley Duvall's fear, Danny Lloyd's performance (one of the few child leads that isn't annoying) is first-rate as Danny. Veteran and voice of Hong Kong Phooey, Scatman Crothers is superb and the array of actors small but memorable parts including, Bladerunners Joe Turkel as Lloyd the Bartender and Barry Nelson as Manger, Stuart Ullman.

It's not the novel, Kubrick's the Shining one of the most impressive horror films ever made and on so many levels.

Halloween Horror Thanks!

The nights are getting darker, chilly and it's that spooky time of year as the winter rolls in. This is Halloween!

Halloween appears to be celebrated far more in the USA and where I have been welcomed a one of their own. But there's plenty of horror to go around. Every year more and more people are enbracing horror and the film and book indusrty are taking notice and as a result horror is being taken more seriously. It's encouranging! 

It’s been an extremely busy 24 months for myself and the anticipation has been immense. As a bonus I've met some of my hero's. It’s been novels and film projects. Photo shoots, celebrities and more. I hope my fellow horror fans out there will enjoy what I’ve created to date.

As a Halloween appreciation watch my first short film with the wonderful Harley Horror here

In addition, to getting projects on screen and books published there's my free horror webshow with the delighful Sophia Disgrace here and on youtube.

Over the months I’ve been spurred on, not just by the usual suspects that you expect but the people I’ve met

 on Facebook and especially twitter. I’ve met some great models, actresses, photographers, artists and authors/ writers but more importantly I discovered some real horror fans with passion.

So I’d like to use this Halloween blog to say a big thank you.

Below is The Breathing Dead horror round up.What we’ve accomplished. Spread the word and "Hammer Horror Home."

  

Director Christopher Smith's Horror, Severity and Vigor

Christopher Smith, (born 1970) is not just a British film director but also a great writer, while not celebrated as the likes of the comparable Neil Marshall or the now mainstream Christopher  Nolan, Smith certainly deserves his place in directing Brit history. Here's my lowdown on his fabulous quad of films 2004 -2010.

Creep (2004)

Franka Potente is party goer Kate, after she misses her last train, she is pursued by a deformed crazy and has to fight for survival in the London underground system.

British films had played it safe for a jolly good while with costume dramas, romantic comedies and gangster flicks. However, the UK have started dishing out a few original horror gems in recent years, Dog Soldiers, Descent etc. Writer/ director Christopher Smith (who went on to make Severance) with a small budget gives the viewer an effective, interesting chiller.

There's no bad acting here, the actors deliver the goods with a limited dialogue driven script. To build up the tension Smith utilises the underground, music and sound to full effect. He creates a genuine creepy atmosphere, the lighting is fantastic and the gore effects are note worthy.

The quirky small cast that Potente encounters are believable and the killer who dwells in the underground is one of the better original killers in a longer while.

The film is very bloody at times and was quite shocking in 2004. Creep remains a strong claustrophobic and underrated horror.

 

Severance (2006)

 

Imagine your on an office bonding weekend with your boss and colleagues, with all the typical office banter and goings on but you then get stuck in the middle of nowhere and your colleagues start to get killed off- this is the basic premise to the highly recommended film Severance.

Severance is laced with genuine humour, mostly supplied by Steve played by Danny Dyer and Tim McInnerny as clueless office boss Richard. The supporting cast give memorable and plausible performances that highlight underlying relationships making the characters likable. The character build up pays off as you find yourself rooting for their survival. The bad guys are menacing and there is plenty of realistic gore.

This very enjoyable, ironic, balanced, horror/comedy written and directed by Christopher Smith remains witty and shocking throughout.

Highly recommended whether you work in an office or not.

 

 

 

Triangle (2009)

Written and directed by Christopher Smith, lead Melissa George gives a

justifiably odd but mesmerising performance as Jess, as her and her

friends are forced to abandon their sailing boat and take refugee on an

ocean liner.

Some may find the story frustrating, however, it's a taught

mind-bending thriller, about how your actions can change your life.

Triangle is an interesting grounded and emotionally driven chiller that

explores time travel, doppelgangers and choices.

George effortlessly carries the weight of the film on her shoulders and

the small supporting cast are more than effective. Smith's direction is

superb, with few locations, as the film mostly takes place on the

marvellously dressed 'Ghost ship', his angles and use of movement

ensure the viewer is never left uninterested and credit must go to

Robert Humphreys' photography direction. Stuart Gazzard's editing is

fantastic and key in making the interloped story work. Christian

Henson's score is the icing on the cake and adds to the eerie, creepy

atmosphere.

Triangle gives the viewer a lot to think about and ponder over well

after the credits roll.

Black Death (2010)

Two British directors and writers really standout for me in recent years, Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, Descent and Doomsday) and Christopher Smith (Creep, Triangle and Severance). Smith's latest offering has it the mark with a blend of swords, Catholicism and Wicker released the same year Neil Marshall's well advertised Centurion, which on first viewing was sadly average.


Set in 1348 the Black Death is at it peak, however, one village appears to be immune to the plague. Ulric (Sean Bean) devoted Christian enlist the help of a Monk (Eddie Redmayne) to lead him and his men through dangerous lands to this unholy village where it is said the dead are being brought back to life.

With marshes, fog and mists across the lands it oozes atmosphere. The gritty realistic sets and settings are note worthy, everything looks authentic and aged, perfect for first outbreak of bubonic plague. There's some great practical effects, cadavers, dismemberment's and blood. The flights are finely choreographed and swordplay is raw and relentless as limbs are hacked off.

The latter part of the film slows down, building tension in the seemingly safe village, Smith's develops the eerie strangeness of the rural superbly, reminiscent of the Wickerman (1973 & 2006), In the Name of the Rose (1986) and The Village (2004).

Although in fear of being typecast as another chain armoured soldier Bean gives a passionate and gripping performance, and newcomer Redmayne plays the confounded monk Osmund's admirably. The supporting cast, even though another band mercenaries are memorable and the characters are developed. Comedy actor Tim McInnerny is satisfactory in an unusual serious role as the village head. There's a notable cameo by David Warner as The Abbot. However, it's Carice van Houten who steals the show as Langiva the striking necromancer.

There's a little too much shaky hand held camera work at times, that aside the cinematography is first rate. Dario Poloni screenplay is the icing on the cake, as the dialogue feels authentic and unforced, compared to the aforementioned other period piece. It explores religious beliefs, faith, witch hunts, occultism and much more.

With low expectation's for another period piece, I was pleasantly surprised by Smith's vision. Certainly not perfect or the grandest film; however, it's a gripping medieval, satanic mystery action that has a nice original twist at the end.

The Breathing Dead show Episode 7 Halloween Special

Sophia Disgrace present's The Breathing Dead show Episode 7. This episode, what is it about Horror?

Blood and Sweat - Christopher Smith and Neil Marshall

Two British directors and writers really standout for me in recent years, Neil Marshall (Dog Soldiers, Descent and Doomsday) and Christopher Smith (Creep, Triangle and Severance). Smith's latest offering has left its mark with a blend of swords, Catholicism and Wicker. It was released the same year as Neil Marshall's well advertised (on DVD & Blu-Ray) Centurion, sadly both missed a good theatrical run.

Here are my thoughts on them both and why one has an edge over the other...

Black Death (2010)

Set in 1348 the Black Death is at it peak, however, one village appears to be immune to the plague. Ulric (Sean Bean) devoted Christian enlist the help of a Monk (Eddie Redmayne) to lead him and his men through dangerous lands to this unholy village where it is said the dead are being brought back to life.

With marshes, fog and mists across the lands it oozes atmosphere. The gritty realistic sets and settings are note worthy, everything looks authentic and aged, perfect for first outbreak of bubonic plague. There's some great practical effects, cadavers, dismemberment's and blood. The flights are finely choreographed and swordplay is raw and relentless as limbs are hacked off.

The latter part of the film slows down, building tension in the seemingly safe village, Smith's develops the eerie strangeness of the rural superbly, reminiscent of the Wickerman (1973 & 2006), In the Name of the Rose (1986) and The Village (2004).

Although in fear of being typecast as another chain armoured soldier Bean gives a passionate and gripping performance, and newcomer Redmayne plays the confounded monk Osmund's admirably. The supporting cast, even though another band mercenaries are memorable and the characters are developed. Comedy actor Tim McInnerny is satisfactory in an unusual serious role as the village head. There's a notable cameo by David Warner as The Abbot. However, it's Carice van Houten who steals the show as Langiva the striking necromancer.

There's a little too much shaky hand held camera work at times, that aside the cinematography is first rate. Dario Poloni screenplay is the icing on the cake, as the dialogue feels authentic and unforced, compared to the aforementioned other period piece. It explores religious beliefs, faith, witch hunts, occultism and much more.

With low expectation's for another period piece, I was pleasantly surprised by Smith's vision. Certainly not perfect or the grandest film; however, it's a gripping medieval, satanic mystery action that has a nice original twist at the end.


Centurion (2010)


Talented and left of the middle director Neil Marshall returns with a 117 A.D story of a group of Roman soldiers who must fight for their lives as they are hunted down by the Picts the savage, elusive and remorseless inhabitants of Northern Britain.

In the vein of Beowulf & Grendel (2005) 13th Warrior (1999) and of course Gladiator (2000), Centurion oddly missed a long running large screen release. It has an excellent diverse cast ensemble, including Olga Kurylenko, Imogene Poots, David Morrissey and the great Liam Cunningham. With excellent make-up design, costumes and fantastic breathtaking settings, it has a promise but this is hankered by the plodding and seemingly strained dialogue which lacks the conviction of that in the Black Death (2010).

Centurion is modest constructed period piece, Etain (Kurylenko) character aside, the screenplay lacks richness but the violence, blood and decapitations make up for this. That said, it's hard to feel for Michael Fassbender's Quintus as a viewer you rarely sense he is in any danger. Sadly, you're not concerned about his fate, the survival of his men or his brief encounter with witch Poots as much as you should.

Supporting actors are the backbone with the likes of Axelle Carolyn and Dave Legeno to name a few but they are not given enough to do or say. You can forgive at times Ilan Eshkeri great, yet, intrusive theatrical score, as Marshall delivers some great set ups, action, the wolf hunt and ambush to name a few and Centurion grips you and creates tension like his unsurpassed earlier work.

There's lots of atmosphere created by the location shoot and visually Marshall delivers. Blood and gore lovers will eat this up and it's not that Centurion is in away an average film, it's just that it compared to Neil Marshall's other work, it not his best.

Well there we have it, what did you think?

Indiana Jones and his Last Four Adventures

One of the greatest action adventurers ever! Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr. a character created by Starwars director George Lucas as a homage to the action heroes of 1930s film serials. Indy first appeared in the Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), and was amazingly played by Harrison Ford. Since then he's portayed him in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984), Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), and Indiana Jones and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008) all of which directed by Steven Spielberg.

There’s something cool and fascinating about character, the bullwhip, the Fedora and leather jacket. His sense of humour, deep knowledge of ancient civilisations and languages. But his flaws are interesting too, his fear of snakes, commitment and so on.

Indiana Jones remains one of cinema's most revered movie characters and made Harrison a worldwide star. You could say the character has become bigger than the films themselves. Although the above is nothing new to fans, I hope it'll draw those in who haven't seen these films. Below are my thoughts on Indiana's feature film adventures to date.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Archaeologist and adventurer, Indiana Jones must find the Ark of the Convent before Hitler's Army can use its powers to destroy their enemies.

George Lucas' story is extraordinary (now) set between Temple and Last Crusade, Raiders is a fantastic piece of cinema, a perfect mix of action, adventure and humour, wonderfully directed by Steven Spielberg. It's perfectly written by Lawrence Kasdan.

Shot on many locations and painstakingly created sets it has a grittiness and ground feel that adds to the believability. The cast are also excellent and John Williams infamous theme is used a just the right times and the score is very stirring. Harrison Ford is ideal as whip cracking, hat donned, fist fighting, Indiana Jones who is aided on his adventure by feisty ex-girl friend Marion Ravenwood play by Karen Allen. The cast include John Rhys-Davies, Denholm Elliott, Alfred Molina and Paul Freeman gives a memorable performance as Dr. René Belloq.

It has an abundance of great characters and scenes, notably the opening where Indie must flee with an idol, the truck chase, a fight around a moving plane and navigating his way through a room full of snakes.

It's a true adventure film that has been often imitated but never surpassed. A must see.

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

After a diamond exchange goes awry and a plane crash-lands in India, Indiana Jones decides to help a fraught village to find it's stolen children and mystical stones.

With dated effects and a problematic shoot, Harrison injured his back much of the action was undertaken by veteran stuntman Vic Armstrong, it's still an adequate Indy adventure.

Clearly mostly filmed on sound stages it lacks the gritiness of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Characters like Sallah, Ravenwood and Brody are sorely missed and the viewer is quickly forced to fall in love with the new leads, Kate Capshaw and Jonathan Ke Quan. Quan is good fun but the film looses it's edge due to the Goonies actors round house kicks and wise cracks. That said, some of the dialogue shindigs between him and Indy are quite well executed. Capshaw is fine when she's not screaming but is very theatrical.

Harrison Ford is again excellent as Indiana Jones and although set before Raiders appears less intelligent when donning the hat and whip, an almost reverse Superman Clark Kent character issues due to Willard Huyck & Gloria Katz screenplay.

George Lucas story is decent and incorrectly slated for being dark, but Raiders was and equally dark, brawls, shootouts, ghosts, Nazis' and a poisoned monkey to same a few. If anything there's too much comedy in Temple. However, when Indy is serious, in conversation to the villagers, playing politics, cultural differences and fighting Mola Ram (Amrish Puri) guards it's good sincere fun.

Unfortunalty, the script is so unbalanced it doesn't surpass or equal its predecessor, falling short of a classic adventure. That said, the costumes and stunt are great. With John Williams legendary score, an amazing musical number to open the film and some fantastic set pieces Temple of Doom is enjoyable enough.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Dumping the set-like feel of Temple of Doom and going for location shoot of Raiders Steven Spielberg's vision looks fantastic. There's no denying that some of the effects have dated and Jeffrey Boam's script a little heavy on the comedy, but George Lucas and Menno Meyjes story is exciting and intricate. In this quest Indiana Jones must rescue his kidnapped father and stop the Nazis that are in search of the Holy Grail.

Although a little forced the cute flash back opening has exciting gusto as you see the influences on young Indy (played by River Phoenix) that turned him into Indiana the man.

The casting is note worthy, Alison Doody as Dr. Elsa Schneider is wonderful, playing the perfect Austrian (even though she's Irish). Harrison Ford is once again flawless in the title role, a part that he was made for. Sean Connery is exceptional as Indy's father and familiar faces return including John Rhys-Davies' Sallah and Denholm Elliott's Marcus Brody. My only complaint is that Brody's character is far more comical than he comes across in the first adventure.

With John Williams familiar fantastic score, coupled with globe trotting adventure and action set pieces galore, Last Crusade is an exciting must see classic.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)

As a fan it's a mixed bag, to anyone one else a fantastic piece of entertainment.

The downside of the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull is that it has the set type feel of the second film, as oppose to the location feel of the first and third Indy adventure. John Hurt is wasted as the gibbering wreck Professor Oxley and Ray Winstone although humorous is given a clichéd stereotype side kick role. Karen Allen again plays Marion Ravenwood but doesn't get enough to do. Also there's not enough meaty dialogue too fill in-between the action sequences that are bogged down with CGI.

The good stuff – Despite Cate Blanchett's ever changing Russian accent as Irina Spalko she gives a great physical performance. Even though Mr Ford has aged, the story accommodates the 19 year gap since the last film. Shia LaBeouf as Mutt Williams is surprisingly great and has the charisma to carry the series into new adventures. John Williams score is flawless as usual and Fords performance as an aged adventurer continues to capture the imagination.

Overall, even with over cooked ending, written by George Lucas (story), is balanced by the great performance of Harrison Ford, as Indiana Jones, under Steven Spielbergs direction. Get the hat and whip ready - hopefully there'll be another adventure soon!