Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Review

Messages: Ingenuity, teamwork, and trying to do the right thing are ultimately rewarded, although some of Indy's methods are iffy. Standing up to bullies (in the form of the Nazi party) is a strong theme. The power of a father-son relationship is explored and emphasized.

Role models: Indy is a lovable anti-hero -- a self-interested scoundrel who isn't always a great role model but whose heart proves to be in the right place. He's brave, resourceful, loyal, and smart, and he's dedicated to preserving historical artifacts and protecting them from those who would misuse them. Henry wasn't the best father to young Indiana, but he proves how much he genuinely cares for his son.

Violence: Hand-to-hand combat, action-filled chases (boats, planes, tanks, more), beatings, and gun fights. Bad-guy minions are killed in fairly gruesome ways, including beheading. Indy uses a whip frequently. Henry is shot at point-blank range and almost bleeds to death. Lots of peril. Threat of fire and drowning. At one point, other characters briefly think a main character has died. A bad guy meets his end in a scene that could disturb younger viewers (potential spoiler alert: he ages extremely rapidly and briefly becomes a dessicated, mummy-like being before disintegrating).

Sex: It's insinuated that Indiana and his father slept with the same woman. Some kissing/embracing. Banter.

Language: Language includes "damn," "my God," and "Jesus Christ" (as an exclamation).

Consumerism: Not an issue

Drinking, drugs and smoking: A character lights a cigarette (accurate for the era). Indy and another character have champagne; later, Indy has a cocktail.