Tag: Harrison Ford

The Indiana Jones Movies: Story & Timeline

The Indiana Jones movie franchise originated from the creative partnership between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg in the late 1970s. Inspired by the serialized adventure films and pulp magazine heroes of the 1930s and 40s, Lucas conceived the character initially named “Indiana Smith,” modeled after real-life explorers such as Roy Chapman Andrews. The character was later renamed Indiana Jones at Spielberg’s suggestion. Together, Lucas and Spielberg crafted a thrilling archaeological adventure centering on Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., an archaeologist and professor with a knack for escaping danger, exploring ancient mysteries, and fighting evil.

Their goal was to bring the excitement, spirit, and style of classic movie serials into a contemporary cinematic format. The 1981 release of Raiders of the Lost Ark, with Harrison Ford embodying the titular hero, launched the franchise, which became an iconic blend of action, history, humor, and mythic storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide ever since. The series combined Lucas’s imaginative storytelling and Spielberg’s dynamic direction, creating a timeless pop culture phenomenon.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, Ronald Lacey, and Terry Richards in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)1981
Archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a globe-trotting mission to locate the biblical Ark of the Covenant before Nazi forces do. Indiana’s wit, daring escapes, and legendary whip skills are put to the test alongside Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), his spirited former flame.
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Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Amrish Puri, and Ke Huy Quan in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
In a darker prequel, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) arrives in India to rescue enslaved children and retrieve a sacred stone from a sinister cult. Accompanied by nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and youthful sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), Indy faces supernatural dangers amid thrilling action.
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliott, Michael Byrne, Alison Doody, and John Rhys-Davies in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Set in 1938, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) teams with his estranged father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), and allies Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) on a daring quest to find the Holy Grail before the Nazis. Joined by art historian Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), the adventure combines humor, heartfelt family moments, and pulse-pounding challenges.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, and Ray Winstone in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
2008
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny   
2023

The latest installment finds Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) drawn into a time-bending battle involving a mysterious device known as the Dial of Destiny. Older and reflective, Indy faces new threats while confronting his past and legacy.

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The Indiana Jones Franchise Coming To Prime!

The legendary Indiana Jones franchise lands on Amazon Prime starting October 1, 2025, bringing all the classic adventure films starring Harrison Ford to the streaming platform, except for the latest installment, which remains available as a rental. Fans can embark on iconic journeys with Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, The Last Crusade, and Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, reliving the thrilling escapades of the intrepid archaeologist. This Prime Video debut offers a perfect opportunity to dive into the timeless mix of action, humor, and historical mystery that has made Indiana Jones a beloved cinematic hero for decades.

The Indiana Jones movie franchise originated from the creative partnership between George Lucas and Steven Spielberg in the late 1970s. Inspired by the serialized adventure films and pulp magazine heroes of the 1930s and 40s, Lucas conceived the character initially named “Indiana Smith,” modeled after real-life explorers such as Roy Chapman Andrews. The character was later renamed Indiana Jones at Spielberg’s suggestion. Together, Lucas and Spielberg crafted a thrilling archaeological adventure centering on Dr. Henry Walton “Indiana” Jones, Jr., an archaeologist and professor with a knack for escaping danger, exploring ancient mysteries, and fighting evil.

Their goal was to bring the excitement, spirit, and style of classic movie serials into a contemporary cinematic format. The 1981 release of Raiders of the Lost Ark, with Harrison Ford embodying the titular hero, launched the franchise, which became an iconic blend of action, history, humor, and mythic storytelling that has captivated audiences worldwide ever since. The series combined Lucas’s imaginative storytelling and Spielberg’s dynamic direction, creating a timeless pop culture phenomenon.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Paul Freeman, Wolf Kahler, Ronald Lacey, and Terry Richards in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)1981
Archaeologist Dr. Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) embarks on a globe-trotting mission to locate the biblical Ark of the Covenant before Nazi forces do. Indiana’s wit, daring escapes, and legendary whip skills are put to the test alongside Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen), his spirited former flame.
⋅

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Harrison Ford, Kate Capshaw, Amrish Puri, and Ke Huy Quan in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)
In a darker prequel, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) arrives in India to rescue enslaved children and retrieve a sacred stone from a sinister cult. Accompanied by nightclub singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw) and youthful sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan), Indy faces supernatural dangers amid thrilling action.
⋅

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade 

Sean Connery, Harrison Ford, Denholm Elliott, Michael Byrne, Alison Doody, and John Rhys-Davies in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)
Set in 1938, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) teams with his estranged father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery), and allies Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) on a daring quest to find the Holy Grail before the Nazis. Joined by art historian Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody), the adventure combines humor, heartfelt family moments, and pulse-pounding challenges.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Harrison Ford, Karen Allen, Cate Blanchett, Shia LaBeouf, and Ray Winstone in Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008)
2008
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny   (Rental)
2023

The latest installment finds Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) drawn into a time-bending battle involving a mysterious device known as the Dial of Destiny. Older and reflective, Indy faces new threats while confronting his past and legacy.

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STREAMING ON AMAZON PRIME VIDEO STARTING OCTOBER 1, 2025!

The Call Of The Wild

2020   20th Century Studios

Rated:  PG

Length:  1 hr  40min

Adventure ~ Drama ~ Family

Directed by:  Chris Sanders

Starring:  Harrison Ford, Omar Sy, Cara Gee, Dan Stevens, Karen Gillan, and Bradley Whitford and……..BUCKLEY.

“Every summer when he comes down to the valley, he remembers kind hands and old Masters. Before he became his own Master, before he heard…….The Call Of The Wild.”

THE CALL OF THE WILD   is a Classic Movie starring a Classic Movie Star based on a Classic Novel by Jack London . It reminds me of The Disney Movies I watched on Sunday Nights on The Wonderful World of Disney as a kid. It tells the story of Buck, a 140 pound St. Bernard – Scotch Shepherd dog, living the good life in Santa Clara, California with his owner Judge Miller and his family. It is 1897 and the Gold rush is in full swing in the Yukon region of Alaska. There is a growing need for strong dogs to pull the sleds and huge bounties are being paid for suitable dogs. Judge Miller’s Gardner notices how big a dog Buck is and sees a quick way to make some money. He tricks Buck with a treat, locks him in a wooden crate and sells him to a dog trader.

Buck ends up in the Yukon in Alaska and is sold to a Mail carrier and his wife. Buck has California feet and it is a rude awakening away from the life of luxury he was taken from. Turned into a sled dog seemingly overnight Buck must fight for his survival and grow into an amazing sled dog. Along the way he meets John Thornton (Harrison Ford) who Buck will eventually team up with for an adventure that will change both Buck and John Thornton’s lives. It is a great adventure that Buck has gone on. Starting as a domestic pet to full time sled dog in the Yukon, changing from slave to master of his own destiny, changing the very nature of Timber Wolves in the Yukon.

It is a great story. It is a great movie, I consider it classic. Harrison Ford does an outstanding job of acting with a CGI dog. I think of Buck as a real dog in the movie, he is CGI but I immediately grew fond of Buck. As the director Chris Sanders and his wife Jessica Steele-Sanders tells the story to Disney, I now know why. The real Buck was found by Jessica Steele-Sanders on the app Pet finder by accident. He was found on the street in Kansas, an exact duplicate of the breed in Jack London’s novel. Jessica drove two days from California to go get Buckley (The dog’s actual name believe it or not). Everyone immediately fell for Buckley and The CGI Buck is based on Buckley. Buckley now lives with Chris and Jessica.

All of the CGI dogs in the movie were based on real life counterparts. Watching the video about Buckley you can see that his character was realistically portrayed by the CGI Buck. I have to confess that I am a dog guy and fell for Buck. I am actually a little jealous of Buck. No, I have no desire to pull a dogsled, but I am envious of his journey. After all he went through, in the end, he finds true happiness and freedom.

I’ve probably seen this half a dozen times and would gladly watch it again.

Highly Recommended!

Two Thumbs Up!