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Certain things belong in a museum — like the Cross of Coronado and your dad’s vintage leather jacket from high school. But this weekend, dust off that jacket, grab a fedora and prepare for the greatest father-son adventure in action films: “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade.”

As part of Fathom Entertainment’s Big Screen Classics series, director Steven Spielberg’s third installment of the legendary Indiana Jones franchise is returning to theaters just in time for Father’s Day, with screenings on June 14, 15 and 18.

While pursuing the Holy Grail, a biblical artifact that grants eternal life, sharp-witted professor and archeologist Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones Jr. (Harrison Ford) — Indy for short — grapples with his complex relationship with his distant father, Dr. Henry Jones Sr. (Sean Connery). The film explores themes of grief, faith, resentment and reconciliation, culminating in an incredibly moving third act that’s certain to strike a chord on Father’s Day.

“The Last Crusade” opens in the desert canyons of Utah, where Indy — this time a 13-year-old Boy Scout played by River Phoenix — retrieves the Cross of Coronado from a band of looters. Escalating to a chase atop a circus train, Indy confronts a lion, endures an almost deadly encounter with a rhinoceros and tumbles into a container of snakes — the traumatic event that kindled his fear of the slithering reptiles.

The looters follow Indy home and take the crucifix back after his escape. In acknowledgment of his efforts, the ringleader of the group, Garth (Richard Young), places his fedora on Indy’s head — my favorite transition of all time — creating one of the most legendary characters ever.

This 10-minute sequence isn’t as iconic as the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” opening, but its attention to detail and authenticity to the character reflect why “The Last Crusade” is the best entry in the franchise.

Upon encountering the lion, a prophetic shot shows Indy reaching for a whip, which leaves an indelible mark on his chin, paralleling Harrison Ford’s real scar. When arriving at the Jones’ residence, Henry — who is working on his Grail Diary — waves off his son, revealing Henry’s obsession with the Grail and his negligence toward Indy.

This introduction sets the tone for the film and digs up background on the characters. Phoenix — who Ford recommended — delivered an unforgettable performance, inspiring writer-producer George Lucas to create a spin-off television series.

The story fast forwards to 1938, when Henry’s employer, Walter Donovan (Julian Glover), notifies Indy of his father’s disappearance, prompting him to continue his father’s search for the Grail. Before the Nazis capture him, Henry mails his Grail Diary to Indy, keeping his findings safe.

The duo escapes from an Austrian castle, but Indy brings the diary with him. Elsa Schneider (Alison Doody) — former colleague and love interest of both the Jones’ — steals the diary and takes it to Berlin, forcing them to travel to Nazi Germany. However, Indy entrusts clumsy scholar and family friend Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott), with an important map from the diary.

The father-son dynamic in “The Last Crusade” taps into a side of Indy that’s rarely seen in the franchise’s predecessors, displaying him at his most vulnerable. The distant relationship between Indy and Henry — fueled by the death of Indy’s mother and Henry’s obsession with his academic work — leads to frustration. But, the tension is cut by tender moments that highlight the unique bond between father and son.

After the Nazis capture Marcus, the Jones’ and Sallah (John Rhys-Davies), Indy’s longtime friend, work to rescue him. This leads to a brawl between Indy and Colonel Vogel (Michael Byrne) aboard a tank. Things turn disastrous when the tank nosedives off a cliff. Henry watches stunned, his face filled with pain and his voice with regret.

“Oh God, I’ve lost him, and I never told him anything. I just wasn’t ready, Marcus,” Henry said. Connery’s eyes are haunting: the look of a father who realizes his mistakes, yearning to make amends for those lost years.

Miraculously, Indy appears, holding onto a branch and hoisting himself up the cliff. Henry glances at him, then does a double take, filled with disbelief. “I thought I’d lost you, boy,” he said, embracing his son. Indy, exhausted, cracks a loving smile.

The Jones’ and company arrive at the final resting place of the Grail, but thanks to the map, the Nazis and traitors Donovan and Elsa make it there first. Donovan wounds Henry, forcing Indy to navigate three trials that lead to the Grail — the only way to save his father.

With utmost creativity, Spielberg cuts between Henry whispering in agony about the clues to the trials, reflecting his life’s work, and Indy facing them, diary in hand.

The film features a slightly larger group of main characters compared to “Raiders” and its prequel, “The Temple of Doom,” but it handles them gracefully, relying on strong character development. Marcus becomes more integral to the story, and we see the return of Sallah. Elsa stands out in the series as the only love interest that betrays Indy. And Connery, well, he’s a legend. The Academy Award winner and original James Bond elevates the franchise to new heights.

“The Last Crusade” stands as the best Indiana Jones film. It features unrivaled attention to detail, rich character development and a score by John Williams that solidifies the mythos of the Grail, taking the audience on a spiritual journey.

Spielberg and Lucas weren’t afraid to delve into deeper themes — defying the straightforward adventure story — specifically surrounding the nuanced connection between Indy and Henry. “The Last Crusade” contains the most human elements of the series. The pair isn’t only searching for the Grail, but also attempting to repair their relationship.

I was six years old when my dad took me to the local Video King for the first time. Thousands of titles lined the shelves, but with his guidance, we took home “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” I was transported to a South American jungle.

Williams’ potent score rattled in my ears while Indy trekked through booby traps, carefully approaching the Golden Idol. His face, filled with pure astonishment, paralleled mine — a six-year-old boy enchanted by a cinematic spectacle. Whether my dad realizes it or not, that day left a lasting impact on me, evident by a replica of the Grail sitting on my desk.

There’s no better activity for Father’s Day than watching “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” in theaters. See it with a loved one and let the greatest adventure take you away.

Published on June 15, 2025 at 6:33 pm