Common Sense Media Review
Thrilling third Indy actioner focuses on hunt for Grail.
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Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 25 parent reviews
Parents say this film is an engaging family-friendly adventure that balances humor and action while conveying positive moral themes. Most reviews praise its ability to entertain both children and adults, although some note instances of mild violence and suggest preparation for particular intense scenes.
- family-friendly
- engaging adventure
- positive moral themes
- mild violence
- humorous elements
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 109 kid reviews
Kids say this action-packed installment is thrilling and humorous, with some reviewers praising the father-son dynamic and the film's more family-friendly tone compared to earlier entries. While it has less gore than its predecessors, parents should be aware of its intense moments and mild sexual content, making it more suitable for older children.
- action-packed
- humor
- family-friendly
- intense moments
- mild sexual content
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
At the start of INDIANA JONES AND THE LAST CRUSADE, it's 1912, and young Indiana Jones (River Phoenix) risks his life to save Coronado's Cross. But his father, Henry (Sean Connery), isn't impressed. A jump to 1938 finds Indy (Harrison Ford) discovering that his father has vanished while searching for the coveted Holy Grail. So Indy sets off for Venice, where he's followed by a secret brotherhood that's dedicated to maintaining the secret of the Grail. Indy finds his father, but a run-in with Nazis leads to a whole new set of problems. Can father and son save one of the world's most precious relics from Hitler's minions?
Is It Any Good?
The chemistry between Ford and Connery is fun to watch in this entertaining if imperfect adventure. Both actors have impeccable timing and are obviously enjoying themselves in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, with Connery's character a worthy companion and foil to Indy. Since father and son have a past, you care about their relationship, though their banter about their sexual exploits with the same woman could have been left on the cutting room floor. The film shows its age in its generic depictions of Middle Easterners as cultish, machine-gun wielding men wearing fez hats, keffiyeh, and turbans. But if you can overlook these cringier moments, The Last Crusade retains the exciting Indy magic of swashbuckling adventure that's made the franchise so memorable.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Indiana Jones stands for and how he shows that in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade. Why does he break the rules? Is it OK in certain situations? If he and the Nazis both want the same thing -- the Holy Grail -- and stop at nothing to get it, what separates them? Where's the line between good and evil?
What are the effects of the frequent use of cartoonishly evil Nazis in action movies? Does it trivialize or obscure their real atrocities, especially during the Holocaust?
How does Last Crusade compare to Indy's other adventures? Which one do you like best?
How do the characters in Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade demonstrate courage and integrity? What about perseverance and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : May 24, 1989
- On DVD or streaming : October 26, 1999
- Cast : Harrison Ford , John Rhys-Davies , Sean Connery
- Director : Steven Spielberg
- Studio : Paramount Pictures
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , History
- Character Strengths : Courage , Integrity , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 128 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : violence
- Last updated : January 2, 2026
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