[Cloud]

I think the first movie is just about perfect as a movie. The character of Indiana Jones, the music, the evocation of early serials, the awe and depth bestowed by the subject matter--all combine to make a sum greater than the parts.

I think that's what's wrong with the second movie--the subject matter. Those Indian stones just do not have the awe inspiring weight of the Ark of the Covenant and the Holy Grail, and I can't bring myself to care much about them.

I don't think I'll ever forget seeing "Raiders of the Lost Ark" when it came out; at the drive-in, in our awesome old blue Cadillac with the leather seats (which my husband the drunk eventually totalled); with 4-year old Daughter No. 1 in the back seat. How we told her to cover her eyes during the scene in which the Ark was opened. "Don't look! Don't look!" That scene still scares me.

Watching it tonight, it struck me: In the opening sequence of Raiders--how in the world are we supposed to believe that little sack of dirt weighs the same as the golden idol? Oh well, belief suspension is one of my specialties.