Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, while perhaps lacking the impact of the original, is an invaluable addition to the acclaimed series. Steven Spielberg, seemingly aware of the mistakes made in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, utilized the formula of the first movie without making a duplicate by providing the audience with a pseudo-historical backdrop, offering a comedic and quite understandable explanation for the elder Indiana's fear of snakes, and the origins of his famous whip and hat. The late River Phoenix, looking every inch the young Indy, provides The Last Crusade with an exciting prologue, showcasing his then unsuccessful attempt across unsafe terrain and reptile-laden circus boxcars to wrestle a precious historical artifact away from those who wanted it for all the wrong reasons. Mixing a return to form with archaeological thrills, outrageous stunts, and deadpan comedy, The Last Crusade has all the charm of the first two films combined.