Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation (1989)

An absolute waste of money

Simple and well acted, it has tension enough to knot the stomach.

One of those movie experiences that is so good it makes you realize you've been grading everything else on a curve.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

Everyone has already know the story of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," as it tells about an archaeologist name Indiana Jones as he goes on an adventure to search for the Ark of the Covenant with the help of Marion and Sallah, while his arch nemesis Belloq works with the Nazis as they go after it. Also, we all know what a classic movie that was as it was made by two famous filmmakers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas; but did you know that there was remake of this movie? Yes, there was! No, it was not made in Hollywood just to make a quick buck out of it, it was entirely remade by three guys from Mississippi as it took them over the course of seven years and seven summers to remake one of the greatest adventure films of all time. This fan film was made by Eric Zala, Chris Strompolos, and Jayson Lamb as they all teamed up for trying to make the best movie they could possibly make. After seeing the documentary "Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made," I have finally got my hands on an actual copy of their fan film on DVD, and I started doing a double feature of the original and the fan film. Seeing the fan film for the first time, I was amazed on how these guys were able to pull this off, and yes I'm happy that they were able to filmed the airplane scene that they couldn't do as kids. The movie does have some goofs like some of the actors' age, hair being either long or short as well as the quality of the footage they shot as it is all mixed with Betamax and VHS cameras. This is only available on DVD, so don't expect this to be on Blu Ray; the only thing that is HD is the airplane scene. That's it. Nevertheless, the flaws may be there, but the heart is there as these guys were able to get this movie finish and they have finally accomplished. This shot for shot remake is definitely one hundred times better, than that despicable shot for shot remake of Gus Van Saint's "Psycho." Because that movie was only to make a quick buck, but this fan film is made with love and passion. If you are either fan of "Raiders of the Lost Ark," or just a huge fan of the "Indiana Jones" series, then this is definitely worth checking out. It truly is one of those fan films that has to be seen to be believe. These guys took a lot of risk for remaking a movie they love so much, and were able to get things accomplished. If you want to get a copy of this movie on DVD, go to their website: www.raidersguys.com or just go to their official Facebook page. I really enjoy "Raiders of the Lost Ark: The Adaptation," and I will be looking forward to see one of their movies on the big screen. I am giving their fan film a 10 out of 10.

A trio of schoolchildren spent eight summers in the 1980s filming Raiders Of The Lost Ark in their parents' cellars, impressively setting the cellars on fire, and doing all of the stunt-work themselves, getting ships to film scenes, with all of the passion and intensity Spielberg must have had.The trio used comic book adaptations, and saw the film as many times as possible, snuck in audio recorders to the cinema, hand drew storyboards, and filmed and starred in it themselves. A true labour of love, and well worth it. We, the audience, watch, knowing what scene comes next, and not wondering *if* these kids will do it, but trying to figure *how* they will do it. Some of the fire stunts were quite impressive, and could have turned disastrous, had anything gone wrong. (One of many jokes put into the closing credits says, thanks to "Mary Zala, for her support and for destroying her home")This film, and its 2015 documentary counterpart, Raiders!: The Story of the Greatest Fan Film Ever Made, are required viewing for Indiana Jones fans, and film buffs.

For those of you who have not had the chance to see this film please watch for the next screening. Go to their facebook page for the most up to date information on screenings in your area.I had the pleasure of finishing off the one last final epic scene in the this film. see the kickstarter "RAIDERS GUYS AND THE LOST AIRPLANE SCENE" site for more info.I took part in many rolls for this final HUGE scene and have to say there is nothing like these two guys with their passion and desire to have this film come full circle and finish in the town they grew up in.This final epic scene will be edited in the the current film with a great cut from them as kids to them as their current age. With so much thoughtfulness behind this project and what this project does for the fans as well as the charities they donate to. Nothing compares to a project such as this and please do come to a screening and see how it all comes together, and as with any fan film there are little tidbits of secret items hidden throughout this new scene that fans and newcomers will certainly appreciate. I know I did.-JAy

I just got back from the Indie SF Film Festival where this film was showing, and all I can say is that a few minutes into the film (home Betamax video camera (not Betacam)) I was in tears laughing.True to Zala's comment during the Q&A at the end of the feature, there is no better audience to watch this with than a theatre filled with San Francisco Bay Area indy film makers and enthusiasts.There were cheers. There was applause at key moments in the film. There were the obligatory "Oooooooohs" for the kissing scenes. Home made stunts: SFX: chase scenes: you name it, this film had it.In case you don't know, this is a video production done by a bunch of middle-school cum high-school students who wanted to do their version of Spielberg's and Lucas' "Raiders of the Lost Ark". Nearly every shot is duplicated with a home video camera, showing the raw energy, "spunk", and otherwise enthusiasm of young aspiring film makers.Seeing this production reminded me of all the video "films" my friends and I shot during the early 80s. Though not comparable in length, they were certainly comparable in zest for the medium. I, and the rest of the audience tonight at the Victoria theatre (off 16th and Mission) were kindred with Zala and company. Everything from the "adult supervision" who was more immature than the actual cast and crew, to the truck dug out of the swamp, to the good natured destruction of personal lives for a greater glory! It goes without saying that there's a huge cheese factor in this film, but its amateur quality striving for professionalism is its absolute charm, and does not fail from opening sequence to end credits.But, with all highs, there are some lows, and regrettably the tragic loss of Snickers was keenly felt amidst tonight's group. Salute to a K-9 actor from all of us who've used their pets in various productions.To conclude; if you're even a small Indiana Jones fan in the slightest, then you must, nay, need to see this production in all of its 20th dupe VHS glory. A must see for all film students, teachers, and professionals alike.Enjoy! :-)