After all the Yoda blogging I've done, it's time for something completely different.

I don't know about you, but I'm pumped for the next Indiana Jones film. I have seen some of the pictures released from the film, and I know who is in it, but I have been carefully avoiding spoilers. I have decided to watch the three previous Indiana Jones movies at least once before the release of the new Indiana Jones flick.

So, last night I decided to watch Raiders of the Lost Ark while exercising. A couple of things hit me: 1) it had actually been quite some time since I sat down and watched Raiders; and 2) wow--Raiders of the Lost Ark is actually quite an old movie now.

Harrison Ford looked so, so...young. I've watched most of the Original Trilogy of Star Wars recently on DVD. With all the polish they have received in the last dozen years, those movies don't seem to be as old as they actually are. However, Raiders seems to really be out of another era of film making. Add to it that the film was set during the 1930s, and it really looks like a classic.

The next thing that occurred to me, and it actually kind of pains me to admit it, but I think I prefer Indiana Jones as a character to Han Solo. I think there are a couple of reasons for this. First, I am way too familiar with Han Solo. I have seen the Star Wars films countless numbers of times. Add all the EU material, and there isn't much left unknown about Han Solo. On the other hand, Indiana Jones has less exposure. He has been featured in other games and a few other publications, but not to the extent that Han Solo has in the Star Wars expanded universe.

Second, Jones as a character seems more believable. Granted, neither character is especially believable. However, I think Indiana Jones benefited from Steven Spielberg directing Ford. The dialogue in the Indiana Jones movies also was better than the Star Wars movies. Granted, Solo did get some great lines (Leia: I love you; Solo: I know). Plus, the character of Indiana Jones is grounded on Earth dealing with historical issues.

I also like the idea of Indiana Jones being a professor and archeologist. I love his scenes at the university in Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. He is a brainy professor that has guts and a knack for adventure. Han Solo is a scoundrel. He hangs out with a walking carpet and captains a hunk of junk that just happens to be the fastest ship in the galaxy. Upon further review, I say the back ground of these two characters is a toss up.

Third, and this is related to point two: Jones' look is more striking than Solo's. The hat and the whip are synonymous with the character of Indiana Jones. Add the stubble and jacket, and a better haircut, and compare that to Han Solo. Solo has a memorable look, but it is not as impressive. The hairstyle is trapped in the 70's. The vest and shirt are non-descript. It is a good scoundrel look, but in my opinion, it pales in comparison to Jones.

Don't get me wrong. Han Solo and Indiana Jones are two of my favorite movie characters of all time. I have a hard time thinking of many, if any, that I would rank ahead of them that aren't in the Star Wars universe. This is just my opinion that I reached after a viewing of Raiders of the Last Ark. I suspect many of you will disagree with me, and in fact, I'm counting on at least two that are regular bloggers to do so.

You can't go wrong with either.