The most highly anticipated movie of 2008 might be Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. If you have not seen it yet, here is a link to watch the trailer for this movie set to hit theaters on May 22nd (you have to watch a very short commercial before the preview starts).

It has been almost 19 years since Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was released back in 1989, so I guess I can wait another 2 months. Now the great George Lucas, Steven Spielberg and Harrison Ford reunite to bring one of the most beloved characters in the history of cinema back to the big screen. I have already given you my Steven Spielberg Top 10 List, so I thought I would now do the same for Harrison Ford.

Ford, who will turn 66 this July, made his first film appearance way back in 1966. It was an uncredited role as a bellhop in Dead Heat on a Merry Go Round and here is a link to watch that short scene. He teamed up with George Lucas for a small role as "Bob Falfa" in the 1973 film American Graffiti which really opened the door to Ford getting to audition for a role in a little film called Star Wars. The rest is, as they say, history. I now give you OLD SCHOOL'S TOP 10 HARRISON FORD MOVIE CHARACTERS:

Honorable Mention. "Allie Fox" in The Mosquito Coast (1986) and "President James Marshall" in Air Force One (1997) - First, The Mosquito Coast was one of my favorite books as a kid, so I really enjoy seeing Ford bring that character to life. Then you have to at least give an honorable mention when someone plays the President of the United States.
10. "Quinn Harris" in Six Days Seven Nights (1998) - Though his leading lady was a very strange casting choice (Anne Heche), he creates a good curmudgeon who crashes his plane on a tropical island. The movie is a little predictable, but I feel it was one of his better characters. I almost gave this spot to What Lies Beneath, but ultimately chose to keep it here.
9. "Jack Trainer" in Working Girl (1988) - This film was nominated for the Best Picture Oscar, but lost to Rain Man. Ford's understated character plays very well opposite the powerful female characters performed by Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver.
8. "Det. Capt. John Book" in Witness (1985) - Ford received his only Oscar nomination for his outstanding performance as a cop who goes undercover within an Amish community in order to protect a young boy who is a key witness in a murder trial. At the same time, Ford's character develops a romantic relationship with the boy's mother played by Kelly McGillis.
7. "Rick Deckard" in Blade Runner (1982) - Fresh on the heels of the first Indiana Jones film, Ford teams up with director Ridley Scott to create this science fiction cult classic. For an 80s sci-fi movie, it actually holds up pretty well today. It is a very dark story and, though I have tried to like it more, it really has never captured my heart.
6. "Jack Ryan" in Patriot Games (1992) and Clear and Present Danger (1994) - Ford brings the character created by author Tom Clancy to the big screen in both of these movies. If you are a fan of Clancy's novels and these types of action flicks, you will love Ford in this role.
5. "Dr. Richard Kimble" in The Fugitive (1993) - This film is based off of the 60s TV Series of the same name. Ford's character is wrongly accused of murdering his wife, so he escapes from custody and is determined to prove his innocence as well as find the real killer. Very intense role played with outstanding skill.
4. "Linus Larrabee" in Sabrina (1995) - This film is a remake of the fantastic 1954 Billy Wilder film of the same name and Ford plays the same character originally performed by the one and only Humphrey Bogart. This is a tall order which I feel Ford pulls off brilliantly in this much underrated performance. He is forced to be unlikable for the majority of the film which is not something that Ford has had to do too often. In this case, it pays off as we see his character literally change before our own eyes during the course of the story. This makes him that much more likable in the end.
3. "Henry Turner" in Regarding Henry (1991) - This film, written by J.J. Abrams and directed by Mike Nichols, could have very well been included in my list of the most underrated movies of all time. A lawyer who is shot in the head survives to realize that he does not really like the person he used to be. During his recovery, Ford's character displays every range of emotion and almost becomes childlike. Superb performance in this charming film.
2. "Dr. Henry ‘Indiana' Jones" in Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), Indiana Jones & the Temple of Doom (1984) and Indiana Jones & the Last Crusade (1989) - Ford has the distinction of playing two of the greatest characters in cinema history and this is one of them. He brings tremendous personality, comedic timing, rugged good looks and somehow believability to this amazing character. George Lucas and Steven Spielberg helped create this character, but it is Harrison Ford who brings him to life and makes him truly special. What else can you say?
1. "Han Solo" in Star Wars (1977), The Empire Strikes Back (1980) and Return of the Jedi (1983) - This character also has to be considered one of the best in cinema history. He plays one of the most interesting and complex characters in the Star Wars trilogy. Looking back, I cannot even imagine anyone else being "Han Solo." Burt Reynolds, Al Pacino and James Caan all turned down this incredible role. Can you imagine any of them creating the special character that Ford did? Me neither.

There's my list, so let me know what you think. Harrison Ford has definitely slowed down in recent years with only 5 films released since the year 2000, but he will more than make up for that with the new Indiana Jones movie this May. I don't think they would have made it unless it was going to be spectacular, so I expect nothing less.

That will wrap up another issue of Kickin' it Old School. Thanks for reading and be sure to click on the Archive buttons in the upper left column to make sure you have not missed any previous issues. I appreciate all of the support. Peace and much love.

Check this out: I came across this French clothing label. You can read the translation below the tag. It just struck me very humorous that something like that would actually end up printed on the label.

Quote of the day: "If you can find a path with no obstacles, it probably doesn't lead anywhere." -Frank A. Clark

Download this: "Babylon" by David Gray - from his album titled White Ladder