Tom Selleck's 1983 film, 'High Road to China', is a fun Indiana Jones rip-off that showcases the actor's charisma and adventure spirit. While it may not have been the film that the world fell in love with, it's an interesting example of the Indiana Jones clone craze that followed the success of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark'.
What makes 'High Road to China' particularly fascinating is the way it diverges from the original. Tom Selleck plays a drunk pilot who doesn't actually fight anyone, leaving most of the physical combat to other characters. This makes the film notably different from 'Raiders' and its many clones, and it's a refreshing change of pace. In my opinion, this is what makes the film so enjoyable - it's a fun, light-hearted adventure that doesn't take itself too seriously.
One thing that immediately stands out is the behind-the-scenes strife that plagued the film. Despite the issues, it fared well commercially, making $28.4 million at the domestic box office on a $15 million budget. This is a testament to the film's entertainment value and the appeal of Tom Selleck as a leading man. Personally, I think the film holds up well, and it's a great example of the adventure genre that deserves more recognition.
However, critics at the time were not kind to the film. Roger Ebert described it as an 'unconvincing, harmless action movie' that was a 'pale echo' of 'Raiders'. Vincent Canby of the New York Times felt similarly, writing that the film was 'spun off from other, better films'. But, in my opinion, these criticisms are a bit harsh. After all, 'Raiders' is the best Indiana Jones film and the greatest adventure movie ever made. Nothing was going to live up to that.
In conclusion, 'High Road to China' is a fun, light-hearted adventure that showcases Tom Selleck's charisma and adventure spirit. While it may not have been the film that the world fell in love with, it's an interesting example of the Indiana Jones clone craze and a testament to the entertainment value of the genre. If you're a fan of adventure movies, I think you'll enjoy 'High Road to China'. It's a great example of the genre that deserves more recognition.
