In the world of cinema, there are few characters as iconic and beloved as Indiana Jones. So, when we talk about Tom Selleck's '80s adventure movie, 'High Road to China,' it's impossible to ignore the elephant in the room: the film's undeniable resemblance to the Indiana Jones franchise.
This movie, released in 1983, is a fascinating case study in the power of cinematic influence and the art of imitation. It's a story of what could have been and what actually was, all set against the backdrop of a thriving adventure movie genre.
The Indy Odyssey
Tom Selleck, a name synonymous with the charismatic 'Magnum, P.I.,' almost became the face of the Indiana Jones franchise. However, fate had other plans, and Harrison Ford stepped into the role, creating cinematic history. But Selleck's journey didn't end there. Two years later, he embarked on his own adventure, one that bore striking similarities to the world of Indiana Jones.
'High Road to China' is an adventure movie set in the 1920s, loosely based on Jon Cleary's novel. It tells the story of Patrick O'Malley, a biplane pilot and World War I veteran, played by Selleck. O'Malley is hired by a heiress, Eve Tozer, to find her missing father. What follows is a globe-trotting adventure, complete with flying biplanes and a battle against an Afghan warlord.
A Different Kind of Hero
One of the most intriguing aspects of 'High Road to China' is Selleck's portrayal of a hero who doesn't quite fit the traditional mold. Unlike Indiana Jones, O'Malley is a drunk, and he doesn't engage in the typical physical combat scenes. Instead, he uses his biplane as his weapon of choice. This unique approach sets the movie apart from the many 'Raiders' clones and gives it a distinct identity.
Critical Reception and Legacy
Despite its commercial success, 'High Road to China' received mixed reviews. Critics like Roger Ebert and Vincent Canby described it as a pale imitation of 'Raiders of the Lost Ark.' However, Selleck himself remains proud of the film, calling it "a good movie" that "holds up."
In retrospect, 'High Road to China' stands as an interesting artifact of a time when adventure movies were all the rage. It's a testament to the enduring appeal of the Indiana Jones franchise and the creative ways in which filmmakers tried to capture that magic.
So, while it may not be the Indiana Jones movie we know and love, 'High Road to China' is a fun adventure in its own right, and a reminder of the impact a great film can have on an entire genre.
