Flashback! In 1989 several things happened. Firstly; Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House became a fan film. Also, the Berlin Wall came down and my Daughter was born.
Clarke M Smith made this fun homage to the Indiana Jones franchise and Steven Spielberg and it rocks.
So, all in all, 1989 was a pretty eventful year.
The Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House Story
Arizona Smith, finishes his latest conquest in the desert. He then discovers a vital clue to the mysterious “Lost Ore House.” Meanwhile, back at the villain’s hideout, the evil leader makes magic. Smith’s nemesis is also working to take away this new information and all its riches.
The Cast
Thomas Findlow is Arizona Smith.
Sherry M Felix is the Librarian.
Clarke M. Smith is a Native.
Leilani L. Smith is a Native.
Beth Treumann is the sidekick.
And the Rest
M Todd Meador is the Nemesis
Kyle Fellows is a Native
Ande Felix is the magical leader. It has to be said, he looks like a human Jabba the Hut with all that hair. Splendid touch, that.
Bradley Grimm is a Native
Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House is Flashback Fun.
Smith took a lot of care with this fan film. It looks, despite being shot on good old VHS, great. The story flows and it is, in places, amusing and spot on in terms of “imitating” Spielberg’s form. Arizona even has his own animalistic issue; he’s allergic to cats. Snakes, however, are not a problem.
Smith has blended elements from both “The Lost Ark” and “Temple of Doom.” These intertwine smoothly and add to the fun. This is, currently, one of the better fan films I’ve seen. It has become a personal favorite.
Smith, even back in 1989, has a flair for telling a story via the medium of film. It shows here. Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House is an entertaining love letter to the great Spielberg. One can only hope he has seen it.
Everything Works
The film is “self aware.” For instance Smith gazes with a total lack of interest at a few Indiana Jones clip on the telly. Later, some of these clips show up in his world. The stunts, particularly those in the truck fight, are great.
The cast are well picked and clearly had a lot of fun filming this love letter treat. It is worth mentioning the Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House end credits. These are almost worth the price of the entire film.
At just over 28 minutes, the film’s length is spot on with its intended material. Everything fits together well and this is a fun watch.
The Verdict
Arizona Smith and the Lost Ore House is a solid 4.75 stars. Due to technology, it was filmed in 1989, it loses a little off the overall score. You can stream the film on YouTube. Head over now and watch this excellent fan film offering. Trust me, you will like this one.
The Trailer
