Moviegoers across the globe don't have to wait much longer for "Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull," the first film in the series since 1989. It is in theaters this week.

But first let's look backward at Indiana Jones' previous adventures and hope that his newest caper inspires as many fond memories.

Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981)

Plot: Indiana Jones searches for the Ark of the Covenant, the legendary chest reputed to contain the original Ten Commandments. Although there is apparently an 11th that states, "Thou shalt not open me and look lest thy face be melted."

Quick take: The best action-adventure movie, hands down.

Best scene: Umm ... all of them? If I had to pick a favorite, it has to be Indy gunning down the swordsman in the marketplace, which prompted what is to this day, the loudest laugh I have ever heard from a movie audience.

Worst scene: Not a one of them. This is my absolute favorite first movie from any film series. It's a masterpiece.

Favorite dialogue: Lots to choose from, but I love this exchange, when Indy goes after the ark with a horse:

Indiana: I'm going after that truck.

Sallah: How?

Indiana: I don't know, I'm making this up as I go.

Did you know?: If the little monkey that's a stooge for the Nazis sounds familiar, that's because his vocals were dubbed by Frank Welker, who voiced the monkey Abu in "Aladdin." As it happens, Welker also voiced Spielberg in an episode of "Tiny Toon Adventures."

Grade: A+

Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984)

Plot: Indiana searches for the lost Sankara stones, which have been stolen by a bloodthirsty cult. Helping him are American singer Willie Scott (Kate Capshaw, who became Mrs. Spielberg) and spunky sidekick Short Round (Ke Huy Quan).

Quick take: Great beginning (up to the life raft landing in India) and great ending (everything from the mine car chase forward.) However, the middle is lame, except for the spike room scene. Willie Scott may be the most annoying heroine alive. She's certainly the loudest.

Best scene: The mine car chase.

Worst scene: Willie screaming her head off in the jungle. Come to think of it, every other line of hers seems to be some variation of "SQUEEEEEEEEEE!"

Favorite dialogue: Short Round (after he springs the spike room trap): "You say to stand against the wall! I listen to what you say! Not my fault! Not my fault!"

Did you know?: This film, along with the Spielberg-produced "Gremlins," was responsible for the creation of the PG-13 rating.

Grade: B

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989)

Plot: Indiana Jones searches for the Holy Grail and seeks to make amends with his estranged father, a grail aficionado.

Quick take: Wonderfully fun sequel gets a major boost from Sean Connery's delightful performance. Casting him was a masterstroke. Small debits for a weak villain (Julian Glover) and love interest (Alison Doody).

Best scene: A tie between Henry Jones shooting off the tail of his own plane, and the opening scene, with the late River Phoenix's terrific turn as young Indy.

Worst scenes: The ones that play Marcus Brody (Denholm Elliott) for a buffoon. I thought Marcus was supposed to be pretty sharp.

Favorite dialogue: (As Indy and Henry discuss their common love interest):

Indy: It's disgraceful, you're old enough to be her fath — her grandfather.

Henry: I'm as human as the next man.

Indy: I was the next man!

Did you know?: Connery's casting was a coup for Spielberg, because directing the Indiana Jones movies sprang from his desire to make a James Bond movie.

Grade: A-