I’m just gonna say it. I like Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. It’s a fun adventure film. I think it’s better than The Temple of Doom.
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
I don’t know why, but I didn’t grow up watching the Indiana Jones films. I was aware of them and knew all the famous scenes like Indy running away from the boulder and the mine shaft chase, but I never really had an interest.
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What makes it even more baffling is that my favourite movie of all time and one that was on constant rotation in my viewings as a child is Jurassic Park. A film that it’s hard not to see comparisons with. But Indy didn’t have dinosaurs and I didn’t care.
So, I don’t have any nostalgic connection with this series and therefore feel I can judge them based on how I watch them now. Take that how you will, and that will give you context for how I have reviewed The Dial of Destiny.
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
In 1969, Dr. Henry (Indiana) Jones has just retired from his job as a college professor, when his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, talks him into one last adventure investigating an artefact that sent her father, and Indy’s bestie once upon time, crazy trying to unlock its secrets. The artefact in question, Archimedes’ Dial has been split in two, Indy has one piece and the other is somewhere else in the world.
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It is said that if the two are put together, one could pinpoint time fissures and change the course of history. But of course, there is another party interested in the Dial, a party of Nazis! Now the race is on to get the Dial.
The first thing I thought when word of this new Indiana Jones flick came around was, but damn, isn’t Harrison Ford a bit old to be doing these kinds of adventure films now? I’ve been really enjoying his performance in Apple TV’s Shrinking as a grumpy old therapist. But man, he looks frail in it. How was this gonna work? I have to say though, the old man has pulled it off. I’m sure with a lot of help from stunt doubles and some creative editing, Ford looks like he is just as comfortable under the hat as he’s ever been.
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
And that’s where this movie really shines. Its action set pieces are incredible. From an auto rickshaw chase through Tangier to a fight on top of a train. And you better believe that Indy can still crack that whip. Sure, sometimes it looks like they are fighting in front of a green screen, but for the most part, the sets look cool. Especially the tombs.
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It was a real treat hearing the Indiana Jones theme song in a cinema again. There are very few themes that hit John William’s classic. They do get a bit silly though, it not only kicks in when Indy does anything heroic but feels like you get a little sting almost every time his hat is involved in any way.
To add to that nostalgia kick we get a deep faked Harrison Ford playing a younger Indiana Jones in the opening scene. Not unlike the green screen sets, it doesn’t look all that great but it’s still cool to see.
(Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
The supporting characters are okay. Antonio Banderas is sadly underused as Indiana’s diver buddy, but it was nice to see John Rhys-Davies back as Sallah (Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Last Crusade) to help out on another adventure. Mads Mikkelsen is awesome, as always, playing the obligatory Nazi villain. Phoebe Waller-Bridge as Indiana’s conniving, treasure hunter goddaughter is a lot of fun, but her sidekick Teddy (Ethann Isidore) was super annoying.
I’d have to say the film’s weakest link is its pacing though. At 154 minutes it is way too long and does bog down here and there. Steven Spielberg didn’t seem to have this problem in the previous four films, I felt they were all trim while feeling epic. James Mangold taking over the director’s chair may have had something to do with this, I have had similar issues with some of his earlier work.
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But just as the film was starting to lose me, it kicks into high gear with a stellar final scene that I think is the reason I enjoyed the movie so much. Without spoiling anything, I reckon it’s worth the watch just for this scene. They’re talking like this is the final instalment, buuuut they may have left it open for potential new adventures depending on Dial of Destiny’s box office intake.
I’m not sure though, the buzz I’m hearing isn’t that positive. But I’m here to tell you that this is a great popcorn flick and is begging to be seen on the big screen.
