Our thoughts on Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny!
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The iconic cinematic character of Indiana Jones returns to the big screen in his fifth and what seems like final adventure in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Since 1980’s Raiders of the Lost Ark, the character of Indiana Jones has gone on adventures across the globe exploring exotic lands, discovering ancient and supernatural artifacts, survived impossible odds, had some of the most exciting chase sequences, and has had lots of fun doing it. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny continues that cinematic tradition with the same quality that ignited the series over forty years ago.
There are certain elements which are required to make an Indiana Jones movie feel like an Indiana Jones movie. First and foremost is movie star Harrison Ford as the titular character of Indiana Jones. Ford’s experience in film and in the role for over 40 years provides makes the character so much his that it just feels like seeing an old friend when he put the fedora and jacket on. Next, you need a John Williams score. John Williams’ score set against the high paced action set pieces of the films provides the perfect balance of excitement and fun. These two people’s contributions teamed with huge action set pieces and locations which were shot on site for the production all return in The Dial of Destiny.
New comers to the Indiana Franchise include Phoebe Waller-Bridge (Fleabag) as Helena Shaw, the god daughter of Indiana Jones who also is an expert in archaeology; Ethann Isidore as Teddy, Helena’s young sidekick; Mads Mikkelsen (Hannibal, Doctor Strange) as the villain Jürgen Voller, Boyd Holbrook (Logan) as one of Voller’s henchman, and even a small role for Antonio Banderas (The Mask of Zorro, Puss in Boots). Another new contributor is Academy Award nominated director James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari, Logan).
In Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, James Mangold has crafted a film that is both an homage to all of Indiana Jones’ previous adventures as well as proven that not only Steven Spielberg can direct a great Indiana Jones movie. Yes, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is actually great. It delivers everything we expect from Indiana Jones in terms of story, style, and quality of an adventure summer blockbuster.
The bulk of the film occurs in 1969 with Doctor Jones now at an age when he is retiring from teaching. On the day of his retirement, his god daughter Helena appears to ask his help for one last adventure. She is seeking an invention created by the historical scientist Archimedes called the Dial of Destiny; a relic that Indiana and her father discovered decades earlier. Also searching for the Dial of Destiny is German Scientist Jürgen Voller, who also went against Indiana and Helena’s father decades prior in World War II. The great thing about Indiana Jones films are how cinematic they are.
They are filled with beautiful settings, site gags, elaborate chase sequences, large action set pieces, and a very simple plot which drives the story forward easily. Because of this, the Indiana Jones films cannot simply be explained in words; they must be experienced with your own eyes.
In addition to being a great adventure, this might be Indiana’s last adventure. There is much discussion through the film about how Indiana laments all the losses he has experienced in his career and he even questions why he is on this adventure at his age with all the wear and tear he has put himself through.
Indiana Jones does not always win, but he always manages to survive and come out with something at the end of his adventures. While The Dial of Destiny has its own McGuffin with its titular relic from which the film is named, this film also allows Indiana Jones to have a closure to his long-storied career that makes sense for him and everything he has been through. It’s always sad to say goodbye to a legend, but if this is the end, then it is a good end.
Check it out in theaters June 30TH! You don’t want to miss it!
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