Dust off your jackets and get ready for an adventure because it’s time to journey the world once again with Indiana Jones.
“Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” was released on June 30. Harrison Ford returns as Jones along with a number of both new and familiar faces. While the film suffers from several character faults, it makes for a thrilling and heartwarming journey back into this timeless franchise.
The movie begins with Jones’ retirement being interrupted by Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), his god-daughter whom he hasn’t seen in years. Shaw seeks the Antikythera, a time machine built by the historic intellectual Archimedes. Meanwhile, an evil Nazi-turned-American-scientist Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) is looking for the same device, hoping to change the outcome of World War II. Despite conflict, Shaw and Jones work together on a globe-spanning quest to thwart Voller’s evil plan.
While Waller-Bridge delivers a stellar performance, I found Shaw to be an incredibly frustrating character. Typically, protagonists are meant to be likable characters that you can root for, but the film’s interactions between her and Jones makes it tough to love Shaw. Watching her be cruel to Jones is disheartening, especially after we realize he is struggling with the death of his child and distancing from his wife. Thankfully, she becomes more compassionate by the end.
The film also suffers from a rather lackluster villain. The movie seems to aim for a “brain and brawn” antagonist scenario, with Voller providing the master plan and his team of goons doing most everything dangerous involved in it. However, this works to ill-effect. Voller ends up feeling un-intimidating because he himself does very little and his presence is hampered even further by Jones having defeated countless Nazis and goons in previous franchise installments.
The movie’s story is packed to the brim with a plot that takes our heroes across the world and to numerous visually stunning locations. However, the abundance of settings means we don’t get to spend much time absorbing and exploring, a highlight of the Indiana Jones films. I can’t help but feel the film missed its opportunity to fully take advantage of the wondrous possibilities its ancient ruins and cities offered.
Despite these issues, the film’s numerous triumphs ultimately outshined its faults.
Ford’s return as Indiana Jones was stellar. Watching him once again take on this beloved and classic role, complete by once more dawning the iconic jacket, hat and whip, was magnificent. While it was saddening seeing Jones older and unable to easily defeat his enemies, he remains as courageous, charming, funny and simply entertaining as ever.
The film also carries heartwarming nostalgia, full of references to previous Indiana Jones adventures. Every time a piece of dialogue referenced the events of a previous movie, it brought a tremendous smile to my face. While I was disappointed that returning Indiana Jones characters Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and Marion (Karen Allen) only had short appearances, they were unforgettable nonetheless. Seeing them all together at the end was moving.
Finally, the last act of the movie was outstanding and most certainly my favorite. Every scene is breathtaking and mesmerizing as Jones and Shaw find themselves traveling back in time. Best of all, after Jones and Shaw return, Jones reconnects with Marion and finally finds his happily-ever-after in a joyous moment.
Overall, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” was a fun and phenomenal adventure with much heart. Whether you’re an avid Indiana Jones fan or have never seen a single one of his movies, you are sure to enjoy it.
