Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny
review by Bobby Blakey
Easily the biggest non sci-fi adventure series of all time would be Indiana Jones. While there have been ups and downs in the franchise it still stands the test of time offering up all the fun, action and adventure fans love with its gruff and rugged leading man Harrison Ford. Now Ford is putting on the fedora once again for the latest entry Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny with Logan director James Mangold taking over directing duties. In addition to Ford the film stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Antonio Banderas, Shaunette Renne Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, Oliver Richters, Ethann Isidore, and John Rhys-Davies, but could it be the perfect ending to the hit franchise or should it have stayed history?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny finds Dr. Jones in a new era, approaching retirement, as he wrestles with fitting into a world that seems to have outgrown him. But as the tentacles of an all-too-familiar evil return in the form of an old rival, Indy must don his hat and pick up his whip once more to make sure an ancient and powerful artifact doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
I admit I love all things Indiana Jones and yes that includes Crystal Skull. I know there are some silly things across the franchise, but every film brings some element of supernatural, power or some over the top nature to the adventure so you are in or not. Heading into this latest outing there is obviously more concerns especially with Mangold taking the helm from Spielberg. While still not perfect I have to say that I loved this latest outing that is not only another fun adventure, but a great finale to the legacy of Ford as Jones.
The film wastes no time with an opening sequence that is worth the whole film
offering up vintage Indiana Jones adventure reminiscent of Raiders of the Lost Ark. Once this ends and brings us to the present Indy we get a different kind Jones who has seen and been through things all of which give new depth and direction to his current life. Ford is all in here once again clearly loving thecharacter and trying his best to go out on top. Obviously his age is a concern with this sort of role and not wanting it to feel like he wore out his welcome, but he leans into it and it works.
The rest of the cast are great as well with Bridge stepping in as the second lead and really holding her own. There are times where it feels like it could be more her movie than Jones, but it’s quick to remind you who we are her for. They operate perfect together and make a great dysfunctional team. The rest of the cast bring their A game as well to infuse all we love in the series, but its Ford and Bridge that are carrying this film as it should be. They have history and it comes shining through even when they don’t see eye to eye or possible screw the other over, but that seems to be par for the course of Indy and all of his friends.
There is plenty of fun over the top action like fans have come to expect from the series and it all works well. Ford not trying to be something he isn’t makes for a more believable version of the aged adventurer and the only way this film would have worked. Is it the best of the franchise? Probably not, but it still delivers. The pacing is off at times and has some moments that drag, but nothing that hurts the film itself. The ending might be hit and miss with some, but if you keep it in context to the previous outings across the board it comes as no surprise. The final scene of the film is perfect in tone, closure and the old films serial genre making it memorable, iconic and a fitting farewell to the franchise that stands all its own.
In addition to the film this upcoming release offers up bonus content including five chapters that chart the making of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Join the cast and crew on an epic, globe-trotting adventure that showcases new characters, stunts, music, locations, production design and visual effects whilst also bidding a fond farewell to one of cinema’s greatest heroes. Fans of Academy Award®-winner John Williams will be delighted to learn that there is a new, exclusive “score-only” version of the movie allowing viewers to listen to the composer’s iconic music on an isolated track as they watch the film.
Along with the standard physical release there will also be a Best Buy exclusive that features limited-edition SteelBook® design as well as a Walmart exclusive 4K Ultra HD edition with custom artwork and a limited-edition enamel pin.
Return for one last adventure when Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hits 4K, Blu-ray and DVD on December 5th from Disney and Lucasfilm.