This review of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was first published in conjunction with the movie’s premiere at the Cannes Film Festival. It has been updated for the movie’s theatrical release.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny: A Back-to-Basics Adventure
Indiana Jones, the iconic archeology professor turned swashbuckling hero, has become synonymous with the magic of cinema. From his daring escape from a giant rolling boulder in Raiders of the Lost Ark to his battle against Nazis, Indy has captivated audiences for decades. However, the infamous 2008 sequel, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, left fans disappointed and was considered a misstep for the franchise. Now, with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, director James Mangold aims to course-correct and recapture the spirit of the original films.
A Surly and Hardened Indy
Set in 1969, Indiana Jones (played by Harrison Ford) is no longer the intrepid treasure-hunter of his youth. He is now a bitter and hardened version of himself, dealing with the aftermath of a failed marriage. His retirement from teaching is interrupted when his goddaughter Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) approaches him with a quest for the Antikythera, a mythical artifact with the power to manipulate time. However, Indy is not the only one searching for the Antikythera, as a group of remnant Nazis led by scientist Jürgen Voller (played by Mads Mikkelsen) are also after its power.
“Dial of Destiny” Review: A Back-to-Basics Adventure with Mixed Results
Action-Packed Sequences and Lackluster Visuals
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny delivers thrilling action sequences, from a breathtaking fight atop a moving train to a heart-pounding horseback chase through the subway tunnels of New York. However, as the film ramps up its scale, the reliance on CGI and visual effects becomes more apparent and ultimately detracts from the experience. The climactic dogfight scene comes off as visually unimpressive and fails to engage the audience.
Mangold, known for his ability to direct solid crowd-pleasers, seems to struggle with the visual style of the film. The overall drabness and poor lighting drain the film of its personality, and rapid cuts during fight scenes make it difficult to appreciate the choreography.
A Fitting Farewell to Indy
Harrison Ford’s emotional attachment to the character of Indiana Jones is evident in his performance. He portrays an older and slower Indy, but one who still possesses the strength and determination to fight villains. Ford delivers moments of pathos and reflection that add depth to the character.
However, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny falls into the trap of relying heavily on nostalgia and frequent cameos at the expense of a compelling story. The screenplay, co-written by Mangold, clunkily inserts references to past adventures, resulting in a lack of originality and agency for Indiana Jones. The film concludes with a saccharine farewell that prioritizes fan service over a satisfying resolution for the beloved character.
A Disappointing and Forgettable Addition
While Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has its entertaining moments and manages to hold the audience’s attention, it ultimately fails to live up to the quality of its predecessors. Playing it safe and lacking in memorable moments, the film serves as a reminder of how good the original Indiana Jones films were.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is currently showing in theaters.