Directed by: James Mangold
Produced by: Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, Simon Emanuel, Steven Spielberg, George Lucas
Starring: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, Karen Allen, John Rhys-Davies, Shaunette Renée Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, Toby Jones, Mads Mikkelsen
Cert: 12
Run Time: 155 mins
Available on: Disney+
Close to retirement, Indiana Jones struggles to find his place in a world that's moving on without him. But he can't escape his past for long, as an old rival resurfaces, forcing Indy to pick up his hat and whip once more to prevent an ancient, powerful artefact from falling into the hands of his old enemies.
"I miss the desert. I miss the sea. And I miss waking up every morning wondering what wonderful adventure the new day will bring to us."
June 28th 2023 saw the release of James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny, the fifth instalment of the iconic franchise starring Harrison Ford. The new addition comes 15 years after the last Indy film, and 42 years after the original.Â
The big question is, when should you leave a series alone? Many fans will tell you that Indiana Jones should have been left alone before the release of Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull, however, as a film that almost celebrates Indiana Jones as an older man, Dial Of Destiny almost fits into the series better.Â
Now don’t get me wrong, there were questionable moments in the film. Specifically the de-ageing CGI right at the beginning. Seeing the iconic character that looks and sounds nothing like Harrison Ford isn’t the best way to start a brand new blockbuster, especially on a big screen. These effects don’t last long however, and the flashback at the beginning of the film does have ties with the third instalment of the series, The Last Crusade, where we see young Indiana Jones and his first-ever discovery.Â
Even down to the rooftop chase along a train, the opening scenes had so much potential, yet it feels like it missed the callbacks each time. Even down to our villain, Dr Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), it feels like the obsession with the Antikythera was too underplayed from the beginning.Â
Because of this, the movie took a while to get going. However, once we got back to the Harrison Ford we all know and love, all the missed targets were forgotten. His sarcasm and general irritation with the villains were consistent with the original trilogy, and the reappearance of Sallah (John Rhys-Davies) and later, of Marion (Karen Allen) was a heartwarming call back to the Indiana Jones franchise.Â
There were also new additions, however, the main one of which was Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The actress played Jones’ Goddaughter, Helena Shaw. Much to Jones’ disappointment, Helena is a main player in the auction of stolen antiquities game. Her character does grow to realise she got into that game because she loves and misses her father, and we see her transform from being ‘all about the money’ to all about the history and the people she’s with beautifully.Â
Indiana Jones, history, and Ancient Greece all thrown together might seem like a lot for one movie. And at points, it was. With the main characters jumping through a fissure in time and going slightly further than anticipated, we end up in 215 BC only now there are several dead Nazis only a few feet from Archimedes himself. While Jones begs to stay with one of his heroes, we see what feels like a rushed moment for Waller-Bridge’s character to come to the realisation she doesn’t hate Jones.Â
At this point, it stops feeling like an Indiana Jones film and travels more down the path of Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull. I think Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny will divide fans, as its predecessor did. And while there was space for a fifth instalment, I think it’s now time for Indiana Jones to be put to bed.Â
If you haven’t already, make sure to give Indiana Jones and The Dial Of Destiny a watch on Disney+ - no premier access needed - and let us know what you think! Give Flare Magazine a follow on social media too to keep up with the new films, music and tv shows coming out and get in touch if you’re releasing something new!
But what did YOU think? Indiana Jones: Does it belong in a museum? Hit me with your opinions, good or bad!Â
If you enjoyed this review, make sure to share it around and help us keep supporting up-and-coming talent in the entertainment industry!
Words by Chloe Pollard.
Images courtesy of Disney+.