Movie Review: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" is a movie that keeps you interested but doesn't quite manage to be truly entertaining. It has a mix of new ideas and nostalgic moments that will keep fans watching, but it never really reaches the heights of the original trilogy.

Plot Overview

The movie starts with a flashback to the end of World War II. We see Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) and his friend Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) trying to recover stolen artifacts from the Nazis. This sequence features a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford, which looks a bit odd and distracting. The main villain, Jurgen Voller (a de-aged Mads Mikkelsen), discovers an ancient device called the Antikythera, or Archimedes’ Dial, which can supposedly predict astronomical events.

Fast forward to 1969, and we find an older Indiana Jones retiring from teaching at Hunter College. He's separated from his wife Marion after their son Mutt died in the Vietnam War. This emotional backstory adds depth to Ford’s performance, showing his ability to bring real feeling to the role.

Action and Adventure

Indy's peaceful retirement is interrupted when Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Basil’s daughter and Indy’s goddaughter, shows up. She’s interested in the Dial that her father obsessed over, and soon they’re off on a new adventure. They’re chased by Voller and his henchmen, leading to a chaotic horse chase through a parade.

The action sequences are a mixed bag. Some, like the chase through Tangier, feel cluttered and hard to follow. The film’s over-reliance on CGI makes some scenes feel less impactful than the practical effects of the older movies. Director James Mangold, who did great work with "Logan," struggles to match Steven Spielberg’s mastery of clear, engaging action scenes.

Emotional Core

The movie is at its best when it slows down and focuses on the characters and their quest. The treasure-hunting moments, set to John Williams' iconic score, capture some of the magic of the original films. The story explores themes of history and regret, with Indy confronting a villain who wants to control history, while he himself is stuck in the past.

Final Thoughts

"Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" has its moments, especially thanks to Harrison Ford’s heartfelt performance. However, the movie often feels bogged down by its uneven action sequences and overuse of CGI. It’s a film that will interest fans but may not leave a lasting impression. It’s not a terrible movie, but it doesn’t quite reach the highs of the classic Indiana Jones adventures.

In theaters now.