Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the story of an aged archaeology professor, searching for peace. Dr. Henry “Indiana” Jones (Harrison Ford) has decided to retire. During the loose festivities, Indy’s goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge) reenters his life seeking a treasure that once belonged to her father. Complicating thing is that Shaw is racing to find the mysterious relic before an extremist group of ex-Nazis get their hands on it. Reluctantly, Jones gets in the saddle one last time and goes on a global hunt to find the artifact and once again save the world.
What works in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is Harrison Ford’s commitment to the role and the return of his greatest ally: composer John Williams (Star Wars, Superman). Considering this franchise has spanned over 40 years across five movies, there’s something impressive about Ford donning the fedora in a curtain call. Indiana Jones still has the hints of the charismatic detective audiences fell in love with decades ago, and Ford knows exactly how to tap into those characteristics. It also helps that Williams provides new renditions of his iconic score to keep the proceedings—which can often get silly—feel epic in nature.
RELATED: Kennedy Says Dial Of Destiny Is The End As Far As Indiana Jones Movies Go
Audiences who equate Indiana Jones with pulpy fun may not enjoy Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny as much as others. While it’s a natural extension of the character, this Jones is weary about a world that has discarded him. He’s gruff, moody, and cynical. The twinkle in his eye is gone, making him a little harder to root for other than nostalgic reasons. His motivations are also murky. Jones consistently throws skepticism onto fantastical hypotheses, but then goes to great lengths to act upon them. For example, Jones doesn’t believe the MacGuffin works as prophesied, but he never-the-less gallivants across the world to stop the Nazis from attaining it. Compounding these issues are giant plot holes full of inconsistencies and conveniences. Given the strength of (most of) the previous films in the franchise, people may feel frustrated at this final chapter.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an opportunity to say goodbye to a character that has entertained for years on end. Unfortunately, this farewell might confirm for some that the franchise should have quit while it was ahead.
Recommended if you Enjoyed: Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker; Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is available exclusively in theaters starting on June 30th.
FOR FANBOYS, BY FANBOYS
Have you checked out LRM Online’s official podcasts and videos on The Genreverse Podcast Network? Available on YouTube and all your favorite podcast apps, This multimedia empire includes The Daily CoG, Breaking Geek Radio: The Podcast, GeekScholars Movie News, Anime-Versal Review Podcast, and our Star Wars dedicated podcast The Cantina. Check it out by listening on all your favorite podcast apps, or watching on YouTube!
Subscribe on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud | Stitcher | Google Play
