Join Indy on his final adventure!
A franchise that started back in 1981, spanned films, TV, Video Games, novels and more has now come to a conclusion with the final film ‘The Dial of Destiny’. We haven’t seen Indiana on screen since 2008s Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So it has been very anticipated amongst all fans!
If you’re new here, my names Harry, the creator of The Review Lab! We have been going through all the other Indiana Jones films ranking them leading up to this review!
So far our ranking is as follows:
JOINT 1ST - The Last Crusade & Raiders of the Lost Ark
2nd - Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
3rd - The Temple of Doom
Keep reading until the end for our final ranking!
So, this movie has been my most anticipated of the year (alongside mission impossible), so let’s discuss the question.
Did it live up to my expectations?
Now before I answer that question I will say now, I will do my absolute best to keep this spoiler free, however there’s no guarantees. If you want to know nothing at all then come back and read this after!
Still here?
Let’s get into it
I had a blast with this film. It is so much fun and it easily lived up to my expectations, now I will say, it’s not my favourite in the franchise and I think elements of it will be divisive, but more on that later.
The film sees Indy in 1969, a retiring professor and generally angry at the world. He’s living in a world that’s moving on and evolving whilst he feels stuck in the past. It’s when he comes across his goddaughter Helena (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) that he’s thrown into an adventure against his greatest foes. Nazis!.
Harrison Ford as Indiana once again is fantastic. He brings us this character that we love with ease but also shows us a new side. As mentioned Indy is angry and hurt. He lives alone and he feels the world doesn’t have much of a place for him. At the start he feels very much like a broken man, even a broken character. Ford makes sure to portray these moments delicately, still keeping what we love about Indy present but not hiding away from the fact he’s grown old and not what he once was. It’s a fantastic concept for this character to navigate.
He is also fantastic in the set pieces, like other Indy films. The Dial of Destiny has plenty of action set-pieces for audiences to enjoy. The film allows you to be a part of the action taking you along for the thrill especially with the soundtrack blasting alongside. The Mystery/adventure element of the film is also out in full force. We once again are allowed to uncover the mystery with Indy allowing us to be a part of the film.
Director James Mangold chooses to evolve this film in such an interesting way, yet also keeps motifs and nostalgia present to remind us of the previous films. The nostalgia is not in your face or forced, it comes at the perfect times. For example the character of Sallah, turning up in a couple of scenes, playing elements of nostalgia but also serving purpose in the story. These elements have a reason to be there.
All of these films have a dynamic that help show us new parts of Indy and this films no different and it comes in the form of Goddaughter Helena Shaw. Phoebe Waller-Bridge plays her with such wit and charm, challenging Indy in the best ways and keeping him on his toes. She also helps to bring Indy out of his shell, like I’ve mentioned his character is broken. It takes Helena and her promise of adventure to bring back the character we know and love. The rest of the cast are fantastic too but another standout is Mads Mikkelson’s antagonist. He plays him in such a calm sinister manner, it’s chilling to watch.
Now, due to Indy being in such a new place and the film dealing with themes of morality and age, this film feels the most separate in terms of its tone compared to its others. Now that’s not a bad thing at all, it shows an evolution of both the character and the films and considering the story they are trying to tell, it works. At least for me.
All of the Indiana Jones films deal with a form of Mythology, Science or Religion. This film is no different. Now I’m not going to spoilt it here. What I will say, is like many of the other films it will be divisive amongst audiences. Some will love it. Some will hate it, personally I like it. Everything in the film feels explained in detail, it doesn’t feel forced and I think that’s why it works for me. It’s not afraid to try something new and that has to be admired. Again I can’t really speak about it too much, but I would say go with an open mind, and have fun with it. Once you’ve seen it, comment below and tell me what you think.
I want to take a quick second to talk about the VFX work in this film. It’s no secret the film opens with a 20 minute sequence of young Indy done through de-aging. It is not crystal perfect, but I think people are going to focus too much on that. What we should be focusing on is how fantastic it does look. To have the opening of your film heavily rely on this technique as much as it does, is really smart and it’s great to watch. VFX artists and their work are so under appreciated, so do me a favour, when you watch the opening act of this film. Just think about the technical geniuses behind it.
The film does have a finite feeling to it, if Lucasfilm wanted too they could probably make another, but I do feel that the film wraps up in a way that leaves this character we love in a place fans would be happy with. I love this franchise, I always have. I walked out of the cinema happy and with a smile on my face.
Overall the Dial of Destiny is a fantastic film, whilst some parts may not sit well with some audiences. It’s fun, full of heart and reminds us why we love this character and these films whilst also giving us something new x The roar of the Raiders March by John Williams; the surprises and set pieces will have you punching the air and you’ll leave the cinema with a smile.
The Review Lab Rating: 4/5.
Now that comes to the end of our Indiana Jones look through and I think it’s time for the rankings.
So here goes:
1st - Raiders of the Lost Ark
2nd - The Last Crusade
3rd - The Dial of Destiny
4th - Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
5th - The Temple of Doom
Now these ratings may change over time, and bear in mind I’ve only seen Dial of Destiny once, but that’s my rankings!
What did you think of the film? Were you happy with Indy’s Final Adventure?! Let us know!
Thank you so much for reading, we will be back soon with another post!
Until then,
Stay Safe, Look After Each Other.
Harry x