Ephemeris of the Mind (Film Review) Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Time to read: 2 min read
Movie Poster
Give 'em hell, Indiana Jones!
Past Indiana Jones film reviews:
- Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
- Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
- Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom
- Raiders of the Lost Ark
Review
Indiana Jones is perhaps one of my favourite action adventure franchises and this is the latest film from the series. Harrison Ford returns as an aged and retired Indy who is accosted into a wild adventure by Helena (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), the daughter of Indy’s late friend and colleague Basil Shaw (Toby Jones).
Overall I found the film to be a bit too long. The plot weaves back and forth and I found myself not caring about the story and getting bored during parts of the film. Admittedly, I watched this on the plane, which doesn’t make for the ideal viewing experience. The action sequences are the main draw to the film, and while Spielberg is no longer the director, Mangold maintains the fun adventurous pace of the Indiana Jones franchise.
Ford is no longer as athletic as he was during his youth but his current physicality is still impressive and fits the character of an elderly Indy. Ford's Indy in this film is also much more austere and serious and feels more multi-dimensional compared to the earlier versions of Indy. There are some references to the earlier films, such as the appearance of Salah (John Rhys-Davies) and Ethann Isidore’s Teddy, who feels like a modern Short Round. Ford’s co-star Waller-Bridge is decent but did not blow me away. Many of the supporting cast, such as Mads Mikkelsen’s Dr. Voller and Antonio Banderas’ Renaldo feel almost like cameos and could have done so much more.
Conclusion
Potentially the last film from the franchise.