Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Now and then, I watch a film and have to go home and think about it before I decide if I enjoy it or not. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” was one of those films. When you leave a critics screening, you are usually asked to comment. I couldn’t. I had no words.
The plot in the blink of an EYE – Retired professor and archaeologist Indiana Jones races get involved in retrieving an artifact he and his friend Basil Shaw (Toby Jones) took from the Nazis during WWII. It’s a dial that can alter time. The Nazi, Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), whom he took it from, is an astrophysicist who now works for NASA and is back to find the dial. Indy’s goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge, is also after the dial. There is lots of action, CGI, and bugs.
I found that I liked the older Indy much better than the CGI Indy. The younger Indy had no depth. It was almost a throwaway for me. I think the story could have been told without it.
I also didn’t like the role of Helena. There were too many why’s for me. Why did she turn to crime? Her father was a brilliant man who researched the dial and had her memorize all his findings. I can understand her finding it to complete her father’s dream. What was the reason she became a thief and sold things on the Black Market? Things just didn’t add up.
What I did like a lot was what Harrison Ford brought to his character. The indestructible Indiana Jones was broken. His wife divorced him, his son was killed in Vietnam, and his students found his class boring and outdated. Harrison brought realism, pain while still being funny, hope, and a glimpse of the young adventurer we were introduced to so many years ago.
I also like the way I perked up every time the theme song played.
Would I see the Dial of Destiny a second time? No. Am I glad this is the last installment? Yes. Do I think Harrison Ford did a fabulous job? I do.
I give INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY 3 out of 5 winks of the EYE.
Until next time, keep your EYE to the sky!