Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny - awful title, I know - explodes on to screen with a de-aged Indy and his friend Baz (Toby Jones) causing the retreating German army trouble in 1944. It's the perfect way to kick off what is meant to be Ford's final movie with the fedora and whip - with a lunatic escapade to recover a piece of history, reminiscent of the crusading archaeologist's classic adventures. The technology used to de-age Hollywood's gruffest action hero brings impressive results, even though it can be quite noticeable, especially when he moves. Although there's no dodgy old man movements in a supposedly young man's body to be found here - he says in a not so subtle reference to The Irishman. And the use of this clever little piece of new-found movie magic does at least allow for this little foray into Indy's past, which helps to set the tone for the rest of the movie, injecting it with that classic sense of adventure he's known for.
From there we're brought forward to 1969. A time when the United States is celebrating the success of Apollo 11, and Professor Jones is feeling depressed about his imminent retirement. Strangely, this part of the story strays a little close to that of Han Solo in the Star Wars sequel trilogy. Although one particular shot did remind me of Stinky Pete's conversation with Woody in Toy Story 2 about "space toys". If anything, they overplayed Indy's down and out feelings a little too much. Something that seems like a trend in Hollywood right now - showing our heroes to be ‘washed up’ and ‘down on their luck’. Is that really something we need to keep seeing? Anyway, they could have simply had Indy yearning for another adventure, much like Sallah does throughout. Instead we find a passion-less Indy watching his life circle the drain. Something which adds very little to the plot - beyond setting up a touching moment between Ford and Karen Allen. Oh and speaking of Sallah, it's great to see John Rhys-Davies return as Indy's good friend, even though he doesn't get a big enough role.
Thankfully the adventure soon comes a calling, and the whole 'down on his luck' bit is mostly left behind. Although there's still time for the odd 'old man' joke. Even with Indy being on the cusp of retirement the movie is still able to get the adrenaline pumping with heart-pounding chases through New York and Tangiers, as well as the chance to explore some more beautifully recreated historical sites with our favourite archaeologist. All of which gives the movie a sense of the familiar, because at its heart Dial of Destiny does feel like an Indiana Jones movie. There's even some old Nazis to help with that. Mads Mikkelsen is excellent as Doctor Voller, the Nazi scientist looking for a way to change history. Evil to the right degree but highly intelligent, maybe even brilliant. Something Mikkelsen carries very well. But I like how he feels a little out of his depth with the physical stuff. He is after all, a scientist, not a soldier. On the other hand, Boyd Holbrook is given a very one-note role as Voller's right-hand man. He unfortunately doesn't get to play like he did in Logan.
Of course this wouldn't be an Indiana Jones movie if our hero didn't have some friends to help him, and this time it falls to his goddaughter Helena and her young pal Teddy. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is great as Helena, who's in this for different reasons, and they aren't exactly noble. She presents a new challenge for Indy, and their complicated alliance is the source of some good humour. Whereas with Teddy they've tried to recreate the 'Short Round' relationship from Temple of Doom, but it simply doesn't work. Ethan Isidore delivers a good performance, however the character just feels unnecessary, and the major part he has to play in all this is probably the most ridiculous part of the movie - which also happens to be a key part of the rather controversial final act.
As with all the Indy movies Dial of Destiny takes us to some exotic locations, but things get a little weird towards the end, and this could prove a tad divisive. The question is; 'is it weird in a world that's seen a 700 year old knight, aliens from another dimension and a box that steals the souls of anyone who looks inside it?' Yeah, it probably is. Is it weird enough to take you out of the movie? Maybe a little. Despite all this it still feels in keeping with the rest of the movie and to a degree the franchise as a whole. Even Indy's actions - which may seem strange - are understandable, given who he is and what he's been through. So yes, it might make you sit up and go 'huh!' But you've probably been wondering the whole time if this is where the movie is headed, and for the most part it works.
After the train-wreck that was Kingdom of the Crystal Skull I was conflicted over whether we needed another Indy movie. Plus things were all wrapped up nicely with The Last Crusade. It may not really bring anything new, but Dial of Destiny was definitely a step in the right direction. A course correction of sorts. And a better way for Indy to bow out. Moreover, as we travel to all these exotic locations on the trail of history, one thing does become abundantly clear (if it wasn't already); Harrison Ford still knows this character inside and out, and once again plays him perfectly. No one will ever be able to play this character like he does. Even as an older gentleman he still looks good in the fedora!
While not as good as the original trilogy, Dial of Destiny is a fun-filled adventure with our favourite crusading archaeologist. Yet another last hoorah - one that does at least come close to the excitement and adventure of Indy’s earlier escapades - in which Harrison Ford demonstrates that when it comes to playing Indiana Jones, he is the only man for the job. However, it will undoubtedly prove to be rather divisive - especially when it comes to the movie's climax. But on the bright side, it's a much better way for Indy to bow out than Kingdom of the Crystal Skull!
7/10
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