‘Indiana Jones And The Dial Of Destiny’ Review: Who Says An Old Dog Needs New Tricks?

It has been fifteen years since Harrison Ford last played his iconic character Indiana Jones, and the anticipation for his final adventure is undeniable. When Indiana Jones and The Dial of Destiny was announced, it created an immediate hum of excitement and curiosity. After 40 years and four previous films, the fifth installment of Indiana Jones is set to be Harrison Ford’s last adventure as the brave archeologist.

Surprisingly, it was announced that James Mangold would be taking over for Steven Spielberg as director, despite Spielberg directing all of the previous Indiana Jones films. Mangold has directed the Academy Award-nominated Ford v Ferrari (2019) and the fan-acclaimed Wolverine finale, Logan (2017). Mangold’s talent is undeniable, and his imprint on the last Indiana Jones film proves that he was the correct choice to replace Spielberg as nostalgia, heart, and adventure reign supreme in this finale. 

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny picks up in 1969 with Dr. Jones, ten years into his professor’s residency at Hunter’s College in New York, preparing to retire into seclusion. The world has changed in various ways, which prompts Indy to reflect on his life and previous adventures in the 1930s and 40s. Just when he feels everything around him coming to a halt, Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), Jones’ estranged goddaughter, suddenly shows up with a multitude of problems, hoping for help from her godfather. Her career as a con artist and thief on the run immediately reignites Indy’s taste for a daring experience. They set on an adventure looking for the Archimedes Dial, a World War II artifact responsible for the chaos in both of their lives. They soon realize that Indy’s old nemesis, a former Nazi named Jürgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen), is also after the dial in hopes of re-writing history. Dr. Jones does not hesitate for a second in deciding to stop Voller with his iconic hat on and whip by his side.

The elephant in the theater, and what is causing some skepticism from viewers, is how the film will handle Ford’s old age while ensuring plenty of plausible action scenes. Mangold has the answer. Ford does not shy away from the chance to do Dr. Indiana Jones justice. With a career expanding over several decades, the Star Wars actor utilizes his experience in previous action films and performs at his best. Mangold and Ford create a journey that caters to audiences without sacrificing action or believability. Harrison Ford brings his classic wittiness and grit that appeared in the first Indiana Jones in 1981. Ford had it then, and he still has it now.

However, this film is not a one-person show. Helena Shaw is a glorious companion that adds so much to the development of the beloved stubborn, selfish, and kind professor. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is known for her dark comedy series, Fleabag, and is a talented writer-actor. However, her casting in an Indiana Jones action film was slightly surprising. Yet, all apprehension dissolves the second Ford and Waller-Bridge come together on screen with immediate chemistry that mimics a father-daughter duo, while also having a sense of friendly competition of who can be the most daring and intelligent. 

Score: 4.0 out of 5

Dial of Destiny is a fitting end to the franchise that has grown with loyal audiences and still welcomes first-time viewers. An Indiana Jones film is meant to be fun and wild, and this finale is just that. The film is 2 hours and 22 minutes, which runs a little long in some parts. Despite the long run-time, Harrison Ford reminds us why we fell in love with this character and why we are all excited to see how it ends.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an excellent experience on a hot summer afternoon in a theater with family and friends. It is a fitting farewell to the archeologist who made history and treasure hunting exciting to many. Dr. Jones is growing old, and so are we. So let’s sit back, put our critical thoughts aside, and enjoy one more crazy journey.