Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review: Harrison Ford gets lacklustre farewell

Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny features everything that loyalists of franchise have loved over years. Coming 42 years after Raiders of Lost Ark, Indians Jones 5 is strategically well-paced, with dynamic action sequences and unexpected surprises. film, however, comes up short when it's time for its characters, including Indiana Jones, to stand still and interact with each or. It truly looks and feels like a blockbuster and is a fitting jewel in legacy of Steven Spielberg-George Lucas series. But is it grand farewell Harrison Ford's Indiana Jones should have received? Unfortunately, not. 

3 things you need to know: 

• Harrison Ford is saying farewell to role of Indiana Jones with 5th film of franchise.
• Fleabag’s Phoebe Waller-Bridges is a new entrant in franchise. 
• It misses out on glory that came with Raiders of Lost Ark. 

Hot take

Phoebe Waller-Bridges fits perfectly in world of Indiana Jones. However, her character is written out to be an empty caricature. It might not be Fleabag star's own fault but her character arc does not seem to give her much to work with. 

(A poster for Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny | Image: indianajones/Instagram)

At one point in film, she tells Jones about how much she covets "cash," which just comes across as a sordid cliché. Several similar interactions within film reveal that Indiana Jones 5 is filled with shallow characters who cannot inspire any fascination for mselves. 

Is Indiana Jones 5 worth hype?

James Mangold's visual aptitude is impeccable

This is James Mangold's second swansong film after success of Logan (2019). He once again creates a highly coordinated visual spectacle that is immersive, dynamic and very physical. 

( entire cast of Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny | Image: indianajones/Instagram)

CGI isn’t good enough

somewhat-long opening segment of Indy 5 features a digitally de-aged version of Harrison Ford. While it brought back bold 46-year-old Indiana Jones who fought Nazis for ancient artefacts, CGI looked, for lack of a better word, goofy. lack of micro-detailing came across every time Ford's shimmering, unrealistic face graced screen. 

A genius plot

As far as treasure hunt films in modern era go, Indy 5 is straight-up incredible. 'Dial of Destiny' is a McGuffin (something obtainment of which drives plot forward), which is a storytelling device as old as time. plot heavily involves historic mamatician Archimedes. 

(Phoebe Waller-Bridges, Harrison Ford and Ms Mikkelsen at a promotional event for Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny | Image: indianajones/Instagram)

However, climax results in one of most surprising moments seen in recent films. While it instantly me film emotionally gripping, it was a touching point for an ageing, history-obsessed Indiana Jones. Moreover, several twists and turns in film take place because characters use ir expertise. 

wasted potential of Ms Mikkelsen

Mikkelsen is known for acclaimed acting skills. He impressed in Casino Royale (2006) and NBC's Hannibal. His casting in Indy 5 was an exciting prospect. However, his role as Jürgen Voller, a Nazi astrophysicist, is once again an unfulfilling caricature. His performance is by no means b, but he plays just anor villain driven to his downfall by his own hubris. 

Watch it or skip it?

This is not best Indy film, but it's certainly a visual treat. runtime is 2 hours and 22 minutes, which might be long for some. pacing, however, is just perfect. Despite its shortcomings, it has merit, so it can be watched in atres. 

(A poster for Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones in Indiana Jones 5 | Image: indianajones/Instagram)

Bottomline:

Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny is fun, engaging and intellectually satisfying. It, however, doesn't deliver on promise of a meaningful farewell to Indy, or Harrison Ford for that matter. It's last hurrah of a bygone era of venturers but fails to capture nostalgia for an audience that was previously thought to be susceptible to it.

(Rating: 3/5)