Hello readers,
Last week I went to see the new Indiana Jones film and I was not disappointed. It was everything you wanted from an adventure film with Harrison Ford featuring up to date casting and plot. It echoed back to the original films but still was its own thing. Phoebe Waller-Bridge made a great sidekick and female protagonist having a well-developed back story but still making way for Indie’s last hurrah.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)
This summer blockbuster kicks off with a great action sequence set in the past where we get to see a digitally altered Harrison Ford fighting the Nazis. So far, pretty standard for this character. We’re introduced to a friend of his, Baz and a scientist that won’t quit despite the war coming to a close.
We jump back into present day, 1969 with knowledge of the Archimedes Dial. Indiana is not in a good place and the hubbub surrounding Moon Day in New York is not helping. Luckily, adventure comes knocking in the form of Helena (Waller-Bridge), his old friend Baz’ daughter and also his goddaughter. With the government and Nazis on their heels they flee to Morocco.
I think what made this film really special was the acknowledgements of the past. It’s not acting as a spinoff or reboot but as a continuation of the archaeology professor’s story. He’s aged but is still the same old guy with a thirst for action and hunger for discovery. He can’t resist getting the hat and whip out for one last ride. As Harrison Ford is now an octogenarian, the action scenes were altered to be entertaining yet believable. We see him riding various vehicles and even a horse. The other characters pick up the action slack but he is by no means side-lined.
The costumes and sets were not modernised too much and look as though they could have been cobbled together in the 1980s when the original films were produced. There were a lot of great actors: Toby Jones, Mads Mikkelsen, Antonio Banderas and a mention to Ethann Isidore starring as Teddy who really held his own against Harrison and Phoebe. They make a great trio and their personalities gel well together: the grumpy retiree, the money-making historian and the caring yet troublesome wannabe pilot.
The story does take some leaps into the unknown but in typical Indiana fashion, you find yourself rolling with it and taking it all in your stride. I think the plot flowed nicely with enough action to keep younger viewers satisfied and familiar faces for those who are fans of the first films. There was a lot of emotion tied to the film as it is Harrison’s last outing as the character. Paired with Han Solo’s death in Star Wars: The Force Awakens, his career is now coming to a close which feels sad. However, it’s not over yet as season 2 of Shrinking has been announced in which Harrison stars as fellow therapist and begrudging friend of Jason Segel and Jessica Williams.
I enjoyed this film immensely and while some may see if as dredging up the past for a cheque, I think this film perfectly fits in the pentalogy and is just as fun as the original ones with more up to date attitudes. Harrison gave a great performance and graciously shared the stage with Phoebe and Ethann. Everyone involved can be very proud in making a great ending to a much loved adventure and not just another sequel (or fourquel in this case). I give this film 5/5.
Happy Watching,
Robyn