The longevity of certain film franchises is remarkable, with originals dating back decades and numerous spin-offs and sequels solidifying their legacy.
Just look at “Star Wars”: “A New Hope” came out in 1977, and that little nerdy film turned out to be the starting point of a multimillion-dollar franchise.
Its creator, George Lucas, did more than just write about space wizards with laser swords, though. His second-most popular creation involves a certain hat-wearing archaeologist who gets embroiled in all sorts of exciting adventures.
Yes, “Indiana Jones” is back in cinemas, decades after the release of the very first film, “Raiders of the Lost Ark”, in 1981.
“Dial of Destiny” sees Harrison Ford, once (and arguably still) the dashing darling of Hollywood, back in the saddle in his final outing as the fedora-wearing hero, which is completely understandable given that he is 80 this year!
This is the only “Indy” film that isn’t directed by Steven Spielberg, who remains credited as executive producer. Instead, James Mangold, who helmed the acclaimed 2017 superhero flick “Logan”, takes the wheel.
So, what’s it about? The movie begins in 1945, when Nazi Germany is falling apart and Henry “Indiana” Jones is busy rescuing artefacts from their thieving hands.
One of these is the titular Dial of Destiny, a time-travel thingamabob created by the ancient Greek scientist Archimedes.
Fast forward to 1969 and Jones is on the cusp of retirement. But before he gets to call it a day, he runs into his goddaughter Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge), who wants the Dial of Destiny to sell on the black market.
Of course, she’s not the only one chasing after the artefact. Former Nazi scientist Jurgen Voller (Mads Mikkelsen) is still bitter about their defeat during World War II and wants to go back in time to change the course of history.
Naturally, Jones puts his iconic fedora back on, grabs his whip, and heads out to give the bad guys a good butt-kicking!
“Dial of Destiny” pays tribute to the things audiences loved about the previous films. There are callbacks to past events, with certain familiar faces making a return – even if, sadly, Ke Huy Quan’s Short Round from “Temple of Doom” isn’t among them.
Frantic chases, mysterious clues, Jones fretting about snakes, and Nazis getting punched… if you’re anticipating these trademark moments, you won’t be disappointed.
Given that it has been years since he last put on his hat and whip, Ford puts on an impressive – you could even say whip-smart – performance as a tired old man fully aware he shouldn’t be out adventuring at his age.
The “Star Wars” alum fires on all cylinders in this outing, which really should come as no surprise given Ford’s recent star turn on Apple TV’s comedy series “Shrinking” (in his first-ever TV series-regular role!).
Tonally, “Dial of Destiny” takes itself more seriously than its predecessor, “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull” – perhaps because of its choice of villains.
Mads Mikkelsen has always had an intimidating aura to him, befitting the actor famed for his portrayal as the man-eating Hannibal Lecter in the eponymous TV series.
In an early scene, his Voller is served food by an African-American veteran. Few words are exchanged, but you can feel the tension build as the Nazi seethes at having to share the same air as someone he considers to be non-human.
It’s a one-of-a-kind moment that, sadly, Mikkelsen doesn’t get to show off to such an extent during the remainder of the film. Nevertheless, he, too, leaves a lasting impression in this role.
For all its strengths, “Dial of Destiny” does feel like it’s dragging its feet at points. With a runtime of 150 minutes, it could have benefited from some parts being trimmed or left on the cutting-room floor entirely.
Nevertheless, this is a fitting farewell to a 40-year-old franchise that ends on a high note. If you’re Jonesing (heh) for Indy’s adventures and a trip down memory lane, you aren’t likely to be disappointed by this swashbuckling swan song.
As of press time, ‘Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny’ is playing in cinemas nationwide.