“Archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary artifact that can change the course of history.” -IMDB
If there’s one thing I’ve learned over my years as a cinema-goer (it’s been 84 years…), it’s to go in with low to no expectations. You will always be pleasantly surprised.
It’s hard for me to tell if this was the case with Indiana Jones or if was truly a good movie, but I’m inclined to think it’s the latter.
I went in expecting the fifth (and presumably final) installment of the series to be a ridiculous and unnecessary bore. The fourth film, although not absolutely terrible, was definitely messy. The action sequences overrode the plot, which had some interesting elements but was scattered. And even though the fourth harkened back to some initial Raiders elements, there did not seem to be an overall cohesion between the four films.
It seems that, fifteen years later, filmmakers have learned from the mistakes of previous sequels and reboots. The most successful sequels/reboots are not only exciting in their own right, but also fix past narrative issues. So it was with The Dial of Destiny, which picks up with our hero nearing retirement as a professor and finding himself lonely and isolated, before being sucked back into another adventure which will ultimately give meaning to his sunset years.
I will warn you, the movie gets a little wild towards the end. But if you’re willing to let go and let the adventure take you wherever (or whenever…) it will, then you’ll find glimpses of that original Raiders excitement along the way.
Plus, I mean…Mads Mikkelson. Is there anyone, ANYONE who is not in love with this man?! No. There isn’t.
Rating: 7 out 10 Claire Bears
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If you like this movie, you should also watch: The Mummy, Jumanji
Streaming: In Theaters
With: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelson
Directed By: James Mangold
Let Me Clarify 