It might be shocking to see Indiana Jones come back after over a decade, especially with the now 81-year-old Harrison Ford reprising his role as Dr. Henry "Indiana" Jones, Jr., but if there is one thing this film series has taught us, it is that Indiana Jones will always hold a special place in the cinematic universe. First released in 1981 with the film Raiders of the Lost Ark, the Indiana Jones franchise became a major hit. The combination of Steven Spielberg and George Lucas is one key reason why this series has received such a large fan base. However, the protagonist, "Indy", also plays a significant role in attracting the audience, and so, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a must-watch for anyone who likes adventure films, or Ford or just, Indiana Jones.
However, if you need some convincing in watching the latest installment of this classic series, this article is all about that. The timing of the film might have made it go under the radar since Barbie and Oppenheimer, or rather, "Barbenheimer" has been the most recent hot topic. Yet again, this is a reminder to add Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny into your summer must-watch list, and here's why.
Harrison Ford’s Farewell
As sad as it is, this particular film will be Ford's last time whipping his rope and putting on his Indy-hat since, as Brian Truitt puts it, the film is the "franchise closer". Harrison Ford is a phenomenal actor and one who can never be replaced. In fact, his character, Indiana Jones, is definitely one reason why Ford's presence in Hollywood became super important. So, for all Ford fans out there, this is the best and the most important reason why you should watch Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.
Nostalgia
The Indiana Jones film franchise takes place in a different universe but follows some common themes that appeal to the audience. The focus of a normal hero whose history of knowledge and battle against evil make it a simple film series with much nuance and depth. Over the years, the fans were able to notice Indy's character growth and explore his adventures with him. So, seeing him put on the hat again in his old age is definitely nostalgic. It is even fascinating to see how Indy starts off as a lonely and a seemingly sad professor and ends up regaining the title of the brave hero that saves the day.
New Brilliant Cast
In this film, we meet Indy's goddaughter, Helena Shaw, played by the talented Phoebe Waller-Bridge. You must've recognized her easily from Fleabag, which in itself proves that her addition amplifies the brilliance of the cast. She is able to portray a strong, stubborn, and very independent woman who might be more focused on money than history. But, it all changes, and she ends up having a positive character growth. Then there is Mads Mikkelsen as Jürgen Voller. Now, his role might be limited, but the character's evil presence is very noticeable, thanks to Mikkelsen's performance.
Cinematography
Every time there is time travel, it is obvious that the creators of the film had to go through a lot to pull it off. In Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, there are several time jumps. First, it starts off with a young Indy during World War II, which obviously required a lot of technological support. To make Ford look young, the team had to dig into the archives and get old footage, and then get the help of different tools. Then we have the time jump to the "present", which takes place in 1969. There is also the time jump to the Siege of Syracuse in 212 BC. Clearly, the cinematography delivers, since these time jumps come off well throughout the film.
Action
Just because our Indy is old in this film, it doesn't mean we can expect much less action. The film is filled with Indy's stunts as well as that of Helena's. Out of all the stunts, Indy's vigorous tuk-tuk driving is probably the most interesting part. After all, driving a tuk-tuk in small alleys and marketplaces is no easy task, but Indy seems to have a good grip on it. Helena's little menace acts are also filled with action. So, this is definitely something you can expect from the beginning until the very end.
A Classic Adventure
As mentioned before, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has a very simple premise and so, it might not blow your mind like most adventure movies today. However, it is still a classic simply because it seems to have retained the fundamentals you see in the Indiana Jones franchise. From the visiting of a historical site to fighting for, or rather, fighting to find a historically valuable piece to the fights between the heroes and the villains, you will be able to check off the most important features you need for an adventure movie.
Defying the Trope of Young Male Lead
Almost all the superhero movies have a young male lead. Not to mention that they are all equally toned and good-looking. While Harrison Ford is handsome regardless of his age, the film focuses on his role as a much older person. So, you are introduced to a not-so-happy Indy, leading a mundane life and retiring from his role as a professor. That is, until his energy is reignited through his thirst in unraveling the history. This is definitely a unique approach to action-adventure movies.
Humor
Helena might be stubborn, but she is funny. Indy might seem to have given up on his life, but he has his own ways of invoking humor. In addition to all this, the villains in this film also contribute to the comic element. This enhances the light-hearted nature of the film, in turn, allowing it to take a refreshing approach since it will dial down the seriousness of the concept of revisiting a dark past.
The John Williams Score
The scores of the Indiana Jones film series are an easy way to instantly recognize the franchise. As John Williams himself says, the scores "are unified by Indy’s theme, and the general style of the film," and that is something you cannot miss in the final installment. In fact, the soundtrack is very often heard amidst the action in the film allowing nostalgia to be enhanced along with the positive energy of the film.
Closure
The final and, perhaps, the most important reason why you need to watch this film if you love the classics is because it comes with closure. It may not have an exciting ending, but it definitely ties up certain loose ends and allows Indy to leave the screen happy. He is able to reunite and bond with his estranged wife, Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen). He is also able to find joy again. So, yes, the film carries a sweet goodbye to a decade-long journey.