For the last forty years, Indiana Jones (Harrison Ford) has been an American big-screen icon.
The fifth (and supposedly final) film in the series, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was released in theaters in June. The majority of the story takes place in 1969. Our hero is about to begin a new stage of his life. Both his divorce and retirement have upended what he thought he knew.
Now in his later years, Indy is not looking for a new adventure. But adventure comes to him via his goddaughter, Helena Shaw (Phoebe Waller-Bridge). Seeking a device that could change the course of history, she initially has dubious morals and is not just seeking out her godfather for old times’ sake.
Drawn into one last expedition, the man standing in his way is Dr. Voller, a former Nazi who has since become a scientist working for the US government.
Though Ford is in his 80’s, he has not lost that spark as the character. I was impressed that given the physicality of the role, his age did not slow him down. He is still the Indiana Jones that we know and love.
My problem is the usual one. As much as Helena is a badass, she is one of only three women with a decent amount of screen time. The other women are Mason (Shaunette Renée Wilson), a sort of CIA agent, and Marion Ravenwood (Karen Allen, in a brief cameo).
Clocking in at 2 hours and 34 minutes, director James Mangold could have left some scenes on the cutting room floor. By the time it got to the climax, I was starting to look at my watch.
Do I recommend it? I am leaning toward yes.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is presently in theaters.
Writergurlny 