Indy’s finest hour!

 

Written by Yongma Lee

Seen at Regal Cinema at Lacey, WA

 

             Since 1981, Harrison Ford has been the face of the film franchise portrayed as the titular character, Indiana Jones. The titular character is a globetrotting Archaeologist who also fight against Nazis and other enemies of Jones’ in an attempt to covet mystical objects for their own selfish gain. Ford has been the face of the franchise’s well-known anti-hero as well as its marketing campaign yet dial of destiny marks the end of the franchise with Mr. Ford being exiting his role as Indiana. To all the super fans of the Indiana Jones franchise, I would like to address that we will all miss him and the character so dearly. So let’s break out the whip and give Indiana Jones one last tip off the hat before Jones truly make his escape.

Plot Spoilers

             In 1944, Nazis have captured Indiana Jones and his friend, Basil Shaw, in an attempt to retrieve the Lance of Longinus, which turn out to be fake, but Voller has found one half of the Antikythera mechanism. A Grand fight ensues with the 2 archaeologists retrieve the half of it.

             25 years later, Indiana Jones has announced his retirement from Hunter College, but wound up running into his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, whom she wound up being a criminal fixated on Archimedes’ dial as well. She stole the half and plans to sell it to the black market in Morocco. However, he’s also pursued by Nazi remnants and framed him for the murder. Can Indiana Jones Stop the villains from finding out about the secrets of the dial and clear his name at the same time?

Pros and Cons

             Even with this being the final chapter, Dial of Destiny truly gives out a true sense of nostalgia reminiscent the first 3 films in Jones’ adventures. For example, the map leading to the said destination gives a memorable juxtaposition for Indiana Jones’ attempt to move the story along to the next destination. Even if it’s Ford’s final role as Jones, he truly gave it his full effort when it comes to giving the titular character the proper sendoff he deserves.

             The two issues I have with the film so far as it follows. For starters, Time travel which Archimedes’ dial being the main focus for the artifact as the Nazis attempt to rewrite history of their mistake for the invasion of Poland, but wound up going further back in time. Time travel has been used too much when it comes to tropes, as well as rewriting the past is no different than breaking the canon as history has already written in stone.

             The Other Issue being the major plot hole near the end of the film. After Jones was unconscious and then suddenly wake up in his apartment, we still have one major question that is yet to be resolved. Was Jones cleared of the charges truly incited by the Nazis or was history completely changed as if the situation didn’t happen. It truly is a bad habit coming from Hollywood that needs to stop in future films.

Final Thoughts

             Although the movie truly is a nostalgic thrill ride, I wish they could do more with Indiana Jones. Nevertheless, I’m wishing for Harrison Ford’s endeavors in his further pursuit as an actor. I also find the defiant Helena Shaw as nothing less than a bad influence in every way possible. I wish the film could’ve done better to make Jones more memorable for his one last hurrah before his exit.

             All the same, I’m giving this film 8.5 out of 10 stars out of respect for both Harrison Ford and Indiana Jones. This might be the last time I see the signature fedora and bullwhip but I doubt I see the last of Harrison Ford.