In 1981, Raiders of the Lost Ark introduced the world to Indiana Jones. In 2023, his adventure finally came to an end. Originally, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade was the final Indy adventure. To this day, many fans still see this film as his true sendoff. In 2008, Indy returned to the big screen with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, a film that again claimed to be his last ride. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny once again claimed to be the end, but was it really? Being the third ‘final chapter‘, did this movie finally give the famed archeologist the rest he deserves?
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a Worthy Farewell
Dial of Destiny already had odds stacked against it. The previous film, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, is infamous for being a huge flop in the eyes of many. While I personally think Crystal Skull is a fun time that is over-hated, I understand fan concerns. When a fifth entry was officially announced, many were cautious going into the new movie. While I wasn’t as cautious as many, I understand this could very well be a nostalgic cash grab. Thankfully, I found the film to be a classic-style adventure that gives Jones a proper swan song.
On the edge of retirement, Indy reconnects with his goddaughter Helena. Helena is the daughter of an old friend that was with Indy when they acquired half of the fabled Antikythera. Helena looks to require the artifact but for less than admirable means. This leads Indiana Jones to suit up one last time to ensure the device doesn’t fall into the hands of an enemy from his past. The film’s opening is a nostalgic trip for fans of the franchise. A younger Indy was seen on the big screen one last time using incredible de-aging technology. It was a real treat to see what could be seen as a lost Indiana Jones adventure. It really took me back to being a child watching these movies for the first time. This opening sets the stage for the rest of the movie in the best way possible.
While the movie is fairly CGI-heavy, it isn’t nearly as distracting as the last movie. The action set pieces and, of course, humor are all remnants of the original trilogy. The film also doesn’t rely on fan service. In fact, outside of a handful of references, there are hardly any at all. This lets Dial of Destiny breathe as its own story without relying on the franchise’s past to carry it. One of the key reasons many were worried was Indiana Jones himself. Harrison Ford is in his 80s and some were worried he wouldn’t be able to handle another film. I must admit even I thought a stunt double would be seen more than Ford himself. Ford proved that he is still more than capable of handling himself. While he may not have done as many stunts, his wit, charm, and gruff demeanor are all top-notch.
What makes the film the perfect swan song is the plot. Thanks to the story’s focus on the past, the character can reflect on himself and his adventures. Indiana Jones can look at his heroics and his life as a whole. The character arc he goes through started back in Raiders. He was introduced as a gruff adventurer who puts relics of the past before his own life. He finds dead historical figures to be more interesting than those living in his own life. This has caused him losses. These losses finally catch up with him through the events of this film. This movie forces Indy to face his issues. No longer can he escape his problems in a long-forgotten tomb. By the end of the film, he can finally enjoy the life he has been running from for all too long.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is more than a nostalgic cash grab. It celebrates the franchise while wrapping everything up perfectly. I found myself grinning throughout the entire film. While I am a Crystal Skull defender, I will say Dial of Destiny felt like more of a classic Indy film. Was the movie necessary? Not really. The fourth film could have been the last entry and things would have been fine. This aside, it is still a fantastic final chapter for one of the greatest adventure franchises of all time. It is nice to see a film that is less divisive be the final Indiana Jones film. For a fifth entry, it could have been far, far worse. It is bittersweet to officially say bye to Indiana Jones, but I take solace that he left on a high note.
