Critics share their first reviews of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. The new movie marks Harrison Ford’s swan song as Indy, who most recently played the iconic character in 2008’s Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. The film also stars Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Mads Mikkelsen, and Antonio Banderas.
Now, the first reviews are in for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Premiering at the Cannes Film Festival, the movie has garnered praise for embodying an Indiana Jones adventure. However, some critics say the movie isn’t as incredible a journey as Ford’s previous outings. Check out some of what critics are saying below:
Stephanie Bunbury, Deadline
However much action swirls on the surface of this kind of film, its foundations are built of reassuring nostalgia. Just hearing John Williams’ score, yet another variant on the heroics and theatrics of the original, makes anyone of a certain age feel that everything is momentarily right with the world.
Steve Pond, The Wrap
“Dial of Destiny” has an ace in the hole with Harrison Ford and with the character he plays – a guy for whom we feel so much affection that we’ll go along with all kinds of silliness if we can see a little more Indy. It really makes Indiana Jones our most endearing action hero, and Ford and Mangold clearly know that and know how to work with it.
Peter Bradshaw, The Guardian
It is probably a bit cheeky to be giving Ford a young female co-star under this “goddaughter” tag, with a bantering tension that is really not too different to a (platonic) co-star he might have had in the original movies. Yet the finale is wildly silly and entertaining, and that Dial of Destiny is put to an audacious use which makes light of the whole question of defying ageing and the gravitational pull of time.
Donald Clarke, The Irish Times
Nobody with a brain in their heads will compare Dial of Destiny favourably to the first three films. There is a sense throughout of a project struggling to stand beneath the weight of its history. But Mangold, director of Logan and 3.10 to Yuma, knows how to keep his foot on the pedal.
Geoffrey Macnab, Independent
Tonally, the film wavers. It pulls in too many different directions at once. On the one hand, this is an exercise in affectionate nostalgia. On the other, like its predecessors, it’s an old-fashioned matinee adventure in which characterisation is deliberately broad. Certain episodes are knowing and ironic, while others seem painfully naive.
Robie Collin, The Telegraph
As for the comedy – well, Waller-Bridge has clearly been given the instruction to “just do Fleabag” but she’s operating without Fleabag-level material here, and her frequent attempts to juice up the clumsy gags with her trademark winking delivery tend to fall flat. (While she’s perfectly decent in the role – and every bit as much the hero of the piece as Ford – audience members unfamiliar with her television work may be puzzled as to why she’s here in the first place.)
James Mottram, GamesRadar+
Ford has shown he’s a dab hand at playing the curmudgeon, so it seems apt that Mangold and his co-writers should steer the character in this direction. By the end, though, you’ll have a smile on your face, especially when it comes to the final shot: an elegant tip of the hat to one of cinema’s greatest heroes.
John Nugent, Empire
But then it reaches its final act, and suddenly all bets are off. The script hints at something wild from the off, but you’re never quite sure it’s going to go that wild. Believe us when we say: it goes that wild. It is a true swing for the fences. Dial Of Destiny has the kind of final showdown that almost makes the finale of Crystal Skull feel subtle.
What Indiana Jones 5 Reviews Mean For The Movie
Early reviews for Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny indicate Indy’s last film will be a memorable time, even if it doesn’t live up to some of his more classic adventures. The movie’s focus on the time-bending Dial of Destiny means there may be more science fiction elements in this one, similar to Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. However, with a reported budget of almost $300 million, the expensive Indiana Jones sequel will no doubt be a massive swan song to a classic adventure hero.
Waller-Bridge’s role in the movie as Indy’s goddaughter Helena seems like it will be another memorable aspect of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. While there has been some criticism of the Fleabag star’s role, it appears those familiar with her sense of humor will enjoy her presence in the film. It also makes for an interesting change from Indy’s previous female sidekicks, many of whom turned out to be love interests.
With Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny marking an end to the Indiana Jones franchise, this latest adventure can allow for a nostalgic look back at some of Indy’s older adventures. This could help bring the franchise full circle, especially given the tease of old-school action in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. While it seems Indy’s final outing isn’t perfect, early reviews indicate Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny will still offer a satisfying conclusion for audiences.
Key Release Dates
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Release Date:2023-06-30
