Ruminating Over Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (And Why I Still Liked It)

I feel like there are always those movies where, despite acknowledging that they are objectively not the best and agreeing with a lot of the common criticisms, you still enjoy them and feel like they don’t deserve the rap they get. For me, it’s the fifth installment in the Indiana Jones series, Dial of Destiny. As a deep lover of film, I have to credit this film series as one of the most important things that led to my appreciation for film. They were the first PG-13 films I watched as a kid and they opened my eyes to the possibilities of what film could offer in terms of style, charm, and spectacle. Even all these years later, few action films can match their direction and dialogue. With that in mind, another installment in this series, even if it isn’t the most necessary thing, would catch my eye.

However, it seems like nothing went well for this movie. Between directorial changes, a bloated budget, a lukewarm reception, and a disastrous box office, most people have either been very critical or dismissive of this movie. Despite all of this, I still feel that the film is a solid one. I wouldn’t call it a great movie or something groundbreaking at all. Just a solid time and something that I was satisfied with.

However, I can attest that some of the criticisms given are valid and overall, it is the weakest in the series. The film is too long, it doesn’t look the best, and it lacks a certain punch that the older films had. I won’t at all downplay Mangold as a director or compare him to Spielberg since that would be unfair to him. However, I do feel that he either wasn’t able to have much mobility in the Disney studio system, or a lot of his efforts for practicality were painted over with poor post-production changes as many films seem to be these days. He did a decent job, but given his filmography, there’s a feeling that something was comparatively off here. The film also isn’t that funny which is a shame since the humor of the Indiana Jones series, unintentional or otherwise, is one of its most underrated aspects. Aside from a few clunky lines or out-of-place ones that feel too MCU-like, none of the attempts of humor are that bad though. Finally, the sequences where they decode the tablet and where they explore the cave honestly drag a bit. These sequences are engaging enough and there are standout moments, but I kind of feel like the film loses some momentum in these parts and it doesn’t pick back up for a bit. Honestly, though, none of the elements I have criticism towards are particularly bad or bring the film down that much in my eyes, however. They just don’t work for me is all and I feel that the positive aspects make up for them.

However, even as someone who is defensive with this movie and can brush off some of my issues, I can agree that de-aged Harrison Ford was a bad idea. It doesn’t look too great and it is jarring hearing Harrison’s 80-year-old voice come out of a CGI double. It’s a testament that even with Hollywood’s efforts, CGI replication and AI just feel off when it’s used on a human. If they spent a lot of the budget on it, they really should have cut their losses and hired a lookalike and dubbed him over with a close sound alike. It wouldn’t have been perfect, but it definitely would have been much more organic.

Moving to more basic positives, however, I feel that what strikes me the most about Dial is that it isn’t some nostalgic overload or a retread. It’s simply another Indiana Jones adventure and while it doesn’t match the classics, I appreciate that it didn’t try and did some of its own things. Aside from the opening, the film has a different feel to it compared to the older ones. The New York sequence for example is a good example of this. Mangold wanted this part of the film to resemble the thrillers of the 60s and 70s and I feel that he captured the tone well. There is also the fact that the movie doesn’t focus on filling the room with references and old characters. Salah and Marion’s appearances, while short, feel more substantial and emotionally effective compared to if they were just dragged along the adventure to do what they did before. Even Indy talking about how Mutt died in war is handled well. Most people would try to be cynical or make a joke out of it since his character was not well-liked. Instead, it’s used as an important emotional scene that informs why Indy is in the state he’s in and sets up the direction for him and Helena’s characters for the rest of the film. These elements are both used sparingly and feel more important to the mechanics of the film as opposed to studio notes or geek callouts like Darth Maul showing up in Solo.

The cast was really good as well. I feel that this movie solidifies that no one could take Ford’s place as the character. Even in his senile age, he still has the same wit and gruff charm that he has always exuded. Plus, I do feel that the personality traits presented here do line up character-wise with the older films. I find his arc engaging and emotionally moving, but I will comment on that more later. I could argue that he doesn’t get as involved with action. But again, Ford is old, so I appreciate that the movie bothered to address that by building the film’s sequences and events around it. Helena, played by Pheobe Bridge-Waters, is a fun character as well. I do feel that her arc is a bit clunky in terms of pacing since we never really know why she wants to sell the dial or what motivates her specifically to go after it. However, she makes up for it by being a great presence in terms of playing off of Ford by having great chemistry with him and bringing a different energy compared to other co-leads in the series. Mads Mikkelsen gives Voller a lot of menace and I appreciate that a franchise film bothered to utilize him well rather than giving him nothing to do (hi Doctor Strange and Fantastic Beasts). He isn’t super complex, but neither are most of the other Indiana Jones villains and I do like how his motives and perceptions mirror Indy’s a bit in terms of being a man who longs for the past which he plans to use the dial to get back.

I will say that while this film doesn’t utilize Antonio Banderas and Boyd Holbrook especially well. I like them a lot as performers and they are welcome presences here, but they also don’t add too much aside from plot functionality. Banderas in particular is in and out of the film quickly so I could have appreciated a bit more with him. Even so, they still do the best with what they have and this series has honestly always had an issue with some characters not getting enough focus or screen time. I mean, seeing Holbrook yell and act like a maniac in the climax was worth the price of admission alone. Also, I don’t care what other people say, Teddy is a fun character who, while functionally being similar to Short Round, has enough differences that make him distinctive. Plus, it’s fun seeing a kid character be more of a trickster con/thief rather than just being there for the cute factor or comedy. Even him having to learn how to fly a plane in the climax by winging it (no pun intended) is honestly hilarious and adds to the chaotic nature of the last chunk of the film. He’s not amazing or anything, but in terms of Indiana Jones characters who aren’t fully relevant to the story, I’ll take him over Willie, to be honest.

Moving on to other aspects, the score is pretty good. Oscar-worthy, not in the slightest. Honestly, Crystal Skull was more deserving of a nomination in comparison. The Oscars giving this a nomination over Across the Spiderverse reeks of old industry producers just filling in the ballot with a name they recognize since they can’t bother to watch anything new. Even so, John Williams still utilizes the familiar themes and new elements well in matching up the action and emotions. A few parts of the score in particular such as the New York chase and the third act have stuck in my mind. Also, while the action isn’t quite the series best either since it isn’t the most kinetic and CGI usage is consistent, I still enjoy all the set pieces. The opening, aside from a few sequences that look too dark and the presence of UCHF (unnecessary CGI Harrison Ford), does a good job of capturing the feeling of the war period and the tone and rhythm of the action of the earlier films in the series. The New York chase and the Tangier sequence are dynamic and have a lot of highlights and great little touches. I also really like the dial as the artifact in its concept, design, and how its much different compared to the mythical and religious ones of the previous films through how it is tied more to a real life historical figure. Finally, I feel that the story of this film is really solid and while not aggressively a conclusive one, does bring a sense of finality in terms of what it focuses on with these characters and the themes. It isn’t perfect and there are a few narrative inconsistencies and unneeded elements like Indy being wanted for murder after the New York sequence since it doesn’t go anywhere as well as a bit drawn out in areas. Even so, I feel that it is engaging and an appreciatively simple one for this series to end.

However, the best part of the film, in my opinion, is the last 30 minutes. After Indy and Helena get to the tomb of Archimedes, the film clicks in all the right ways. The action, dialogue, framing, and buildup towards the big swing climax all work for me completely. Voller’s plan is both ludicrous and fits with the other villains’ chaotic goals with the artifacts they search for. The exchanges and acting when Indy realizes that the dial might not work the way Voller wants and the latter’s panic and stress in realizing that his goals have fallen apart quickly are great as well. So is Helena chasing and getting onto the plane as it takes off in the rain while riding a motorcycle and the aforementioned antics with Teddy. It all culminates in them traveling back to the siege of Syracuse and I think it makes for a great set piece that feels like the right one to end the series on. Time travel on paper is a ludicrous concept for these movies, but I feel that they presented it believably and Indy going back in history feels like a fitting climax to the series. It may not be classical Indy since there’s no mystical artifact that melts the villains which is a shame since that is a usual highlight. Even so, I feel that it still fits the hallmarks of an Indiana Jones climax with the frantic tone and how the villains are still destroyed by the very thing they sought out. I even appreciate the little details. I love how the classroom scene earlier in the film and the puppet show that is briefly shown in Sicily foreshadow aspects of the scene. I love how Helena’s conversation about a forced hand in a card deck presenting the illusion of a choice is brought back to explain why the dial worked the way it did. Indy meeting Archimedes and his conversation with Helena are compelling moments as well that give more weight to the sequence. Overall, I feel that this part of the film works so well in terms of being an exciting ending to the film and providing payoff and thematic cohesion as well. It honestly elevates the entire film for me on its own.

With all of that said, I do feel that even with what I have said before, both positive and negative, I feel that I have to discuss that I still simply like this film and don’t love it or think it’s great. I feel that I really can’t convey all of my thoughts here and honestly, this has been a tough film for me to nail my full picture on even if my basic consensus has been the same. I have watched this film on three separate occasions. Once in theaters and twice at home. I feel differently about a few elements each time, but I come out the same at the end in enjoying my time. I love some aspects and dislike others, but feel generally positive overall in an agreeable sense rather than an aggressive one. While I did feel a bit shaky with my thoughts, I have realized that it’s okay to enjoy something like this even if it isn’t masterfully crafted.

I kind of feel that a lot of the time, people try to overthink their perceptions of a film since that tends to happen when we involve ourselves with the craft of movies. We dive into the deeper aspects and notice quirks that most casual viewers wouldn’t. Honestly, I find myself either being hyper-critical or focused on stuff that really shouldn’t bug me, but my mind wanders to it anyway. At some level, I think this movie has made me realize that sometimes, it’s okay to like something that isn’t too complex or is flawed.

My enjoyment can also be tied to how, well, I never got the backlash to Crystal Skull and have similar feelings towards the internet talking points about this film here. Disliking it is understandable since it has a lot of issues. But to see a lot of people treat it like it was the worst thing ever. Yeah, a bit of an overreaction from my perspective. I wrote a whole article around the time Dial was coming to theaters about this regarding how I felt the reaction to Crystal was overblown and my sentiments remain the same here. If anything, while I wouldn’t disagree or not understand the reasons why someone would dislike this film, I also cannot see this as a trainwreck either. Even with its problems, not only are they not as egregious as many say, but other recent blockbusters and franchise films do them worse. Honestly, it’s easy to see why this wouldn’t work for someone and I don’t think we need to spend the next few years complaining about it. It’s an Indiana Jones film not made by Spielberg under a studio whose track record has been spotty as of late during a period where the craft of blockbusters has gone downhill. You either like or dislike it and it’s honestly fine to leave it at that.

Even with my acceptance of my reaction to this movie, I do think there is an interesting, if underutilized, layer of thematic depth upon further analysis that it has to do with Indiana Jones himself and his arc in the film. If there is one under-spoken thing that Dial of Destiny is about it’s about how people who are disconnected with the present fixate more on the past. Indiana is a man out of his time in this film. He is old, has lost a lot of people in his life, and the world around him is markedly different. Students are not at all interested in his discussion of history, he is hounded by CIA operatives despite his involvement against the Germans and Russians, and even the exotic locals he used to visit are now mostly explored and populated with the common folk. Indy flying a commercial airline to Tangier as opposed to a rickety plane and the Ear of Dionysus having public tours nearby indicates that the world he used to venture out into has mostly been ventured and seen. He is likewise dismissive of the present day such as calling the moon landing like a trip to Reno or just seeing the dial as “a hunk of gears”. He tells Salah that the days of adventuring they used to share are mostly gone and while not entirely false, it does show how he believes there isn’t much left for him now. It’s fascinating how his perspective and interactions with everything are driven by this sense of disconnect. How he hasn’t been able or willing to cope with both the harsh changes in his life and the rapid change around him so he just doesn’t want to bother. His conversation with Helena about Mutt is likely the first time he has processed the loss since he likely just bottled it up which was also why Marion left him in the first place. Voller shows a similar mindset as well. He is far more focused on the dial since he wants to restart history to what he believes to be the rightful course. He rejects the medal of honor or other opportunities in his present because he is more focused on his past and rectifying what he believes to be easily fixable mistakes. Both are defined by how they are discontent with the present and believe they are men at the wrong time.

While I do feel that there could have been more done with this story-wise since it is a bit surface-level due to the film focusing more on the action and moment-to-moment interactions rather than digging deeper into the pathos of this theme, I still feel that the ending does hit the right notes. Voller dies pathetically in the past because of his blind desperation to rebuild his past. Indy, when believing that there is nothing left in the world for him, is reunited with Marion to remind him that there are still people who care about him. He needs to recognize that there is more to live for in his life rather than holing up bitterly or thinking he has no present purpose. Even if it won’t be perfect or the same, reconnecting with those in his life in the present is a healthy way for him to improve and maintain a sense of meaning. While the ending isn’t executed perfectly, Helena punching Indy to drag him back was probably not the best approach to take even if I agree that she was in the right to not leave him there and Indy was just being hard-headed, I do feel that the overall setup and thematic points the film brings up are fascinating and fitting ones to end the series on at this point.

If anything, this aspect ties back into how I appreciated this movie being simple and not a nostalgic parade of the past. Disney and other studios have been trying to recapture the past since they believe it will be the only path to success and profit. Currently, Disney is mostly content on sequels, remakes, and reboots of anything and everything that they can see as marketable or nostalgic. I won’t act like this film’s existence is indicative of the current mindset of the studio, but the way it was presented and the fact that it was intended as the last film with Ford gives us something that I don’t think other films like it do, even unintentionally: the prospect of moving on. Indy ends his journey not in death or battle, but in a tender moment reconnecting with someone he loves and working to resolve his negative emotions in life. The usage of the “where does it hurt” dialogue feels far more driven by the needs of the story and characters than nostalgia since it focuses on emotion rather than simply reminding you of the past. So many people are focused on digging up the past while forgetting that embracing the present and moving on from stories of old to new ones could bring better things and I feel that this movie shows a bit of this in the arcs of the characters.

At the end of the day, I liked Dial of Destiny quite a bit and I found value in some of the elements this movie brought to the character and series as a whole. In an age that is content with digging up franchises to do the same things over and over, I find comfort in this one ending on a film about a character near the end of his days and having to grapple with time and how he copes with it. It may not always take advantage of these elements and I can’t help but feel that a great movie is trying to dig out of a decent one, but I still feel that it wraps up purposefully for Indy. The best way that I can describe this movie is a cover band trying their hardest to emulate aspects of an iconic band. They work to get so much right, but the current environment won’t allow for their work to reach the natural level of quality of the prior efforts. Even so, the effort is commendable and they get more than enough right to compensate. It is what it is and I feel that I can appreciate what this film got right since its flaws didn’t bother me that much. I recognize that not everyone can agree or feel the same way, but that’s ok. Honestly, the fact this failed at the box office was the best thing that could have happened to this series. Now any sort of rushed and cheap Disney+ show that was planned is probably no longer being made and, likely, we won’t see a recast reboot for a while. Is it bad to accept adequacy or something being just good while excusing its flaws at some level? I suppose, but if you can still find value in a work, then it’s not the worst thing in the world to be lenient once in a while. I find myself at the crossroads between my more analytical self and my casual self here. Given how a lot of other franchises either repeat themselves or crash and burn, I feel that I can take what I can get with franchise films these days and I’m thankful that this one worked for me and that I enjoy all the films in this series. Rest well Indiana Jones, thanks for all that you have done for everyone.