Forty-two years after he first ran away from a giant boulder in his first escapade it’s finally time for Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones to hang up his Fedora and bullwhip.
Truthfully, having played the iconic character for half of his life, 80-year-old Ford has earned his ride off into the sunset.
However, it could be argued the much-maligned Kingdom of the Crystal Skull , and certainly The Last Crusade , were more fitting farewells for the world’s most famous archaeologist.
Because in The Dial of Destiny Ford often takes a back seat to other characters, especially Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena .
That’s not to say Ford isn’t great here; he is, particularly when delivering grouchy putdowns. But while the decision to embrace Indiana’s advancing years is commendable and realistic, it leaves the hero of the story playing catch-up to others.
Waller-Bridge makes for an unusual heroine with her desire for money and verbal jabs at Indiana and although she is fiercely independent and has a flair for mischief, she comes across as grating at times.
One of the highlights of the film is the 20-minute, 1944-set prologue which follows a de-aged Indiana . One or two brief bumpy moments aside, this is one of the best examples of digital face work I’ve seen and the overall sequence is an old-school delight.
Nothing else quite matches it, although director James Mangold hits all the classic Indy beats - globe-trotting, banter, double-crosses, zany artefacts.
Mads Mikkelsen is a low-key nasty joy as villain Dr Voller and there are satisfying appearances from familiar series favourites.
People who found Crystal Skull’s finale too out-there should be prepared for the climactic set-piece, which I found easier to swallow and enjoy than the former flick’s denouement.
The final scene is terrifically touching and while Dial of Destiny is fun and has several magical moments worthy of the franchise, it could have done with a bit more respect for its leading man’s legacy.
● What are your thoughts on The Dial of Destiny? Is it a fitting farewell for the cinematic icon?
Pop me an email at ian.bunting@reachplc.com and I will pass on your comments - and any movie or TV show recommendations you have - to your fellow readers.
● Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is showing in cinemas now.
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