Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review: A Bittersweet but Thrilling Final Adventure

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review: A Bittersweet but Thrilling Final Adventure

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review: A Bittersweet but Thrilling Final Adventure

Let’s be honest—when they announced a fifth Indiana Jones movie, a lot of us were both excited and nervous. After all, Kingdom of the Crystal Skull didn’t exactly end on a high note, and Harrison Ford isn’t exactly cracking whips in his 30s anymore. But you know what? Dial of Destiny actually surprised me.

This film feels like a real goodbye to one of cinema’s most iconic adventurers. And honestly? It’s kind of beautiful.

A Different Kind of Indy

The movie starts with a flashback to the good ol’ Nazi-punching days—complete with a digitally de-aged Harrison Ford. It’s a little uncanny at first, but it works. Then we jump to 1969, and everything feels... different. Indy’s older. The world’s changed. The space race is on. He’s no longer the charming rogue running from boulders—he’s a retired professor who drinks alone in his apartment.

It’s actually kind of heartbreaking, in a good way.

But Don’t Worry—There’s Still Adventure

Just because Indy’s older doesn’t mean he’s done. Enter Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), his goddaughter with a knack for trouble and a serious interest in an ancient artifact called the Dial of Archimedes. What follows is a wild ride through cities, caves, and some very sketchy situations involving Nazis (again), underwater traps, and a lot of running for someone who’s supposedly retired.

Harrison Ford Brings It

Ford gives a performance that’s way more emotional than I expected. He’s still got the charisma, the dry humor, the iconic glare—but there’s a weariness to him that’s so real. He’s playing Indy like someone who’s lost more than he’s won, making him feel more human than ever.

Helena Is a Great Addition

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a scene-stealer. She’s clever, chaotic, and not the sidekick you’d expect. The dynamic between her and Indy is fun—not overly sentimental, just the right amount of sass and heart.

Not a Perfect Movie—But That’s Okay

Does Dial of Destiny have some flaws? Sure. The pacing is a little uneven in spots, and the CGI de-aging still isn’t perfect. But honestly, I didn’t care. By the time the credits rolled, I felt like I had just said goodbye to an old friend. The ending hit me harder than I thought it would.

Final Thoughts

If you go into this movie expecting another Raiders, you might be disappointed. But if you go in ready to say goodbye to Indiana Jones with a little nostalgia, a few laughs, and maybe even a lump in your throat—you’ll walk out smiling.

Rating: 8/10 – Not perfect, but it didn’t need to be. It just needed to be honest.