Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

My Review

Executive producers Steven Spielberg and George Lucas have completed the fifth and final film of the “Indian Jones” franchise with “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.” Director James Manigold (“Walk the Line” 2005) and his team of screenwriters created an excellent storyline that has Indy and others chasing after the Dial of Destiny that can open the time fissures, allowing for time travel. One diabolical scientist wants to travel back to the 1930’s to change the course of World War II.

Harrison Ford is in excellent form in the title role that he originated back in 1981 in “Raiders of the Lost Ark,” with sequels in 1984, 1989, and 2008. This is the last hurrah for Indy. Also recreating old roles are John Rhys-Davies and Karen Allen, as Sallah and Marion Ravenwood, respectively. The supporting cast includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Ethan Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen.

John Williams also returned to compose the musical score, to a film whose characters were created by George Lucas. “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” from producers Kathy Kennedy and Frank Marshall has only been a modest hit at the box office for Lucasfilm Ltd. and Walt Disney Pictures. The cost of production of the film was $352 million, making only $384 million in total box office receipts. “Dial of Destiny” is one of the most expensive films ever made.