Indiana Jones 5 – My verdict
Ok, this blog post will be spoiler free. I watched Indiana Jones 5: The Dial of Destiny a couple weeks ago and I actually liked it for what it is! Archaeologically speaking, it is of course pure fantasy, but action-movie-wise it is not bad at all. Well, except one tiny little detail: good old Harrison Ford.
What I liked
Ok, let’s start positive. For an Indiana Jones movie, I have to say it is a good one. It features action, punching Nazis, mystery artefacts, and actually a good ending. I read some negative reviews criticising the female role of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, but I can’t relate to that. If you are familiar with the Indiana Jones movies, you will also find some very funny easter-eggs and references to older parts in the film.
As many who have seen the movie, I was particularly fond of the first part, where (and this is already visible in the trailers) we see a younger Indiana Jones, de-aged by CGI. It really reminded me of the good old movies (and novels) and was well written.
What I didn’t like
So what didn’t I like? Well, I have the biggest problem with the 80-year old Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford is naturally not capable anymore running and jumping around as he used to be and that is visible in the movie. Don’t get me wrong, Harrison Ford did great acting, giving the role of Indiana Jones his characteristic whit and smile once more. We also see him acting appropriate to his age shortly before retirement and with old-person kinks to it.
But it doesn’t work well with the stunts. Even an action-hero like Indiana Jones would have hurt himself doing the things he does with 80 years old. That just doesn’t work well. I think that there are rumours that maybe the role of Phoebe Waller-Bridge could continue the saga, but I also do not think that will work, as she is a good character, but the shoes to fill are simply to big. No, I have another idea.
Wait, hear me out!
Ok this might sound blasphemous, but hear me out. I already mentioned the idea when discussing the trailer to the movie. How about using that technology already visible in the film and let a young actor play out other adventures of Indiana Jones, but with the CGI face of young Harrison Ford? If you are familiar with the novels, you also know, that there are quiet good ones. These novels could create many new movies and adventures.
I know, I know, it is not the same, right? You are probably correct, but I think also that it is sad that this might be the last movie. Sure, not all of them are good and they have many problems, but as movies, they make a lot of fun! And by the way, if you are asking how I would rate this movie compared to the other ones? Well here is my list from perfect to not so good: 1, 3, 5, 2, 4. Yep, I am serious.
