HCA Gradebook: “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny”

Movie: Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny
Plot: Daredevil archaeologist Indiana Jones races against time to retrieve a legendary dial that can change the course of history. Accompanied by his goddaughter, he soon finds himself squaring off against Jürgen Voller, a former Nazi who works for NASA.
Cast: Harrison Ford, Phoebe Waller-Bridge, Antonio Banderas, John Rhys-Davies, Shaunette Renee Wilson, Thomas Kretschmann, Toby Jones, Boyd Holbrook, Oliver Richters, Ethann Isidore, and Mads Mikkelsen.
Director: James Mangold
Release Date: June 30, 2023
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Number of Graders: 41
Overall Grade: B-

Anna Miller says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is an entertaining send off to a beloved character. Though a bit lacking in plot and character development, it has bounds of charm with the added help of nostalgia, and hits all the marks of an entertaining adventure flick. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is a gem and a standout, and Harrison Ford is solid in his last outing as the beloved Indy.”Grade: B-
Jami Philbrick says, “Dial of Destiny is an uninspiring ending to the Indiana Jones franchise. While better than Crystal Skull, Dial of Destiny is a convoluted conclusion to Indiana Jones’ story but features a strong performance from Harrison Ford.”
Grade: C-

John Nguyen says, “It’s a good feeling seeing Indiana Jones back in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, but his adventure lacked the awe and wonder and Mads Mikkelsen as a villain was very underutilized… along with other actors like Antonio Banderas and Shaunette Renee Wilson. The ending was a nice touch though. The CGI for young Indy was very off-putting.”
Grade: C-

James White says, “‘It’s not the years, honey, it’s the mileage,’ Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones once said. Well, for Dial Of Destiny, it’s also the years, as the movie is focused on Indy’s creaking bones and even grumpier than usual attitude, plus a doohickey that has to do with… well, that would be telling. James Mangold steps in for Steven Spielberg and the result is something that reaches for the classic Indy vibe but only occasionally manages it, overusing chase scenes and letting the characters down to some degree. Ford, of course, fits back into Indy (and in a de-aged early sequence, his younger self) like a glove, but he’s much more limited by the script this time. Phoebe Waller-Bridge has fun as his god daughter Helana, though her character is a well-used type. The rest is fairly stock Indy stuff, which still has thrills to offer, but feels like it’s as ready to retire as its lead.”
Grade: B-

Rachel Leishman says, “Our favorite fedora-wearing professor is back and just as great as we remember. Harrison Ford’s Indiana Jones has been a character fans are drawn to since his introduction way back when in Raiders of the Lost Ark in 1981. In his now-42-year tenure as the whip-slinging archeologist, Ford has gone through many changes as an actor, but his tenacity as Henry Jones Jr. has been unwavering, all leading to the addictive take on this iconic character from director James Mangold with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny.”
Grade: A

Mike Manalo says, “Let’s be honest. The glory days of the man with the hat and the whip are behind us. We can’t expect things to ever be the same as classics like Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom, or Last Crusade. But, out of the gate, thankfully, Dial of Destiny is worlds and universes better than Crystal Skull, and deserves its place as part of the franchise, even if it has to settle for 4th best. It’s fun, emotional, and most importantly feels like a true, solid Indiana Jones movie. And that’s something Mangold managed to accomplish that even Spielberg couldn’t in 2008. We’ll miss this adventurous curmudgeon. But at least he’s going out on a high note with his dignity intact, and his hat still firmly on his head.”
Grade: B

Nate Adams says, “At 81, Harrison Ford understands there’s no time like the present (or the ability to cash a fat paycheck) which is the latest foe the infamous Indiana Jones faces in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Sure, the iconic fedora wearing explorer and hip archaeologist professor has faced his fair share of bad guys, including a casual flirtation with Adolf Hitler, but Dial of Destiny pits the aging veteran against himself as he fully embodies the ‘get off my lawn’ persona while Indy is stuck on a loop searching for life’s greatest mystery. If Dial of Destiny were to teach its audiences anything, it’s that no amount of versatility and quick-on-your-feet thinking can starve off the ticking biological clock. It may also teach studio executives that perhaps they should leave a good franchise alone. But when has that ever stopped them?”
Grade: C+

Ashley Saunders says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a big adventure blockbuster worthy of the character. It works as a fitting goodbye to Indiana Jones both for Ford and the fans who love him. Finales are even trickier than sequels, where decisions need to be made about direction. Repeating the past can become tiresome but changing too much can lead to disdain. Fortunately Dial of Destiny manages to honor the past without overdoing it. The fan service is rooted in character moments instead of haphazard cameos which makes them feel natural and emotionally grounded. It plays out like something fans want and expect from an Indy movie. From large action set pieces and Jones’ quick-witted dry humor to having heart and punching nazis, this one does not disappoint.”
Grade: B+

Nicholas Spake says, “Let’s get this out of the way. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is better than Crystal Skull, but it doesn’t come close to touching the original trilogy. We all know this series should’ve ended with Indy riding off into the sunset 34 years ago. Even if the franchise is beyond its glory days, Harrison Ford hasn’t lost his charisma. For someone who was pushing 80 at the time of filming, Ford delivers a magnetic and occasionally emotional turn as his most beloved character (sorry Han Solo). Dial of Destiny works well as a final bow for Ford. As a last crusade for Indiana Jones, though, it’s not exactly… well, The Last Crusade.”
Grade: B-

Maggie Lovitt says, “Dial of Destiny is a fitting end—and a bright new beginning—for one of the most beloved franchises, particularly for moviegoers who love rip-roaring historical misadventures and an ample amount of pathetic Nazis getting socked in the face.”
Grade: B+

Francisco Cangiano says, “Had a great time with Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Above the previous entry, yet under the original trilogy. Played like Indy, felt like Indy. Another entertaining Indiana Jones adventure, that also nicely works as a better, emotional sendoff to the iconic character, again beautifully played by the legendary Harrison Ford. Has great action sequences, cool MacGuffin story and amazing score by John Williams. That said, have mixed feelings with the overuse of CGI (de-aging stuff), and its too long. Definitely go see it in the biggest screen possible. And also, thank you Indiana Jones!”
Grade: B-

David Gonzalez says, “Like every great band, great franchises deserve a ‘greatest hits’ compilation & James Mangold’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny covers the memorable hits of Indy’s past while molding a path for a fitting finale. Harrison Ford says goodbye to one of cinema’s greatest characters with the charm, laughs, and action that cemented him as one in 1981 while Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Helena instantly becomes one of the franchise’s most memorable characters. Yes, It’s The Force Awakens of the Indy world, but that’s not a bad thing.”
Grade: B+

Aaron Neuwirth says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a summer blockbuster delivering on what this original premise set out to do – dazzle me with an exciting piece of pulp fiction given a huge budget. It kept me excited when dealing with a rock star archeologist who finds himself barely escaping deadly situations and coming to new understandings regarding myths and legends. The fact that our hero is now a legend himself provides the opportunity to dig deeper into that as well. The results allow Ford plenty of grace notes as he wraps up his tenure as one of the coolest cinematic figures out there…even if he is named after the dog.”
Grade: B+

Rick Hong says, “This installment wraps up all storylines for the franchise and the de-aging looks solid for Harrison Ford. The highlight of the film is Phoebe Waller-Bridge. Unfortunately, it’s a bit long and doesn’t quite go out with a bang.”
Grade: B-

Catherine Springer says, “There is absolutely no denying the fact that I was grinning from ear to ear from start to finish, buoyed in part, yes, by the rush of nostalgic affection that was coursing through my 52-year old veins, but also by the sensational artistry and craft that went into the making of this film, a film that is everything a movie should be, the kind of movie that reminds you why movies were ever even made in the first place.”
Grade: B

Jami Philbrick says, “Dial of Destiny is an uninspiring ending to the Indiana Jones franchise. While better than Crystal Skull, Dial of Destiny is a convoluted conclusion to Indiana Jones’ story but features a strong performance from Harrison Ford.”
Grade: C-

Don Shanahan says, “Admittedly, it is wonderful just being around Harrison Ford in hero mode. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny can wear you down to enjoy the character you love and discard the jumbled mess around him if it means sharing his cinematic oxygen a little longer. For many, that might be enough. But again, those fleeting feelings and little hits were not worth undoing what was already damn-near perfect long ago for sad and diminished returns. Indiana Jones has become a time capsule and should have stayed a time capsule. You can’t get that same kind of sunset ending two or three times.”
Grade: C-

Staci Wilson says, “While Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny doesn’t have a dull moment and there’s a lot to like about it, it does markedly lack the charm and wit of the first three classic films (I barely remember his forgettable fourth, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, which came out in 2008). James Mangold is a good director (I loved 2017’s Logan) but through no fault of his own, he lacks that special Spielberg sparkle of yore. Speaking of sparkle, there’s also a dark-looking grittiness to Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny that doesn’t feel quite right; this franchise has always looked like a 1940s comic strip come to life. At least the trademark John Williams score is still in full force.”
Grade: B-

Joel D. Amos says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a blast! It goes beyond a nostalgia sequel and serves as a fantastic and endearing way of saying goodbye to one of Hollywood’s most beloved characters of all-time. The action is top notch, something director James Mangold has excelled at for years. Harrison Ford is great as always, he was born to be Indy. The addition of Phoebe Waller Bridge is a gift. She shines as Indy’s Goddaughter and elevates the film. But, there is a bit of a drawback here. The story is a bit hallow at points, which is not helped by the 2.5 hour running time. It is a solid showing, legions better than the last installment, but still doesn’t resonate nearly as much as the original trilogy.”
Grade: B

Zaki Hasan says, “‘Visiting an old friend’ is the best description of Dial of Destiny. Don’t expect it to touch the first 3. But as a final statement for this iconic character it mostly hits the right notes. Introspective and elegiac, and when it matters, rousing and uplifting. Hail and farewell, Dr. Jones.”
Grade: B

Matthew Creith says, “It’s not the greatest representation of Indiana Jones and everything he’s worked towards during his time on Earth, but Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a worthwhile watch for fans of a once great franchise. Don’t expect too much, and you won’t be disappointed.”
Grade: C

Sean Chandler says, “Of all the movies released this year, this is probably the film where I have the most complex and confused feelings. It was great to see Harrison Ford back in the role, and they found some new ways to explore his character. If you’re going to make a movie about a 70 year old, sad Indiana Jones, I guess this a good version of that idea. But should you make a movie about a 70 year old Indiana Jones? As soon as you’re showing his age and bringing real world heart break into his life, the fantasy and escapism disappear. There was fun to be had. It wasn’t an embarrassment, but I don’t know that it was worth making either.”
Grade: B-

Erik Anderson says, “There is a good deal of properly curated nostalgia here but it’s constantly being weighed down by bad green screen and questionable de-aging that remove the physical stakes the first films in the series excelled at. Harrison Ford feels game most of the time and Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Mads Mikkelsen fit perfectly in the Indiana Jones universe.”
Grade: C+

Alex Billington says, “This movie rocks. Seriously. Looks great, awesome action set pieces, a real sense of adventure and archeology. A passion for history that comes through in the story and with all of the characters. Love the MacGuffin in this – the Antikythera (which actually exists in real life). It’s really thrilling and exactly where this series needed to go at some point or another. The look in Harrison’s eyes in these scenes makes me tear up. It still can’t touch Spielberg’s original trilogy, but c’mon this is still a great movie.”Grade: A-

Lupe Rodriguez Haas says, “The plot hits the usual beats of an Indiana Jones adventure. The Mangold film plays it safe and sticks to the formula except it brings more emotional depth to Ford’s character much like he did with Hugh Jackman in Logan. It’s a nice send-off for the franchise.”
Grade: B

Clarence Moye says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a fun ride filled with at least one outstanding set piece. While it lacks the high-octane energy of Spielberg’s more ingenious outings, it’s still a solid entry in the series, far better than the much-maligned Crystal Skull. Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s charismatic and winking performance enlivened the film for me, saving it from the melancholy of director James Mangold. Not a perfect film, but an enjoyable one for sure.”
Grade: B

Abe Friedtanzer says, “Harrison Ford returns for one final go as Indiana Jones and manages to recapture the magic of the original trilogy that didn’t feel quite as present in the fourth installment a decade and a half ago. The familiar music and sense of adventure is there, and the film is enhanced considerably by the addition of Phoebe Waller-Bridge, who brings exactly the right kind of humor and recklessness to this franchise.”
Grade: B+

Kit Stone says, “Directed by James Mangold (Ford v Ferrari), this final chapter of Indiana Jones carries the same heart as the previous films, primarily due to Harrison Ford himself. Ford’s being has been baked into the character of Indiana Jones, broken in like a baseball glove. It’s now a perfect fit, and if it weren’t clear in the earlier films, it’d become apparent now that no one will be able to fill his shoes.”
Grade: B

Abbie Bernstein says, “Is the Dial of Destiny as magical and wonderful as the first film? Well, no, that’s what Raiders of the Lost Ark was for, back before it had a few hundred would-be emulators.

So, does Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny do something completely new and different with the franchise? Well, no, because then it wouldn’t be an Indiana Jones movie.

What Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny does, commendably, is feel very much of a piece with Raiders of the Lost Ark. It looks and feels like Raiders, with the same sense of purpose and discovery, and just the right amount of sweetness.”
Grade: B+

Connor Petrey says, “Harrison Ford’s swan song as the titular character isn’t special, in fact it’s quite a tame escapade and in comparison to the other four (yes, the other FOUR) Dial of Destiny is a surprising bore.”
Grade: C+

Rick Bentley says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is not the worst offering in the franchise as Crystal Skull and Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom have locked down those spots. It can only hope to come in third place in the film franchise because Raiders and Last Crusade are nearly perfect.”
Grade: B-

Anthony Digioia says, “A few minutes of nostalgia isn’t enough to keep Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny from being a fatiguingly overlong adventure built on generic plot beats and murky visuals. Ford and PWB are charming but the villains are unsurprisingly bland given their casting and basic motives that do nothing for building a hurdle our heroes will need to overcome.”
Grade: D+

Peggy Marie says, “With Harrison Ford donning the now familiar hat and whip at 80 years old, Dial of Destiny is cloaked in nostalgia. It brings in some new with Phoebe Waller-Bridge & the wonderful Ethann Isidore. Adding in a cameo Antonio Banderas giving us Old Man And The Sea vibes. then the impeccable Mads Mikkelson always giving it as the villian. While not without its flaws, the film embraces its imperfections and delivers an enjoyable experience and you know what? That’s perfectly fine.”
Grade: C+

Alexander Robinson says, “There really are certain franchises that should just rest. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the final film in the Indy series (and the first under Disney), feels like a very tired, convoluted, and honestly uninspired final chapter for our favorite archeologist. After a pretty incredible prologue, the movie starts to fall downhill with questionable story decisions and action scenes that while entertaining won’t leave the same impact on you as the best of the original trilogy. Harrison Ford does give it his all in this role, Phoebe Waller-Bridge makes for a fun addition to the cast, and John Williams delivers another excellent score, but the boated runtime and downright stupid ending left me with a bad feeling as the credits rolled. In the words of Henry Jones Sr., ‘Let It Go.'”
Grade: D+

Rama Tampubolon says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was boring and sluggish and tedious and bland and it ran on low fuel!!! And what I hated the most is that the movie did not feature booby traps. They waited til the last part to have Harrison & Phoebe go clues hunting, and I was like ‘Where the hell are the booby traps?!’ The action sequences were clearly designed to conveniently help super duper old man Harrison go from one vehicle to the next where he could do the least amount of running. And no matter how much the script tried to sell them, Phoebe’s character and the kid she’s traveling with were just not likable. And then the third act morphed into some kind of parody of Mel Brooks’ History of the World Part 1 which got me rolling my eyes. All in all, this was a disappointing send off to one of the most iconic characters in cinema’s history.”
Grade: F

Wendy Lee says, “Great seeing Harrison Ford donning the fedora again. There were moments that felt like the original Indy films, such as the flashback scenes, the globetrotting, and hunting for treasure. However, it was too long and at times it felt like Indy was sidelined in his own story. Better than Crystal Skull but not better than the originals.”
Grade: C+

Michael Lee says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny feels like reminiscing about old adventures with an old friend. It’s nostalgic in all of the right ways. Harrison Ford putting on the dusty fedora and snapping the bullwhip one final time is bittersweet, but Mangold gives him a proper sendoff.”
Grade: B

Tom O’Brien says, “Not as bad as the reviews from Cannes would suggest, nor as good as the kind of send-off many of us would like to have seen for this once-beloved franchise. Director James Mangold can direct action well, but Dial of Destiny lacks much of the playful spark so present in (most of) the Spielberg films. The Act 1 set pieces largely work, but by the 6th car chase, the welcome was been worn out, while those scenes that do score in the film are the nostalgic ones, channeling our memories of the previous better films. Not without its moments, but a disappointment nonetheless.”
Grade: B-

Stacey Yvonne says, “Listen, God bless him, but Harrison Ford is too dang old to still be running around as Indiana Jones. That said, the inclusion of Phoebe Waller-Bridge and a new sidekick (this time Moroccan) helped ease me into a the viewing allowing me to get lost in a fun & classic Indy tale.”
Grade: B-

Kit Bowen says, “This fifth (and final?) installment of the Indiana Jones franchise is a proper send-off to a most beloved character. Despite some muddled narrative and running a tad too long, Dial of Destiny provides all the right feels and proves its endurance in a now saturated world of action movies.”
Grade: A-

Ricky Valero says, “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a crowd-pleaser in many ways, with audiences feeling nostalgic throughout the film. I don’t have a doubt in my mind that fans will love this movie, and because of that, I have to give the film a recommendation.”
Grade: D+