This film is a wonderful conclusion to the Indiana Jones franchise that captured the magic of the old days, while at the same time, reflected on the passage of time and accepted that it continues marching forward whether you want to or not. Whether you're a grumpy graverobber who has seen his profession change or a Nazi who wants to reclaim the glory days and do them "better."
One of the things I've always loved about Indiana Jones films is the globetrotting and this one had it in spades, but not only that, we see something in this film that none of the previous four ever touched upon: Exploring the sea. It's only a shame that it was only a couple of scenes, but it was still a refreshing sequence to watch and left me lamenting that we never got a film exploring Atlantis (yeah, I know a video game or something else did, but that's not the same).
What was particularly intriguing was how that exploration pivoted and further embraced the sci-fi elements that the previous film initiated. I loved seeing ancient Greece in full battle with Rome, even briefly meeting Archimedes and learning the truth about the Dial of Destiny. I also greatly appreciated how the film resisted the urge to time travel to nostalgia and revisit past film events (which was a genuine worry) as well as resisting visiting Nazi Germany yet again.
Indy's desire to remain in the past was a fascinating notion, not just because of his love for history and archaeology, but also because it immediately made me think of Belloq's quip about Indy
becoming history when he attempted to seal Indy and Marion into the Well of Souls. How ironic that Indy wanted to do exactly that at the end of his life and would've gotten away it, too, if it weren't for that meddling Helena! (Sorry, not sorry)
And speaking of whom, Phoebe Waller-Bridge's Helena is a phenomenal addition to the Indy mythos and is easily the best character since Marion herself. I loved her vibrant can-do attitude and deliberate acts against all expectations (whether anti-feminism, grumpy Indy, or whomever else stood in her way). This is Harrison Ford's final adventure, but I would not be opposed to her carrying the fedora onwards.
Lastly, their appearances were brief but it was wonderful to see Marion and Sallah once more. I initially bristled at breaking up Indy and Marion yet again until we learned the true nature of that break-up and loved how that played with the main themes of time passing. Thankefully they reconciled in the a believable fashion and I definitely teared up when they reenacted that famous
Raiders scene but in reverse.
I do wish Sallah had more to do and I was surprised that John Rhys Davies took this small role after turning down the wedding cameo for
The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. I would've loved it if Sallah had played some part with either the diving expedition and/or the Ear of Dionysus sequence but I can see why neither of those happened (either he would've been killed off or wouldn't have been physically be able to). Nonetheless, we did get to hear Sallah sing once more and that made his small role worth it.
In the end, my rankings are (after just rewatching all of the previous films this week):
1. The Last Crusade
2. Raiders of the Lost Ark*
3. The Dial of Destiny
4. The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
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5. The Temple of Doom
*I recognize that Raiders of the Lost Ark is largely the superior film (and not just because of Marion) but nostalgia is a potent thing and
The Last Crusade was my first Indy film. Plus, I find the Grail quest far more riveting than the Ark quest (even if the former has been
way overdone at this point).
Edit to add:
I enjoyed it. Lots of emotional beats. I swear, when Indy infers that Helena considers him a 'mark' that's the most pain we've seen Indiana Jones feel through the entire series of being shot, punched, drugged, dragged, etc. And the following bit about his son of course.
Yes, I love that quiet beat of Indy feeling hurt by the "mark" comment. It was almost a blink-and-you-miss-it moment but I greatly appreciated it.
I also liked the bit where, while Helena is celebrating their escape, Indy breaks in to mention his friend had just been killed. It's something that might've gone unmentioned in others films - even other ones in this series.
YES. I loved that, too. Most films would zoom pass that with no more than a tear on someone's face, so I loved Indy calling that out and Helena genuinely realizing she fucked up.
I felt the 1950s flashback de-aging was more effective than the 1945-era. Hearing 'old' Ford's voice come out of a 'young' virtual Indy was somewhat off-putting.
For the most part, the de-aging worked for me although there were a few moments with Mads' face looked "too clean and smooth." I agree Ford's old voice was a bit jarring at first but for the most part it didn't bother me, especially during the action sequences.
Sallah singing 'A British Tar' offscreen at the end got a great laugh from the audience. Several people clapped at the end.
Sadly, I was the only one to laugh at my showing but there weren't many people there.
I took my son and it occurred to me the summer he’s 12 he got to see new movies with Michael Keaton as Batman and Harrison Ford as Indiana Jones…just like me.
That is
fantastic. I'm very happy that you were able to share that with your son.
