Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny: A Review
Get ready to don your fedora and crack your whip once again, as Indiana Jones is back in action. The fifth movie in the series, Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny, is set to hit theaters in Argentina on June 29, 2023. The movie may be directed by James Mangold, but the real star, Harrison Ford, is returning to the franchise for what may be his final turn as the iconic archaeologist.
A Respectable New Chapter
Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny is a respectable and competent addition to the series. The movie takes viewers on a ride through familiar territory, making references to earlier installments in the franchise. However, it lacks the Spielberg sparkle that made past movies so successful.
An Outlandish Turn
Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny takes a sudden turn in its final half-hour, which may prove controversial among fans. Otherwise, it is like fan fiction, a video game, or a ride in a theme park. While the first half of the movie is reminiscent of Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade, the second half is far more outlandish.
A Prologue Set in WWII
The movie opens with a prologue set in the final days of World War II. Indiana Jones and a friend are trying to stop the Nazis from fleeing Berlin with a trainload of looted antiquities. Among the items on the train is a device built by Archimedes, which can predict “rifts in time.” Despite its exciting premise, the digital effects used to rejuvenate Harrison Ford for this scene do not quite work.
A Darker Sequel
Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny brings back old characters and introduces new ones in a way that passes the torch to the next generation. However, the movie is more somber than its predecessors. Viewers may find it disconcerting to see Indiana Jones as a helpless, broken old man, while his goddaughter takes center stage.
Lacking the Magic of Past Adventures
The action sequences in Indiana Jones and the Call of Destiny are executed competently, but they lack the magic and excitement of the earlier films in the series. The banter, fun, and exuberance that made past adventures so memorable are missing in this installment. Despite the best efforts of composer John Williams, the movie has few standout moments that will make audiences want to stand up and cheer.
Fans of the Indiana Jones franchise will undoubtedly enjoy this fifth installment in the series, although they may find it lacking in some areas. Nevertheless, the return of Harrison Ford to the role of Indiana Jones is reason enough to crack your whip and join in on the adventure.
