Indiana Jones Triumphant return to the big screen is full of adventure and f**k ton of vehicular chases… maybe too much?
What does the return of a beloved 80s adventurer show us in 2023?
It shows us that the formula doesn’t need to be changed to make enjoyable movies, we don’t need to change characters, force agendas or ruin childhoods, It is as simple as…
Ruggedly Handsome Action Star : Ford
Universal Bad Guy : Nazi
Simple Story : Treasure Hunt
Sprinkle in some Myths, Legends and Magic
*Bing* *Bang* *Bosh*
Smiles on faces, bums in seats, enjoyment had by all.
Harrison Ford brings his now infamous growls, snarls and aches to a soon to be retired Mr.Jones, who, as we see in the movies opening chase sequence, 1 of 3, has gone above and beyond the call of an archeologist a countless number of times in the pursuit of preserving history. Even if he is, technically, a thief himself stealing it from Nazi's and placing it in a US museum instead of placing it with the correct authorities...Technically.
The latest entry into the Indiana Jones franchise is even more fantastical than the previous instalments, excluding Indiana Jones and the Crystal Skull (2008) of course, what with all the aliens and mayan gods etc, however, we dont talk about that… Actually, neither do the characters within the 5th instalment.
Utilising CGI to de-age Ford and sometimes not so subtly switch him in or out of scenes to mask a cgi double or stuntman at work, Our favourite archeologist is back in the thick of things during the present day setting of the movie, 1969, as Indiana, a newly made Divorcee, is grieving the loss of his Son, who has been KIA (Killed in Action) after in-listing to fight in Vietnam. We the audience, not unlike the character, do not have much time to process this information as we are dragged into the second chase sequence of 3 that all take place within the first act of the movie. Introducing a ruthless and trigger happy band of villainous goons who will track Indiana and his God-Daughter, Helena Shaw, portrayed by Phoebe Waller-Bridge across the globe and through time...
To label this film non stop action, is an understatement, it is full steam ahead from the get go, only briefly slowing down for some much needed emotional beats between the two aforementioned pillar points of the film, Indiana and Helena, who might I add is frustratingly brilliant, as she captures the essence of a new breed of adventurer, even if her means, unlike Indiana’s, are nefarious in nature,
The other movies I have reviewed recently, may be seen to require a lengthy knowledge of source material or extended explanations into any plot points or characters to fully appreciate or understand what makes the movie so infectious to audiences. Simply put this movie doesn't. It is a classic adventure flick, with a well cast ensemble, including new and or returning favourites, who effortlessly manage to bring their own flair and moments of heroism, of which there are plenty.
Sooooo...what are you waiting for? This has the samueltheartist stamp of approval so finish reading this, book a ticket and ENJOY!
FYI : Raiders, Crusade, Doom, Destiny, Skull
