Daniel J

Another great example of the Disney's terrible modern writing, it has become a trope at this point: "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny" disappointingly falls short. It stumbles not only in plot and character development, but also in action and visuals. In its well-meaning attempt to present strong female characters, the film oversteps by undermining and deconstructing its male lead, Indiana Jones. Harrison Ford's reprisal of the beloved archaeologist comes off as a shadow of the dynamic character we once knew. Although still capable of a charming smile, Ford struggles to convince as an action star, looking rather past his prime. Phoebe Waller-Bridge, as the leading lady, delivers a performance that unfortunately misses the mark. Her acting fails to bring warmth or depth to the character, rendering her largely unlikable and difficult to root for. "Dial of Destiny" also struggles with an overemphasis on social and political messaging, which overshadows an engaging story. What was once a thrilling treasure hunt is now buried under heavy-handed and preachy narratives. Adding to the film's shortcomings is the glaringly poor CGI and uninspired action sequences. Gone are the captivating set pieces and breathtaking stunts that once defined the series. Instead, we're treated to visually lackluster scenes that struggle to hold interest. In an era of sequels and remakes, "Dial of Destiny" had the opportunity to rejuvenate the franchise with fresh storytelling and compelling characters. Sadly, it ended up as just another forgettable sequel. It is well past time for a change at Disney, hopefully the constantly depreciating stock will cause a full restructuring from the top down.