Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023)

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is the latest and perhaps the last venture of the titular character.

James Mangold has had some really good movies in the past with films like Ford v Ferrari, Logan, 3:10 to Yuma, and Girl, Interrupted. This isn't one of them. In terms of direction, there were some intentional shots that hid the inability of our female lead to do stunts. The film has to hide its lack of substance with long chase scenes and with a lesser director it would have been a much worse film.

Harrison Ford goes through the motions. He's old and it shows, he also seems to have little to no chemistry with his female lead. There was some de-aging that many people will think is great, but I found it to be off-putting and still not ready for the mainstream.

Phoebe Waller-Bridge is the worst part of the film. She's insufferable and the writers Jez Butterworth, John-Henry Butterworth, and David Koepp force her down our throats. Her dialogue is girl-boss and Karen-esque. The Butterworths probably wrote more of the action beats since they're known for Edge of Tomorrow and Ford v Ferrari, or they were just there for Mangold. I think the fault should lie with Koepp who wrote The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

The more I think of this movie the worse my rating gets. It's still better than some films this year but it's a D+ at best for me.

Comments

The Running Man (2025)

The Running Man (2025) is directed by Edgar Wright , known for Baby Driver and Hot Fuzz , but this remake lacks the trademark charm, rhythm, and comedic punch that define his best work. The film feels noticeably muted, almost as if Wright was creatively restrained or intentionally holding back, resulting in a tone that is far more conventional than expected from him. The visual flair is still present, but the energy is dialed down and the humor is sparse, creating an experience that feels competent yet oddly subdued. Glen Powell , known for Top Gun: Maverick and Anyone But You , leads the film well and brings his usual charisma to the role. He emotes effectively and fully commits to the character, but the makeup choices surrounding him occasionally distract and left me wondering what the creative team was trying to convey. Still, Powell carries the emotional beats and remains one of the film's strongest assets. Josh Brolin , from No Country for Old Men and Dune , steps comfor...

Frankenstein (2025)

Frankenstein (2025) is directed by Guillermo del Toro , the visionary filmmaker behind Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water . His style once again blends gothic beauty with emotional storytelling, and his long-awaited take on Frankenstein is everything you’d expect: tragic, poetic, and visually stunning. Del Toro’s passion for monsters and misunderstood souls shines through every frame, making this adaptation both faithful and deeply personal. Oscar Isaac , known for Ex Machina and Dune , gives a grounded and believable performance as the tormented Dr. Frankenstein. He captures the obsession and guilt of a man who has gone too far, balancing intellect with a quiet madness that feels earned rather than exaggerated. Mia Goth , who has proven herself in Pearl and Infinity Pool , continues her run as one of the most mesmerizing modern actors. Her ethereal presence fits perfectly within Del Toro’s world, and she brings depth and vulnerability to a role that could have easily been o...

Christy (2025)

Christy (2025) is directed by David Michôd , known for The King and Animal Kingdom , and written by Mirrah Foulkes , who penned Judy & Punch . While both bring a grounded and deliberate tone to the film, there’s something missing in the pacing and camera. The direction is competent but occasionally flat, leaving certain moments feeling less impactful than they should. Still, the story holds strong thanks to the performances. Sydney Sweeney , known for Euphoria, Anyone But You, and Madame Web , delivers one of her most mature and layered performances to date. She brings intensity, fragility, and conviction to the title role, proving she’s more than capable of carrying a serious dramatic film. Her emotional control and subtlety make the story believable, even when the writing wavers. Ben Foster , whose work in Hell or High Water and Pandorum has always stood out, once again shows why he’s one of the most underrated actors working today. His character is despicable, ye...

Movies, Film, and Chili

Search This Blog