TEXAS, USA —
INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY
It's hard to think of an iconic movie character that's stood the test of time like Harrison Ford as "Indiana Jones" (OK, maybe Harrison Ford as 'Han Solo').
Cue that John Williams theme music, crack that whip, sport that fedora, and Indy, you've got me again!
Ford decided to return for a fifth and final ride to own his aging character, so it's ironic he spends the first 20 minutes under the guise of age-altering tricks that make him look a generation younger. The look serves the story, though, as he's back in Nazi Germany, along with his partner in crime played by Toby Jones, trying to snatch an artifact from among Hitler's plunder.
It turns out to be a fake, but he comes across half of the 'Dial of Destiny,' a mystical time device that dates back to Archimedes.
And it's a popular relic.
Nazi Mads Mikkelson wants it (perfect as always). So does Phobe Waller-Bridge as Indy's goddaughter.
Fast forward to the late 1960s, and Dr. Jones is coaxed out of retirement to seek the other half of the dial. But can he beat his competitors to find it?
This is the first "Indiana Jones" movie not directed by Stephen Spielberg. It's in the steady hands of James Mangold ("Walk the Line," "Logan"), but it lacks the 'wink' of the first three films (we won't speak of the fourth). Waller-Bridge is such a fresh add, she accentuates Indy's stodginess, but again, that's part of his character. There's so much action/chase involved, I thought he might run into Tom Cruise on a train! The adventure gets a bit preposterous, then, wouldn't you know, the ending melts us with sweet nostalgia.
So, what is the film's "destiny?"
With a massive budget of nearly $300 million, it's going to take a lot of fans in seats to rake in a profit. I encourage you to be one of them. Indy may no longer be a young whippersnapper, but it feels good to keep company with him one last time.
(Walt Disney Pictures. Rated PG-13. Running Time 2 hrs. 34 mins. In Theaters Only)
RUBY GILLMAN, TEENAGE KRAKEN
We heard a lot about "Kraken" when Seattle faced the Dallas Stars in the playoffs. Now we meet "Ruby Gillman, Teenage Kraken." Ruby is desperate to fit in at Oceanside High School. Her protective mother is hiding a secret, only telling her she can't go into the water. She soon discovers the hard way that she's the latest in a long line of royal sea creatures, and her life will never be the same.
Plenty of teen angst wrapped up in this one, including whether Ruby can go to the prom. It's co-written by Pam Brady, a female producer of "South Park," and hits the right notes of insecurities turned to empowerment. Jane Fonda is featured in her second stint of animated voice work as Ruby's grandmama. She demands that emphasis the last syllable! ("Luck" was last year.)
Can Ruby save her Kraken community from an overbearing rival mermaid? Though the animation is not super-sophisticated, the film is kinda fresh and fun, especially for girls.
(DreamWorks/Universal. Rated PG. Running Time 1 hr. 30 mins. In Theaters Only)
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