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Film reviews

Indiana Jones and and the Dial of Destiny Review

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Unlike the previous films in the franchise, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is not directed by Steven Spielberg. It’s directed by James Mangold. But Spielberg did serve as an executive producer and, most importantly, Harrison Ford is back in his role as Dr. Jones. Ford continues to bring the joy and excitement that audiences know from the previous Indiana Jones films. The film doesn’t have many crazy surprises, but it’s a lot of fun in terms of adventure, finding clues, and keeping the archaeology side of Jones alive.

Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny begins with Jones on a suspenseful adventure (of course). His mission goes awry, he escapes, and the film then transitions to Jones trying to retire. But calling it a day as an archaeologist doesn’t happen soon enough for Jones. His retirement plans begin to get chaotic when he is informed of a one-of-a-kind artifact that could change the future. There are clues, puzzles, and the many layers of archaeology associated with this mission. Jones must deal with Dr. Voller (played by Mads Mikkelsen), the criminal madman behind the artifact. With an old student returning into Jones’s life, Helena (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge), and Jones’s old friend Sallah (played by John Rhys-Davies) involved, they all play a part in trying to get their hands on the artifact. Because if it falls into the hands of Dr. Voller, disaster could ensue. Jones also has a weird relationship with Marion (played by Karen Allen), but Jones maintains the classy vibe that the world loves. Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny has humor and action, but then key moments of seriousness while they’re trying to retrieve the artifact.

The film has a number of moments that its audience will remember, mostly due to the personality in Ford’s performance. The adventure and action, with jumping off buildings and shootings, is fun as well. But even with the fun and excitement, I still felt Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny was a bit too predictable. The outcomes were expected, the music always comes in at the same time as in the previous films. Its setup feels like it’s been repeated consistently throughout the franchise.

Nonetheless, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a unique continuation of the franchise. And in my view this one probably tops the previous film in the franchise from 2008, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. So even though it didn’t feel super special, it leaves a positive mark going forward.

Is Jones’ mission worth it? Are there new people to add to his mission? Will Jones ever be able to enjoy retirement? Find out in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Two and a half out of four stars.

Film reviews

Joy Ride Review

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Joy Ride is a title that was used in another film, from 2001. That one was a horror and suspense flick. This version of Joy Ride has suspense but not horror, and it’s focused on four close friends who are on an adventure with a lot of annoyances. The director is Adele Lim, who wrote Crazy Rich Asians (2018). In many ways Joy Ride is almost like Crazy Rich Asians on acid. There are drugs, big international errors, and much humor and ridiculousness. The writing felt heartfelt, but the film was really quite bonkers.

Joy Ride introduces its audience to a diverse group of four women who decide to go on a getaway through Asia. They are Audrey (played by Ashley Park), Kat (played by Stephanie Hsu), Lolo (played by Sherry Cola), and Deadeye (played by Sabrina Wu). As they travel they each begin to realize their purpose in life, what they love, what they are interested in, and many aspects about theirselves. But the process through which they gain these realizations has lots of slapstick. One of the women has a goal of trying to find her birth mother, while the rest seem to mostly wonder what raunchy behavior they can become part of. Sex, drugs, misused social media, and rock and roll are all part of the formula. Joy Ride has seemingly no filter to its explicit, yet hysterical, directing. There is a dark side to Joy Ride, but the laughs are more of the focus.

For me, the gross moments in Joy Ride were some of funniest, like when drugs make one of the characters very aroused, to the point where sports equipment becomes a means of sexual gratification. These ladies seem to be inexperienced or ignorant about use of drugs, and this is what leads to many of the gross scenarios.

But the dynamic between the four friends is where Joy Ride really gets its positive joy. Despite the weird or dangerous scenarios that arise on this international trip, the film is a reminder of all the fun that true friends can have together. The trip is a ride of quirks and mysteries throughout. The moments of laughter, disasters, and irreverent scenarios just doesn’t stop. The disasters that arise make the film’s audience want more and more.

There are some somber moments in Joy Ride, especially with the friend trying to find her birth mother. It’s not a major focus of the film, and its presentation comes in at the right time in the film, to calm the craziness a little. But there is plenty of time for both having fun and getting serious in Joy Ride. Three out of four stars for Joy Ride.

Chicago Critics Film Festival 2023, Film reviews

Afire Review

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The theme of conflicting perceptions is pervasive in Afire. The film’s title seems to intentionally have a double meaning referring to both the fire in personality and reality. The setup includes many curveballs and much of Afire is a rush of psychological adrenaline. There are moments of tension that stir the pot from the start. Afire proves that shared spaces create problems. There is also frustration in the underlying conflicts in the film, and the dynamic is somewhat of a skeptical blur.

Afire takes place in Germany on the Baltic Sea. Two friends, Leon and Felix, are on a getaway at a vacation home. Leon is played by Thomas Schubert and Felix is played by Langston Uibel. Leon finds the planned getaway a headache because he is a writer who is concerned about how what happens on the trip could impact his writing. Felix, on the other hand, creates art portfolios for a career, and he believes in embracing all the fun. They are good friends with different personalities and perspectives who encounter various surprises on their trip.

They end up with Nadja played by Paula Beer. She is just trying to find her way while living in the Baltic Sea area. She shares the house with Leon and Felix. There is also Devid played by Enno Trebs. Devid’s job is a lifeguard at the beach. He also comes by the house periodically. All the houseguests drive Leon insane.  The situation is made worse when have no choice but to remain together because travel is restricted due to the forest fires surrounding the area. Afire delivers a message regarding how certain things in life are unavoidable and learning to embrace the unknown leads to all kinds of experiences and emotions. It is riveting.

Leon’s continuous frustration is a major part of the film’s focus. From Leon’s attitude, his aggravations, and his conversations, Leon wants success. He does not have an inviting personality, but his heart is not necessarily in the wrong place. He has feelings for Nadja, but he is terrible at showing them. Between Leon acts like Felix and Devid are outsiders. It all boils down to Leon’s publishing, his fascination with Nadja, and the forest fires which keep everyone in proximity due to the travel restrictions.

The uneasy scenes grow heavier as the storms do. In moments where the storms become detrimental, I found that the storms in the film were utilized like personification like in a novel. For example, when there are updates or news reports regarding the storm, it signals a moment when the characters will take the words they are speaking more seriously. This especially holds true for Leon.  The movie is a ride full of misconceptions with shades of cinematic evidence which create surreal surprises in an emotional and triumphant way. The light does not come easy in this film, but it can be found. Afire is an amazing film in part due to its vast scenery. Three and a half out of four stars.