Tag Archives: Harrison Ford

Capsule Reviews, FACETS, Film reviews

The Fugitive—FACETS 50 Capsule Coverage

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FACETS has a season of diverse and cinematic media that spans a lot of nostalgia. With programs ranging from new to restorations, FACETS knows how to keep classic movie-going experiences alive and thriving. I had the pleasure of experiencing The Fugitive in the FACETS 50 series. This series contains variety of films that are back for revisited moments. The Fugitive is a Chicago thriller that brought me back to the first time I saw it. I have never seen The Fugitive on TV butinitially saw it at the Music Box Cinema in the fall of 2019. This was only the second time experiencing this movie. The suspense of the Chicagoland setting and many runaway scenes reminded me how diverse Chicago’s landscape is. The Fugitive is one of the most mesmerizing portraits of what makes a masterpiece.

Director Andrew Davis took viewers to a new world of suspense with The Fugitive in 1993, the year I was born. Revisiting the 1990s made me realize how The Fugitive is best viewed on the big screen. The chases and discreet moments in many Chicago venues are unique and intriguing.

The event continued with a post-screening discussion with Davis and other filmmakers on Zoom. The night of Chicago cinema continued to dazzle as more details were shared about The Fugitive. There were gems discovered related to the writing of the script and the sets in the film. Davis said that he stated in the early in the process, “The script doesn’t make sense!” But as production went on, more was added. The biggest revelation was the St. Patrick’s Day parade, an idea that added to the suspense of the film.  In addition, attendees learned about the dynamics between Harrison Ford and Tommy Lee Jones during the production process. The conversation about the behind-the-scenes elements made this FACETS event special for cinema aficionados of all ages.

Overall, FACETS is a wonderful home for movie moments of both films being viewed for the first time or ones being revisited. Director Davis brought to light an understanding of how our world has evolved over time and the impact on movies. Despite all the changes we see today, his words resonated with me when he said, “The Fugitive opened the door for many movies to be shot in Chicago.” It sure did! For more upcoming events and diverse programming visit facets.org for listings of the many wonderful programs they have coming up. There are also memberships, souvenirs, and all sorts of other ways to participate in the appreciation of film at FACETS. It is definitely worth the time and energy to visit in honor of its 50th Anniversary .

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.