No, don’t worry, “Indiana Jones and the Curse of False Endings” is not the title of a new entry in the Indiana Jones film franchise. Instead, the mock title sums up the problematic conclusion of one of the greatest action-adventure franchises ever made. After hearing rave reviews of the new videogame Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, I decided to binge watch all five installments of the film series, looking to reconnect with Indy’s adventures and examine how the series aged.
It’s been almost 45 years since the release of Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981), but it still evokes immense wonder. The film masterfully introduces Indy in an opening sequence that, although fairly divorced from the main plot, displays Indy’s knowledge, resourcefulness, bullwhip proficiency and Achilles’ heel — an extreme fear of snakes. As the movie progresses and Indy works to secure the Ark of the Covenant in Egypt, the audience witnesses the mainstays of the series: brilliant practical effects, impressive set and costume design, witty banter between the main characters and satisfying Nazi defeats. While Harrison Ford obviously steals the show as Indy, Karen Allen expertfully performs the role of Marion Ravenwood, highlighting the character’s strength, ingenuity and resolve. The film’s ending also powerfully symbolizes the foolishness and harm of the Nazi obsession with power.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) came as the second release in the series and the first film chronologically. Though originally met with mixed critical reception, Temple of Doom has since been viewed in a much more favorable light. The prequel takes us first to Shanghai, where Indy escapes a crime boss with his newly introduced sidekick Short Round (played by a 12-year-old Ke Huy Quan) and club singer Willie Scott (played by Kate Capshaw). After being forced to evacuate the plane, the trio find themselves in an Indian village which has been victimized by a nearby cult. The following action sees much greater levels of violence and gore compared to Raiders (which caused backlash that helped spawn the PG-13 rating) and a plot focused on a threat less authentic than the previously depicted Nazi forces. Ke Huy Quan’s Short Round is easily the best part of the newly introduced cast, whereas the character of Willie Scott came off as extremely irritable and forgettable compared to Marion Ravenwood. Though certainly a downgrade from Raiders (especially due to some poorly-aged depictions of Indian culture), the action and mystery in Temple of Doom create a thoroughly captivating viewing experience.
My personal favorite of the series, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade (1989), successfully combines certain characters and plot points introduced in Raiders with new characters and mysteries to overwhelming success. The film sees Indy on a quest to find his father, who has gone missing while attempting to fulfill his lifelong obsession with finding the Holy Grail. The Nazis once again fill the role of the main antagonists, with American collaborators representing the complicity of some American elites with Nazi atrocity. Sean Connery co-stars as Indy’s father, playing the role of an eccentric, absent father perfectly. The banter between Ford and Connery brings levity that uplifts the film’s quality and more tense scenes. Additionally, several perfectly executed action scenes make sure to keep the audience on the edges of their seats. Overall, the balance between impressive action, witty writing and the powerful theme of obsession make this my favorite Indiana Jones movie.
Though The Last Crusade was originally intended to be the final installment, Lucas and Spielberg eventually decided to return to the series with Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull (2008). Set in the late 1950s, the story takes inspiration from the fears and aesthetics of the nuclear age, with Soviet spies serving as the main antagonists and alien technology replacing religious artifacts. Although I enjoyed seeing Allen reprise her role as Marion Ravenwood and the criticisms directed toward the American government’s policies during this period, many of the scenes came off as overly cartoonish and unfit for the Indiana Jones universe due to their connections to alien technology. Though the film provides some entertaining scenes, it loses the charm and feel of the original trilogy in favor of an over-the-top story. But at least the heartwarming ending scene served as a fitting final send-off for the characters, right?
Unfortunately not. In 2023, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny hit theatres, the first film not directed by Spielberg and not developed by George Lucas. Though Ford delivers a decent performance, the character of Indiana Jones simply does not function in the same way due to Ford’s age. Mads Mikkelsen delivers a chilling performance as a former Nazi scientist hellbent on restoring the glory of Germany, and Phoebe Waller-Bridge provides an entertaining contrast to Ford’s philosophies. However, the inclusion of time travel seems out of place in the Indiana Jones cinematic universe (albeit less so than the aliens in Kingdom of the Crystal Skull). The action sequences also pale in comparison to the original trilogy, with digital effects replacing the spectacle of practical effects and careful choreography. Overall, Dial of Destiny seems more like a high-budget version of an Indiana Jones fan fiction story, somewhat enjoyable but a mere shadow of its predecessors.
New video game Indiana Jones and the Great Circle places players right in the action of the Indiana Jones universe, recapturing the vibes of the original trilogy without forcing an 80-year-old Harrison Ford to portray the same character he appeared as 40 years ago. If new content continues to be released in the franchise, I hope creators take the opportunity to explore new adventures in this video game format, rather than allow the legacy of Indiana Jones to be injured by more sequels, potential spin-offs or reboots.
Matthew Rentezelas is a freshman in the College of Arts and Sciences. He can be reached at mmr255@cornell.edu.
