Scary Dad
When it premiered at Cannes a few years back, the general overall consensus was that Lucasfilm had really bungled Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Most hoped that it was merely overreactions form a traditionally picky audience and that the general populace, even stateside critics once they got a chance to see the latest – reportedly final – film in the long-running franchise would be much more receptive to James Mangold’s film.
If the reactions from tonight’s premiere of the film in Hollywood is anything to go by, the Hollywood-based press – and others lucky enough to snag a ticket to the June 30 tent-pole – were definitely fonder of the highly anticipated fifthquel (?). While reviews still aren’t glowing as much as they likely were back in 1989 when Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade premiered, those that genuinely enjoyed the film were quick to point out that it’s a much better film than the critically-torpedoed Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.
On the other side of the whip though, quite a few hated the film with a passion – going so far as to call it dull.
The balance is there though, where it wasn’t at Cannes. For every negative review, there’s a positive one – not unlike the critical reception to The Flash, actually.
Here’s a few reactions out of the premiere :
The early reviews for Indiana Jones are full of it. Is it the best movie in the franchise? No. Is it a soulless pile of garbage? Also no. The movie felt like an Indiana Jones movie and it's about an aging hero. The action scenes are fantastic, it's an adventure. #IndianaJones pic.twitter.com/dDHKQWbagV
— Hunter Bolding (@HunterBVideo) June 15, 2023
#IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny is a solid entry in the franchise. Don’t let the initial festival reviews scare you away from this film.
Too much de-aging used (less is more) and the runtime needs to be trimmed. But overall, very much enjoyed. pic.twitter.com/ePMYzUSn1i
— Lee Travis (@LeeTravis_) June 15, 2023
#IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny is really wonderful. @mang0ld has made something inherently Indy, but still unique among its older siblings.
Besides the obvious (Phoebe is GREAT, Harrison is GREAT), a minor story beat from Sallah made me surprisingly emotional? https://t.co/zsIbQrPgme
— Brandon Wainerdi (@ActuallyBrandon) June 15, 2023
Don’t understand all the vitriol aimed at INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY. It’s a great ride, funny, action-packed and well cast. It’s a throwback in all the best ways. This kid from the ‘80s loved it. Phoebe Waller-Bridge deserves her own franchise.
— Catherine Springer (@crspringer9) June 15, 2023
The OG trilogy will always reign supreme and the de-aging is kinda weird, but I still had a good time with #IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny. Ford’s in great form, Phoebe is SO good and the wild third act swings worked for me (a lot more than ancient aliens at least). pic.twitter.com/BDqEzZ90Mj
— Brian Particelli (@BrianParticelli) June 15, 2023
Just got out of #IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny. I was worried based on some of the stuff I read, but I ended up liking it and had a great time! There was a little drag, but the fun of adventure is totally there and love the new characters. 3rd best Indy movie overall🧭🚫🐍
— Kim Horcher (@kimscorcher) June 15, 2023
Congratulations Crystal Skull, you’re no longer the worst #IndianaJones .
— Franchise Fred (@FranchiseFred) June 15, 2023
#IndianaJones And The Dial of Destiny STINKS. Follows a Marvel-ish pattern of chasing the MacGuffin’s pieces (that form a powerful do-hickey) down. In between, layers in poor character development & no thrill of exploration until it’s way too late. Poor pacing makes it a bore. pic.twitter.com/X4koFQp3k0
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) June 15, 2023
Loved Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. I'm glad that Harrison Ford got one more chance to get back in the saddle again because it's one of my favorite films this year. I had an absolute blast. #IndianaJones @lucasfilm @ledocter @mang0ld pic.twitter.com/kaCcf916oN
— Danielle Solzman 🎥🎬🎥✡️ (@DanielleSATM) June 14, 2023
Sorry to report that Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a crashing bore. Dull, nonsensical story, brutal pacing and zero interesting characters. The score was great and the picture looked sharp but this is a major disappointment.
— Don Kaye (@donkaye) June 15, 2023
Had a GREAT time with #IndianaJones and the Dial of Destiny! It delivers what you want from an Indy adventure imo – it’s entertaining, daring & mysterious w/ a fun duo at its heart. Phoebe Waller-Bridge is tremendous btw, & I appreciate the big swings it takes at the end. Indy!! pic.twitter.com/uLlgEEE2Vw
— Erik Davis (@ErikDavis) June 15, 2023
Here’s my brief non spoiler “out of the theater” reaction to #IndianaJones and the dial of destiny, in theaters June 30th, so much fun! Thank you @Templeofgeek #indianajonesandthedialofdestiny pic.twitter.com/RfLVKLmbOw
— Josh LaCount (@joshlacount) June 15, 2023
a bunch more critics just saw Indiana Jones 5, so here's my initial reaction. the more i think about it (and after getting to make James Mangold explain himself) the more i love this movie. i can't wait to talk about the ending https://t.co/tkfJZzj0bm
— Jake (@jacobkleinman) June 15, 2023
