'Indiana Jones' franchise ends with another cash grab sequel

The Indiana Jones franchise, known for its thrilling action-adventure films, has captivated audiences since 1981. Directed by Steven Spielberg and produced by George Lucas, the franchise's success lies in its expert storytelling and adventurous spirit.

After the release of The Last Crusade in 1989 and a television series in 1994, fans believed the franchise had reached a fitting conclusion. 

However, the trend of reviving old franchises for easy financial gain led to the ill-fated decision to release The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull in 2008. The film was heavily criticised for its predictable plot and poor CGI effects. Despite this setback, Lucasfilm and Disney decided to make another sequel after 15 years, titled The Dial of Destiny.

Set in 1969, Indiana 'Indy' Jones is in his 80s and a soon-to-be-retired professor of Archeology. He doesn't have a new nemesis at this age. Thus, this sequel conveniently retcons an antagonist from the past and Indy's goddaughter as his sidekick, who was never even mentioned before. 

The new antagonist is Jürgen Voller, a Nazi scientist who Indy defeated during the second world war. Now, he works in NASA for the US government, possibly through 'Operation Paperclip'. Indy isn't comfortable with his collaboration with the US government, as seen in the flashback that he had nefarious plans for the country.

Every Indiana Jones film has an invaluable treasure that holds a massive amount of power. Dial of Destiny has the Archimedes Dial, which allows travelling through space and time. 

Voller had plans to obtain the dial to turn the tide of war in favour of Nazi Germany during the World War, and he still aims to do that after 25 years. 

In his eyes, the United States didn't win; Hitler simply just lost the war. Indy had a bad feeling about him for a long time, so he and his goddaughter Helena Shaw (played by Phoebe Waller-Bridge) teamed up together to stop Voller and his allies.

The Dial of Destiny is the first film not to be directed by Steven Spielberg or produced by George Lucas, and their absence is pretty much evident. 

James Mangold is the director and co-writer of this film, and his failure with X-men and Wolverine films in the past proves that he isn't probably the right choice to direct an Indiana Jones film. 

Nevertheless, Mads Mikkelsen delivers a strong performance as the villainous Voller. Harrison Ford gives his best effort as Indy, despite criticism of the de-aged visual effects in flashback scenes.

The absence of Spielberg's magic, predictable plot, and cringe-action sequences make the most forgetful ending of the Indiana Jones franchise. 

When someone can responsibly decide to end a story or character, it becomes something else entirely. It becomes legendary. But Indiana Jones dies by pathetically hanging on past its expiration date.

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