Perhaps the biggest question going into the fifth Indiana Jones film, now almost as many decades later, is . . . Why? Why would Harrison Ford reprise a role that has beleaguered him physically as he rounds his 80th birthday? Why would Disney/Lucasfilm green light such an endeavor without spear heads Steven Spielberg and George Lucas, especially after the debacle of their last outing with the character, 2008’s much maligned “Kingdom of the Crystal Skull”? Why would anyone care? Unfortunately based on the current box office returns, that last question might turn out to be valid. The real shock though is that James Mangold’s “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is not just fun, escapist entertainment, but it’s actually really really good.

The answer to the question of WHY? is that “Dial of Destiny” has interesting things to say about aging and relevance in addition to being a rollicking adventure film rarely seen these days. The character of Indiana Jones means a lot to a segment of the audience that grew up with him and it would seem that Harrison Ford wanted to repay these fans with a send-off that did him justice. It’s also possible that in making a good movie that benefits from the theater experience, the suits figured they could capitalize on the good will of a ‘Top Gun’ style return to an 80s icon. It doesn’t appear that DoD will benefit to the same degree as last summer’s ‘Maverick’ behemoth, but at least Mangold and Ford have not embarrassed themselves with this movie.

The first sequence on screen takes place towards the end of WWII and features a de-aged version of Indy. The technology has been utilized multiple times now in different projects, to varying degrees of success. While the action is compelling, it’s hard not to pore over these effects closely, especially when used on such a recognizable actor as Ford. Overall this prologue very effectively introduces the titular Dial and the men who will obsess over it for decades due to its rumored ability to open portals through time, specifically Mads Mikkelsen’s Dr.Voller, a perfectly serviceable foil for Dr.Jones throughout the film.

After this, the narrative moves to 1969, with an aged Indiana in the twilight of his life and career. It’s alluded that his life is rooted in loss and regret, as he is presented alone in a NYC apartment, seemingly grumpy and lonely, his loves and adventures behind him. As someone who always obsessed over history, he is now becoming part of it. He’s thrust into a plot to locate Archimedes’ Dial with the introduction of his goddaughter, Helena Shaw, a new character played wonderfully by the immensely charismatic Phoebe Waller-Bridge. It’s believable that not only do these characters have history together, that Indy served as a sort of inspiration. Helena is an expert in archeology as well, although her intentions appear to be less “it belongs in a museum” and more cash belongs in her pocket.

As the action shifts from New York to Europe, many of the Indiana Jones trademarks resurface, from past allies to his signature hat and whip. What’s different here is the presentation of a truly fallible hero, ravaged by time as its weight lies atop him. The screen is filled with chase scenes and fights, but it’s the joy of discovery right along with the characters that keeps things compelling. Combined with a sharp script and assured direction from veteran James Mangold (‘Logan’, ‘Ford V Ferrari’, and many more), “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” pulls off what it set out to do – usher an icon firmly into that cinematic sunset horizon last seen at the end of his “Last Crusade” . . .

Directed By: James Mangold

Written By: Jez & John Henry Butterworth, David Koepp, and James Mangold

Rated: PG-13

Running Time: 154 min.

* * * 1/2 (out of 4 stars) -OR- B+