Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny safe for kids? Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny OK for children? Read the Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, an honest parents guide and mom review of the all-new 2023 Indiana Jones film sequel, starring Harrison Ford. No spoilers! #IndianaJones May contain commissioned links.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide
Sorry, Rotten Tomatoes. But I’m with the fans on this one.
15 years ago, in a galaxy not so far away, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull film sequel was released in theaters. But not so much to the delight of fans. For me, that sequel never felt right, never quite belonged in the same realm as the original Indiana Jones trilogy. That’s not how I wanted “my Indy” saga to end. It’s not what he deserved, not what our childhoods deserved.
But with 2023 comes yet another new beginning and a another new Indiana Jones, the 5th and officially FINAL movie sequel. And honestly, I don’t know if my heart is fully ready to say farewell to my iconic childhood hero.
In this Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, I’m breaking down the visuals, the story, a full PG-13 age rating explanation for violence, adult themes and language, and what kids’ age recommendation is suggested to watch in this new 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny parents guide to the new and final Indiana Jones movie sequel event. A no-spoiler parent review of Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, is this the send off that Indy deserves?
The Visuals
Visually, it feels like an Indiana Jones movie. Taking place in 1960’s, this final Indiana Jones sequel has historical nostalgia – from costuming and nuances to phones and cars. Jet setting into multiple gorgeous locations throughout the film, be prepared for wanderlust vibes combined with historical awe. And that’s not all.
The subtle yet obvious CGI visual enhancements had me doing a double take in the opening scenes. Add in action, adventure and plenty of explosive moments – you’ll be rooting for “Indy” too.
Photosensitivity Warning. For viewers prone to epilepsy and photosensitivity, Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny does have a few scenes that may be triggering for bright light flashing/strobing light effects. There are a few scenes taking place during a lightning storm and there are a few scenes in the beginning of the film taking place in the dark with multiple machine gun firing flashes and sparks. Other scenes take place in darkness as well.
For those prone to motion sickness, there are a few scenes quick camera movements (especially during chase scenes) that may be dizzying for viewers.
The Story
One final reunion of some of the most iconic names in entertainment history. Directed by James Mangold (“Ford v Ferrari”) along with George Lucas (“American Graffiti“) and Steven Spielberg (“E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial“) as executive producers, and John Williams (“Jurassic Park“) composing the score, Harrison Ford (“Star Wars: The Force Awakens“) returns to the role of the legendary hero archaeologist for the highly anticipated final installment of the iconic Lucasfilm franchise.
Cast includes Phoebe Waller-Bridge (“No Time to Die”), Antonio Banderas (“Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”), John Rhys-Davies (“The Lord of the Rings“) who reprises his character Sallah, Shaunette Renée Wilson (“Black Panther”), Thomas Kretschmann (“The Pianist”), Toby Jones (“Sherlock”), Boyd Holbrook (“Logan”), Olivier Richters (“Black Widow”), Ethann Isidore (“Mortel”) and Mads Mikkelsen (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”).
In this final installment of the Indiana Jones saga, we catch up with Dr. Jones (don’t call him Junior!) in 1969. Another hunk of junk (from this galaxy at least) whisks (more like speed walks) this now 80-year old Harrison Ford globe trotting around the world on a whirlwind adventure filled with action, peril, a few laughs and cameos.
Keeping in mind that Indy is not quite as young and limber as he was even 15 years ago for the 2008 Indiana Jones 4 sequel, this fan service film does have a slower pace than the usual Indy adventures. Indy is a little old, tired and not as fresh as he once was. But with 1960’s vibes, a few nostalgic Indiana Jones moments, and even a couple of teary heartstring pulls, you can feel Harrison Ford’s emotional performance.
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny PG-13 Rating Explained
Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny safe for kids? Should parents be concerned of a 2023 Indiana jones PG-13 rating? Indiana Jones has had a fluctuating run of PG and PG-13 film ratings from the 1980’s until now. After just re-watching Indiana Jones, it’s hard to believe that some of those films were rated PG (cough, Temple of Doom, cough). It’s no secret that I am highly skeptical of all MPAA ratings (um hello, Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker not disclosing any language?). And as we know, not all movie and TV age ratings are the same. As a parent, it’s been rather heartbreaking to witness how ratings have shifted over the years with a G-rating no longer an option for movie ratings.
PG ratings now oscillating between Turning Red intense to Christopher Robin calm, and even PG-13/TV-14 age ratings teetering on the edge of R or MA ratings (Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery and Werewolf by Night, I see you!), there’s a wide range between the age of 0-14 years old for parents to consider. Having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or show is kid friendly – and safe for the whole family to watch together.
Why is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny rated PG-13? In this Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Review | Safe for Kids?, this 2023 Indiana Jones movie sequel is rated PG-13 for “sequences of violence, language, action and smoking.” With film and TV ratings also unpredictable these days, having fully disclosed parent guidelines can help determine if a movie or television show like Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is kid friendly. Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny too scary for kids? Let’s breakdown that PG-13 age rating in this Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny parents guide.
Violence/Suspense. I’m shocked that I’m saying this, but this may be one of the least violent and suspenseful Indiana Jones movies. While the violence is constant and numerous (including hand to hand fighting, use of sharp weapons, impalement, hanging and gun violence) in multiple action sequences, it’s not as traumatizing, gruesome or gory as past films (yay for no skin melting or scary voodoo blood drinking ceremonies!). The amount of gun violence and kill shots is almost too normalized throughout the film. Bombing, explosives and arson are also common – for action effect. There is mild to moderate amounts of blood, as well as multiple visuals of dead bodies.
Peril and suspense are overall mild, with a couple of possible light jump scares. There are also scenes of CGI animals attacking/biting that may be disturbing for some (think Temple of Doom and Princess Bride) as well as skeletons present in multiple scenes.
Adult Themes. There are multiple visual and verbal references to the Nazis, Hitler, and Nazi Germany. Those who have seen the original Indiana Jones trilogy, Dial of Destiny is right on par with what has been shown in the past films. Death, grief and loss are common themes as well. There are a few verbal references to gambling. There is one derogatory term of referring to a person as a “cracker.”
As far as sexual content and innuendo, there are a couple of scenes of men bare chested and shirtless, including one scene of a man in boxers only. There are also scenes of a couple of light kisses.
Alcohol and smoking cigarettes is rampant throughout the film. Consuming liquor via glass, in a cocktail, in coffee, or flask is normal – though I will admit that no one in this film appears to act drunk or even tipsy in the scenes.
Language. How foul does Indiana Jones and Dial of Destiny get? Well, where to begin? Language overall is within the wheelhouse of words used in the original Indiana Jones films. However, the amount may have gone up – a bit. Swear words and foul language include 1 “d!icky, 1 “g-d dammit,” 3 “d@mmit,” 2 “d@mn,” about 30 “H-E-double-hockey sticks,” (yes, really) and 3 “crap.”
Milder insults and bad language words and phrases include “cracker” (see adult themes above for explanation), “stupid,” “shut up,” “piss me off,” “oh gosh,” “my g-d,” “oh g-d,” “for g-d’s sake” (said in German) and “Jesus.”
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Movie Age Rating for Kids?
With a runtime of 2 hours 24 minutes, this 2023 Lucasfilm is officially the longest Indiana Jones movie in history (beating out the Last Crusade by 14 minutes). But even filled with action, adventure and iconic Indiana Jones moments, this sequel felt long. A slower paced story and an 80-year old hero contribute. But thankfully, the violence, gore and possible nightmare territory scenes are almost non-existent compared to the other Indiana Jones films.
Lucasfilm’s Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny 2023 film is most comparable to the original Indiana Jones trilogy movies, with a hint of Matrix meets Bill & Ted’s Excellent Adventure.
This all-new 2023 Indiana Jones movie sequel is rated PG-13 for “sequences of violence, language, action and smoking” by the MPAA.
No, there are NO end credit scenes in this Indiana Jones 2023 film sequel. No need to sit through the credits. But I’ll admit, I was a little sad to not see a dedication or a proper goodbye.
Based on my Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny parents guide and mom review above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Indiana Jones 5 sequel to kids younger than the age of 9-10 years old.
Considering the full PG-13 rating breakdown above, this parent movie reviewer would not recommend Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny to kids younger than the age of 9-10 years old. This Indiana Jones film rating is pretty light in comparison to the questionable 1980’s PG ratings, with less suspenseful moments and gory scenes than the original film trilogy.
I recommend that parents prescreen the 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny film sequel for violence (multiple kill shots), peril, and language throughout the film.
The Overall
Alexa, play Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time.”
Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny is a reminder that some relics are better left untouched. It still feels like an Indiana Jones film…if Indiana Jones was placed in the old man Pixar Up fight sequence between Carl Fredricksen and Charles Muntz. Fans will cherish and empathize with Harrison Ford’s emotional farewell in his performance. But at the same time, I couldn’t help but cringe for the 80-year old guy who’s trying so hard to keep up the impossible pace of a 38-year old hero.
But with a few sentimental moments, heartstring pulls, and 1960’s vibes, it’s truly remarkable to see this iconic character now span over four decades, four generations of Indiana Jones fandom. It’s watchable – and I would even say fans will want to re-watch a second time. But it feels like comfort food – a little too familiar, a little too safe for my taste buds.
But it’s not the summer blockbuster Indiana Jones of the 1980’s. So if you’re going in with those expectations – you might leave feeling letdown. To quote my Indy loving, Short Round bounding 10-year old daughter, “it was OK.“
Is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny the closure, the goodbye that the fans want for our beloved Indiana Jones? Sadly, I don’t think so. The Last Crusade felt like the perfect end to Indy’s adventures. I wish that we could have let Indy be, like all of those relics he loved, preserved in a museum of time.
But is Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny better than Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull? Sadly, I cannot say that either.
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- Website: https://www.lucasfilm.com/productions/indiana-jones-and-the-dial-of-destiny/
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- Twitter: https://twitter.com/IndianaJones
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Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny, the all-new 2023 Indiana Jones film sequel races into theaters starting on Friday June 30, 2023. Will your family be watching?
I was invited to screen the all-new 2023 Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny film in exchange for this Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny Review | Safe for Kids? Parents Guide. All photos courtesy of Disney. Be sure to follow Raising Whasians for more movie updates, celebrity interviews, entertainment and behind-the-scenes info!
Cinema HD APK says
Wow, what an exciting and informative movie review! I appreciate how detailed and thorough your analysis is, making it easy for parents like myself to determine if “Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny” is safe for our kids to watch. Your attention to the film’s content, action, and language gives me peace of mind knowing what to expect. Thank you for providing such valuable information to help us make informed choices. Keep up the fantastic work!
-Martin Williamson