Review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) by Chinesetrumpties S — 30 Jun 2018
A horrifying adventure in India!
Visionary Steven Spielberg brings back Indiana Jones for a fun and frightening action packed adventure to help local Indians from a cult threat. Temple of Doom is thoroughly scary and genuinely upsetting. Spielberg recreates the magic of Raiders of the Lost Ark with Temple of Doom except with better choreography, action, and thrills. While not as groundbreaking as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Temple of Doom is still highly entertaining.
The practical effects make the violence more real and the danger is very grounded. Unfortunately, the special effects and green screen over-usage is apparent and dated. The rest of the effects still looks nice however.
Tonally, Temple of Doom switches from hilarious to horrifying in seconds. The atmosphere is dark, but the pace is brisk. Temple of Doom never overstays its welcome as it feel pretty short and quick.
Harrison Ford is as charming and likable as Indiana Jones. Jonathan Ke Quan is hilarious and endearing as Indiana's sidekick Short Round. Roshan Seth is intimidating as the Indian diplomat Chattar Lal. Amrish Puri is absolutely terrifying as one of film's scariest villains Mola Ram. Temple of Doom features a great cast overall.
On the other hand, Kate Capshaw as Willie Scott is the only weak linking acting wise. She overacts and screams incessantly throughout Temple of Doom. She clearly was only cast because Spielberg liked her. She cannot act. Capshaw's performance is pretty underwhelming and even annoying.
In short, Temple of Doom is better than I remembered. It is quick into laughs and action, while offering a more grim dark take on Indiana Jones and his adventures.
This review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) was written by Chinesetrumpties S on 30 Jun 2018.
Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom has generally received positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
