Review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) by Ninon M — 06 Sep 2017

Its sense of humour and adventurous feel remain intact though Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom's dark tone can be off-putting lacking some of the charm of the first film. Like the kids from '84, I felt uncomfortable with its depictions of child abuse and a guy ripping another guy's heart out.

That was horrifying, yet I still liked the film a lot. The set pieces are great with an awesome minecart chase sequence and it's funny. Whilst the female lead - who eventually went on to be Spielberg's wife - is mostly there as eye candy, she provides most of the laughs IMO.

She's a far better comic relief than Jar Jar will ever be. Though it's funny to see her mistake a snake for her irritating elephant companion and brush the snake off without looking whilst the anyone who didn't see or forgot the first film is reminded that Indy has a phobia of snakes.

Oh, and early on in the film, ha ha, Club Obi Wan. Maybe Indiana Jones and Star Wars DO take place in the same universe after all. I'll give Spielberg credit as well with regards as to how he continuously tricks you into thinking something's going to happen but the outcome is reversed.

"Oh, some ex machina is totally coming to save Indy at the very last second. OH, WHAT THE HELL? THE VILLAIN ACTUALLY MANAGED TO DO IT?" That's about the most spoiler-free example I can give you.

It's even more effective when you realize this movie is a prequel. All in all, Indiana Jones 2 ain't no Raiders and isn't bereft of uneven moments but its set pieces, humourous moments and the fact that it isn't afraid to show us disturbing images make Temple of Doom an enjoyable sequel.