Review of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom (1984) by Jm C — 08 Mar 2012

This movie is absolutely fantastic in execution, pacing, character interaction, and adventure. After reading some of the user reviews, it seemed many lost the point of the film and gave no justification other than "Uh I hated it 'cause I did". It took Indy (although weirdly being a prequel) into new, and darker territory. Raiders of The Lost Ark was as good as movies get, and Indiana Jones became an icon to me upon first viewing. Needless to say, I was young when I saw it upon initial release, and the ending with the opening of the Ark was quite frightening. The ridiculously conservative, and milquetoast outcry that Temple was too violent for children was a laugh. Yes, it necessitated the first PG-13 rating but it was hardly material that would throw one in therapy. Kate Capshaw as Willie Scott (another bone of contention), was pitch perfect in the role of a vacuous, shrill, second rate nightclub singer who lent a hilarious tone to the film. She also played well off of Ford's gruff and impatient archaeologist. The obvious sexual tension also gave definite spark to the movie. Short Round was a character on the verge of annoyance yet you could easily see his affection for Jones.

I loved that the movie was dark, that the violence cut deeper, and that the humor was sharper. Ford was swaggering, macho, and vulnerable, and it further cemented his connection with Indiana Jones. Plus, the locations gave me a real sense of a different time period in a vastly foreign world. From the excruciating dinner sequence, to the floor of insects, and the torture scenes there was no shortage of violence - some popcorn and some brutal. I absolutely loved this movie from start to finish, and like all Indy flicks once it started it didn't let go! You have to feel emotion in a film, and this put you through the ringer. No it wasn't perfect but it was pretty close. Plus, Kate Capshaw has one of the best screams in film.