Deondre_19’s review published on Letterboxd:
Maniacal cults ripping the hearts out of people! Stereotypical characterizations of different ethnicities! Child labor! Eating bugs during a banquet! Temple of Doom will always be the black sheep of the series, so confidently aware of its increasingly dark and more adult-oriented tone as opposed to its predecessor while never forgetting the smash-buckling sense of good-natured adventure seeking and mythological storytelling that makes its franchise so thrilling. It’s still top notch Spielberg as all of his films are - the action sequences are exquisitely well made and extra points to how well they manage to consistently amp up the tension and thrills without ever becoming stale, the mine cart chase and bridge sequence being some of the best in cinematic history, the camerawork and visuals being especially moody and haunting, the production design being extremely immersive and all topped by the director’s signature sense of wonder and awe which is matched by this sequel’s more gritty intent. Harrison Ford serves as the glue holding this mismatched prequel together with another charming and suave turn as the iconic Indiana Jones.
Seriously, if it weren’t for one of the worst supporting characters in the annoying Willie, and some goofy scenes that are just a bit much and feel out of place this would be one of the greatest sequels ever made.
