Thomas’s review published on Letterboxd:
First review: letterboxd.com/thommy1801/film/indiana-jones-and-the-temple-of-doom/
I still find it sad that this film gets so much more hate than the other two “Indiana Jones” movies. Yeah, I love “Raiders” and “The Last Crusade” a bit more, too, but I also love “Temple of Doom”. I like that it´s different and not just as rehash. It´s darker, scarier, and more violent, and that´s fine with me. Furthermore, the bad guys aren´t Nazis again, and the central artifact has nothing to do with Jewish/Christian mythology. All this expands the world of Indiana Jones and shows a different side of it.
The film has a great rhythm and the action, adventure, and mystery elements are on point. The temple of doom is one of the most iconic set pieces of the adventure genre and the set design is simply fantastic. Spielberg´s direction is brilliant and his eye for stunning shots as well as his talent for crafting exciting scenes are unmatched. The jump out of the plane, the mine cart chase, and the bridge scene are all-timers. And Harrison Ford´s charisma, charm, and sex appeal are at their peak here. I also love his dynamic with Short Round (I know, many disagree). Willie gets on my nerves, too, but some of her sexually charged banter with Indy I find entertaining. And Spielberg and Kate Capshaw, who met on the set of this film, have been married for 30 years now, so good for them.
“Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom” is a thrilling, fun, and imaginative adventure classic. I love it and I doubt that this will ever change.
