Out of all the Indiana Jones Movies, The Temple of Doom is down towards the bottom of most people's lists and has had mixed reviews over the years since its release. There’s no doubt the movie is a lot darker in its tone and has faced controversy over the years due to its cultural depictions. So going back into rewatching this film I had a lot to consider. SO let’s start with the question.
The Temple of Doom - Is it any good?
Well, I would say (at least for me) it's mixed.
Of course i should start by saying, deciding whether a film is good is always down to one's own personal opinion, anything i write here is just what i think and not a fact, So if you have your own viewpoint of these films then that's totally okay! Especially if they disagree with my own.
But on with my thoughts,
So for me, what does work in this film really works, most specifically the action set pieces. Each big set piece feels like it comes around at the perfect moment in the film, Starting off with the ridiculous bar-turned car chase sequence to open up the film. It's ridiculous, it's big and it's silly, but that's why it works. The film immediately throws you into the heart of the action and tells you to strap in for the ride.
Along these we get a few other set pieces that are equally just as fun, such as the Dingy down a mountain (Let’s be honest, that shouldn't of worked) and of course the minecart sequence towards the end of the movie which is always so much fun to watch no matter how many times you have seen it. My favorite set piece though would be the bridge sequence. It may not be high-octane and full of adrenaline, but it does keep you hooked. You’re not sure how Indy is going to get out of the situation and it keeps the audience glued to the screen.
What this film also does right is its casting of Short Round played by Ke Huy Quan. He is easily the standout of this movie as well as his relationship with Indiana.. Short Round carries the charisma of the movie from the moment we first see him on screen. I'm so thrilled to see that finally Ke Huy Quan is getting the recognition he deserves. Short Round and Indy’s relationship in this movie, as previously mentioned, is also the standout of the plot. Seeing Indy have this relationship makes him more likable. I really enjoy the scene where they play cards in the rainforest, it's such a small yet fun scene.
As this Film is a prequel (Set six months before Raiders), Indiana is much more volatile. He’s more rugged and some may even say ‘Grubby’ (A genuine description I have seen). So to see him have this father-son relationship with Short Round really helps bring a new dynamic to him we haven't seen before or even since (More of that in our Kingdom of the Crystal Skull Post soon…). Indiana himself is also fun to watch in this movie, with Harrison Ford being as charismatic as ever.
Now as mentioned, this film is a lot darker in its tone. Dealing with elements of Voodoo and Child Slavery. I understand in terms of its plot why it goes down this route however when you look at all four films that have been released so far, it does seem like the biggest departure. Don't get me wrong, all four films deal with a certain element of the mysterious or supernatural per say but this film has a man rip out another's heart?! You can't fault it on its imagination or intensity but for this particular franchise I think it's too much of a departure on rewatch.
When it comes to the casting, the film smashes it with its casting of Ke Huy Quan, like we have spoken about, yet its casting of Kate Capshaw as Willie Scott is not as strong. Not that I think it's her fault, more the material she is given. Her character is seen to challenge Indy in ways that Marion didnt in the first movie, which for part works but at other times she can be seen more as a screaming damsel in distress. Which is a shame because again i don't actually think it's Kate Capshaw’s fault and more the writing of her character.
The Temple of Doom has also been met with controversy over the years, especially with its cultural interpretations and its depictions of Indian culture specifically which no one can deny is in this movie. It's a shame that it's there and unfortunately highlights the time in which the movie was made. I’m not really going to comment further on this element as I don't feel I am the right person.
Overall The Temple of Doom is a film mixed with both good and bad elements. Don’t get me wrong, to this day it is still a fun watch with character relationships that are fun to watch with a lot of fun set pieces and moments however its darker tones can be a little off putting for some viewers. It's not my favorite of the Indiana Jones movies but a fun watch nonetheless.
Now as mentioned last week, as we look through the films i am going to put them in order of my favorites to least favorites, Let's look at the list so far:
1st - Raiders Of The Lost Ark
2nd - Temple of Doom
I think it's safe to say there’s no surprise there!
Come back on the 23rd of June for our look back at ‘The Last Crusade!’
Until Then, Stay Safe and Look after Each Other.
Harry x