Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom: The Most Underrated of the Series?

[@QUIRK1019]

As a kid, I never thought the dinner scene represented all Indian food. Like, the first time I went to an Indian restaurant, I wasnt worried about finding chilled monkey brains on the menu. I just got the sense that the people in that palace were sickos.

[@elijeremiah1058]

This movie is a visual feast. A master class in blocking, mise en scene, and action choreography.

[@whitleypedia]

I prefer it to Raiders

[@elijeremiah1058]

@@whitleypedia me too

[@taip4n]

It’s my favorite

[@Quakerman14]

I never thought of that. For a setting that is so small, compared to the others, it still has depth and size to it.

[@rambler1475]

And music

[@NaturallyMe2011]

This is my favorite Indiana Jones movie! I'm a huge horror fan and this is the perfect mixture of horror and adventure

[@hammiranda]

Nothing will beat The Last Crusade

[@deecee9548]

Ark, Doom and Crusades were the holy trinity of Indiana - loved Indiana's and Short-Round relationship in this

[@mike91mdk45]

It's always been my favorite one. Just a few reasons why : 1) The chaotic action and memorably intense scenes. 2) The indy and short round relationship. Both comedic and heartfelt. 3) We get a final battle between indy and the main villain, something surprisingly rare for Indiana jones. 4) Mola ram, the aforementioned villain. Literally everything about him and what he does. Amrish puri was terrific. I get that it's not everyone's cup of eyeball soup and that's fine, but for me it will ALWAYS be a blast

[@chasehedges6775]

I’m so glad the kid who played Short Round grew up to become an Oscar winner.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

Ke Huy Quan

[@Omar-wq9dz]

If you’ve seen Gunga Din, you can totally see where the inspiration for this movie came from, especially when you see Temple’s third act

[@Fixxxer07082]

I've always loved Temple of Doom...it was probably the first Indiana Jones film I saw whenever it hit HBO or Cinemax, so I was probably 2 or 3 years old...it made me a lifelong Indiana Jones fan! Temple of Doom has it all: non-stop action (give me the minecart chase over any modern action set piece), incredible set design (I still wish I could set foot on the set of the actual Temple of Doom with the giant Kali statue), Indy's most badass look in the third act (obviously before he gets his right sleeve torn off, that look he gives in the minecart headlight is iconic) and a rousing score from John Williams. I've always thought of this film and its darker visuals and themes (gotta love the Kali statue's grass skirt made from severed human arms) as film version of an old school Dark Ride or spookhouse attraction at a theme park or carnival. As a life-long Horror fan, too, I'd be lying if I said the spookier and grizzlier aspects of the film didn't always appeal to me. True story: every time I see a suspension walking bridge, I immediately want to run across it and hang off of it and play Indiana Jones (the way I always did at the one in the park in my hometown when I was a kid). Over the years, I've defended this film and championed it as best I could -- from debating it with friends and co-workers alike, to endlessly playing it in the video store I worked at in college. It's always bummed me out that Spielberg and Lucas turn their noses up to this fantastic film...as a result, I wonder how many Indy fans truly feel that it's a flawed film or if they're just parroting what its creators say about it. As far as themes and imagery that 2023 may find "problematic" with Temple of Doom....look, it's a movie...it's popcorn entertainment and I don't think it should be taken in such a serious manner or viewed with such a critical eye. Entertainment would be pretty boring if I was constantly looking for things to get offended by or manufacture outrage over. When I watch Temple of Doom, I'm immediately transported back to my and the carefree, adventurous days of it! Great video....I'm glad to see Temple of Doom getting some love over the last couple years!

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I consider this the 2nd best Indiana Jones film. I still consider Raiders the best, then this, and then Last Crusade. I never saw the last 2

[@andrewcutler1380]

Lucky you. Don’t bother, they’re both travesties.

[@Koldeman]

Don't. You're doing yourself a favor. I agree, ToD is my 2nd fav too, but I think I enjoyed LC the most. GREAT movies!

[@FlorisYoung]

I love this movie just as much as Raiders of the lost ark and The Last Crusade. And it's probably the Indiana Jones movie that iv'e watched the most.

[@J.White86]

from rescuing the children, to the mine cart chase, to the visually stunning finale on the rope bridge. all set to the masterpiece score from John Williams, this is an epic movie.

[@thejoke2791]

I watched this in cinema as a kid. Still one of the best enjoyable movies i have ever seen. Will always be in my heart.

[@andrewcutler1380]

Was that heart ripped out, flaming on fire, while it was still beating? 😉

[@thejoke2791]

😆👍 Kahri mah, Sha dee dey.❤👹

[@Makaveli1258]

I have always felt that it was underrated. TOD is so entertaining!!!

[@Cinema_Inc2000]

The Dial Of Destiny sucked

[@dissolution]

It’s really good. I think it was the first one I watched as a kid so it always stuck with me. It totally has a few things the others don’t - like the iconic bridge scene.

[@maxheedrum100]

In terms of story time line, it was appropriate to have been the first to watch out of all the others.

[@kage-fm]

people consider the intro to raiders more iconic, but the intro to this film is just plain amazing.

[@Omar-wq9dz]

I love the opening Anything Goes number

[@wstine79]

When someone mentions Temple of Doom, I think of the Book and Cassette Read-a-long. It gave a summary of the movie with narration, voice actors, and sound effects. And you know when it's time to turn the page when you hear the bull whip crack.

[@JoBloOriginals]

I had these for the Star Wars movies on little 45 records

[@king_pauper4749]

When I was in grade school the librarian let me have the hardcover comic adaptation since no one ever checked it out. I was blown away by the added content like Indy not going into the water at the campsite because of the snake and showing when Willy gets captured back in the palace after the scene where she and Short Round are discovered in the alcove and he tells her to run.

[@LoDoFilmUnlimitedMedia]

Ahhh ... the days before VCRs, DVD's and internet.

[@wstine79]

@@LoDoFilmUnlimitedMedia Well, there were VCRs at the time.

[@reuvengershon6625]

I love this movie and has its place in the Trilogy. Its an excellent sequel prequel. It is different from Raiders - which is pure class and Last Crusade was is family entertainment. Shorty is an adorable side kick and kate Capshaw is the comic relief and a total contrast to Marion. The action and adventure is fantastic and other parts of the world are explored. I never for one minute believed that Indians eat that kind of food in reality thats ridiculous, even as a kid. Its Hollywood set in the 1930s and Steven Spielberg - I give it licence to have a bit of fun.

[@NotSoPhotogenic]

This movie is actually my favorite entry in the series!

[@Vaporvice84]

Weren't the people eating that stuff all possessed like the cult members underground? The people in the village didn't eat that stuff.

[@ncapone87]

Yeah exactly, it was the first indication we got that not everything was as it seemed in Pankot Palace

[@robdilauro4344]

Indy actually says in the script, "Muslims don't eat meat, so I wonder what the deal is with these people?"

[@christophergeorge4398]

I love Temple of Doom it's dark it's definitely a underrated movie

[@High_Key]

Temple of Doom is my personal fav so I think so. Just watched Dial of Destiny last night and I gotta admit, it’s not as bad as most are saying imo. I thought it checked off all the boxes for an Indy film, and the de-aging worked for me. It just didn’t need to be 2.5hrs long.

[@Woozlewuzzleable]

It sure looks much better now compared to the last two films of the series.

[@JoBloOriginals]

Oh big time!

[@nathanknight6042]

Agreed...Indiana Jones and the Fleabag of Modern Feminism just wasn't good for some reason 😂

[@keithgordon3823]

The worst thing that ever happened to this amazing film, was Steve Spielberg apologizing about it's "DARKNESS!" This movie is AWESOME!!!! It's my youth! My adventure! My happiness!!! All of us kid's imagined ourselves as "Short round," by Indy's side, kicking ass!!! Raider's was the BEST! Last Crusade had the best character-interaction! And this one had the rawest, most unapologetic ACTION! That rollercoaster scene still gets me!!! Lol! 🎢!!!!

[@JoBloOriginals]

Agree 100% - he apologizes too much for it

[@reuvengershon6625]

Well said

[@elijeremiah1058]

Spielberg is a PC wimp, sadly

[@cleverusername9369]

The worst thing that ever happened to this movie was the inclusion of Willie Scott, one of the most annoying characters in film history

[@elijeremiah1058]

@@cleverusername9369 I love her character. She’s funny to me. They wanted the complete opposite of the butch tomboy Marian

[@bchccc]

One of my favorite movies while growing up. Must have seen it in VHS several times back-to-back

[@slckb0y65]

i genuinely don't know why people say it's the weakest of the serie, as a kid i freakin' loved it. the diner scene, the insect filled catacomb, the kano fatality, ... what 80's/90's kid wouldn't be an absolute fan of this shit ???

[@codymr1974]

To be clear TOD was not rated PG13, it was released as PG. It was the reaction to the violence and gore in that film and Gremlins which prompted the MPAA to create the PG13 rating. The first film released with the P13 rating was Red Dawn.

[@elijahgiter9559]

WOLVERINES!!!!

[@jimroscovius]

Along with Poltergeist- the scariest PG movie I ever saw.

[@lonellfletcher]

What I love most about this entry is that we dive right away into the action. Not too much talking and storybuilding. Action first, everything else second.

[@Atmblack03]

I still don't get the dislike for the movie. It's tough to weigh in at which is the best and which is the worst. The three all hold their own weight and are enjoyable adventure films. I love all three and have never been able to say which is my outright favorite.

[@jeanlove8510]

My favourite Indiana. Way darker and creepier with some comic relief in between. the tone is perfect for this amazing adventure

[@DNOstalgia]

Always has been my favourite Indy movie. I am so pleased in 2023 it is now credible to say so 😊😊😊😊😊

[@JoeFiorelloFilms]

Disneyland Paris has a ride called Indiana Jones and the Temple of Peril that is about as close as you can get to a ride version of that mine cart chase, but it is mostly outdoor.

[@Blaze8t88]

The movie has it's flaws but damn if Mola Ram wasn't one of the most intimidating villains Indy has ever faced off against. Dude tore out peoples hearts!

[@nathanforester5993]

Don't forget Dan Aykroyd's brief role as Art Weber, he was in 1941 which was also a Spielberg production.

[@johnnyd3158]

This is my favorite Indian Jones film, as I’ll never understand the criticism over it, along with Kingdom of the Crystal Skull.

[@jamesmorant1406]

Me either

[@viji8548]

I prefer Crystal Skull more than this. It has great production value, action set pieces, Short Round, and some really thrilling moments, but as a person of Indian origin myself, it has me feeling cringed more than CS's nuking the fridge and aliens reveal.

[@jackhackett80]

Since it deviated from the Nazi story, it wasn't received too well. This is the one I grew up with I was about 5 when it came out and I still love it. It's overall my favorite one, easily.

[@MickeyKnox]

still my favorite Indy film ... especially because of its darkness

[@eliteplier]

This movie is better than I remember when I rewatched the trilogy.

[@josephaaron4985]

Ik this movie is divisive among fans and, sure, it has its flaws, but Temple is my personal favorite of the 3 BECAUSE of how dark it is. That entrance to the Temple when the trio witnesses the the Thuggee ceremony is absolutely beautiful

[@DevilMan-t4u]

Saw this movie when I was 9 years old ..I liked it very much..

[@prestonowens4594]

I’d like to see a continuation of Indiana Jones that follows shortround’s adventure with his family. I imagine shortround’s becomes an expert in antiquities, owning his own shop with his family, and Indy becomes like a gruff grandfather figure to Shortround’s kids. I’d still like to see them investigate the haunted caste in Scotland, maybe even getting Scotland Yard involved.

[@allright]

This is by far my all time favorite Indiana Jones movie, Indie was so badass and heroic in this, than all the other movies combined, every little boy wanted to be Indie, when they grew up.

[@johntaylor6345]

My favourite Indy movie will always be Raiders because it gave us Harrison Ford as the iconic Indiana Jones I can watch Raiders over and over again. When Raiders was first released we could only enjoy it in cinemas because we had to wait for VHS video. After winning a load of awards at the Oscars and Baftas Raiders got a re-release.

[@mynameismudd3134]

Temple of doom = GOAT

[@robvegas9354]

Fun movie. That bit where Indy snaps out of the trance and they just step on the gas with non stop action from there on out!!! Awesome!

[@jamesmorant1406]

My favorite movie in the franchise I don't understand all the hate

[@Scatscar1985]

Yes.

[@maxheedrum100]

11:12 That Indiana Jones stunt double looks a lot like Mutt Williams(Shia Labeouf) 😮

[@DevilDogMuNky]

My personal favorite Indy film!

[@JamesB-mg9pk]

People just need to relax and enjoy the movie for what it is. Temple is exciting and fun to watch.

[@Koldeman]

04:04 "Hyuck & Katz had an extensive background in cultural aspects of the film." Well, they took a vacation in India once. I mean, what more do you need to know, rt?

[@Captain-Cosmo]

Raiders felt more like a 70s movie where the two sequels were firmly planted in the 80s.

[@benwantstosk8]

I used to have a roommate from India. He absolutely found the way India is portrayed in American movies offensive. But, he added, the way America is portrayed in it's own movies is nothing like America and makes America look bad too. He said people in India believe all sorts of nonsense about Americans because of movies.

[@CrackSparrowGaming]

At Wildwood New Jersey, an ocean town, back in the 80s and 90s they had a roller coaster called The Golden Nugget, it was a mine/ mine cart adventure. Felt very much like the mine cart scene from the movie.

[@duniganrichard21]

It's my fav 1 out of all of them!action packed & darker!

[@jasonblalock4429]

10:39 Just as an aside, this is one of my favorite line reads ever. That sad frowny face at the end kills me every time. But yeah, I've been a fan of TOD ever since I first saw it. It's got some problematic issues, but I love the OTT scary-fun tone.

[@ScarysReviews]

it has more love these days, thanks to crystal skull and dial of destiny. Temple of doom is the most unique, original entry. Raiders and Last Crusade are 1 film more or less. so, Doom fits perfectly in between. the other 2, Indy was lost

[@CagedMan69]

My favorite indy! And I've really warmed on Capshaws performance. She makes me laugh more then anyone in movie.

[@alltheinnocence]

Other than the character of Willie being annoying, which I blame the writing for, not Kate Capshaw, I actually do NOT understand the hate for this movie. I've always loved it. As a kid, it was my favorite, and it was only in my late teens/ young adulthood that Last Crusade took that spot. I have a blast every time I watch this one on my annual marathon of the series!

[@elijahgiter9559]

Am I the only one that thinks temple of doom is BY FAR the best of the Indiana Jones movies. From the darker content to the more adult subject matter this one feels like it was geared more towards adults. Really would have liked to see them go more down this road than the wacky kid friendly shtick they went back to in last crusade. And then they just flushed the last 2 as a money grab. Haven't seen dial of destiny but somewhere there had to be someone in post production thinking, "oh dear God this is the biggest piece of Sh!t ever." Anyways... I digress. But keep up the great work, love your vids.

[@scipioafricanus4328]

I love the opening sequence in the Shanghai international concession. A the gangster like lawlessness depicted in the film was authentic for this site and era.

[@Batman88878]

This movie has the best score & villain of the entire franchise. Yup, even better than Raiders. Fight me.

[@Thathorrorguy12FU]

For 1984. You couldn't get a movie like this. These movies are way ahead of their time. They'd be just as successful today.

[@monovision566]

Yes, it is. Spielberg never had more fun behind a camera. Every shot is a delight.

[@Thathorrorguy12FU]

It was scheduled as a trilogy. Though the Last Crusade wasn't even as close to as good as the first two. Raiders and Temple are simply incredible and regardless of what anyone says Temple of Doom was a success to say the least. At the box office and in our cinematic culture. Willie Scott was a bit much but this was used for comedic uses. But the action an action set pieces are insane. Nuts! No crazy!

[@christinehorror8178]

Im Sorry but love this film! Watched it the most as a kid

[@robchuk4136]

As my very first Indiana Jones movie, I obviously have a strong attachment to this. (In fact, watching Raiders later, I was surprised it wasn't as dark ;) I love Temple, and wouldn’t really change anything. I sympathize with the criticisms, but for me, the sterotyping isn't something to take too seriously because it fits the genre, and even Willie Scott I found to be in line with those types of characters from that era. But that's just my opinion. I listen to Temple's soundtrack often, as it is my favorite music in the franchise.

[@RoverIAC]

Red Dawn was the first film released with a PG-13 rating. The rating was suggested by Spielberg after the issues from Temple of Doom and Gremlins.

[@rambler1475]

This is the correct answer

[@shainewhite2781]

Don't forget that it's controversial, darker, and violent than the first film.

[@JoBloOriginals]

It FOR SURE is

[@BatCaveOz]

Temple of Doom is the best movie in this franchise. (Which consists of 3 movies)

[@robertbeckman2054]

Just saw this again for the first time since seeing it in the theaters in 1984. My 15 year old son loved it, and rated it as just below Raiders. For so many years, this was the only non-N@zi Indiana Jones movie, so it stuck out in a less than stellar way. But seeing it again it is, to me , the best of the 5 (or 3), excepting for, of course, Raiders. Here are some of my thoughts on Temple of Doom: - the only sequel/prequel to have Indiana in his prime, or more specifically, his Raiders (tougher look) - the score and percussive sound effects are similar to Raiders - the best kill in the series: the “shishkabob kill” - the best intro, after Raiders - Short Round. This time watching this as a father gave this character more meaning to me…the “I love you Indy-sizzle” scene Scores: ROTLA (10), TOD (8), TLC (7), KOTCS (5), DOD (3).

[@tomhahnl1927]

First Indy I watched in Theaters, I absolutely loved it and still do!

[@rattlesnakejake956]

Temple of Doom was definitely at least a NECESSARY movie. In 1984, the PG-13 and 12 ratings were inspired by both this movie and Gremlins purely because of how disturbing some scenes were. Also Steven Spielberg met and fell in love with his current wife Kate Capshaw (Willie Scott's actress) during the film's production, and they've been happily married for decades.

[@davidmonje6176]

temple of doom is a prequel

[@dylanwade2020]

The order in which I rate the Indiana Jones movies is the exact same order in which they were released, ergo this is my second favorite movie in the series

[@JoBloOriginals]

Ditto

[@damo9961]

My favourite one. The only one I had as a kid.

[@HistoryandHeadlines]

I liked this film quite a bit!

[@Venator2015]

Temple has always held the highest critic ratings, and therefore could never be considered underrated. Crystal Skull is underrated.

[@christopherdavis8248]

this one is my favorite of all of them.

[@shawnkarg3794]

Temple of Doom is a great adventure film. The only reason I rank it lower than the other films is that it lacks the gravitas. Foiling the plots of Nazi or Russian efforts to achieve world domination makes the story feel small, no matter the risk to the characters. It's like making a Bond movie about oo7 risking his life to save a cat.

[@mynameismudd3134]

Best of the original 3

[@petewadesays12]

People love Temple of Doom. Hey you know it's really noble you have 2 channels to milk doing practically the same stuff in order to dupe people out of more money.

[@australianvaletraincuthber9294]

Honestly my favourite in the series

[@JoBloOriginals]

It’s pretty awesome

[@alexsnow8894]

Steven Spielberg found a new love on a set. Him and Kate Capshaw are happily married.

[@tkskagen]

Best Indiana Jones film ever, Crusades would be #2!

[@iam_soumya]

To all the viewers of world-"we don't consume snake and insects and the cult storyline is extremely humiliating to Indian culture" meanwhile I recommend chicken curry and rice to you all.

[@jasonritner9662]

I've always enjoyed this film. It's quite the departure from Raiders and Crusade, and as a kid when it came out I truly appreciated having Short Round there as his loyal companion and friend. As for the dinner scene, I assumed (as I got older) that the food was deliberately chosen to be disturbing because the cult had infiltrated the palace and it was a sign that things weren't right. A blatant way for the cult to flaunt its power and influence without being noticed because of the prejudices of the white people they were hosting.

[@PhoenixSheriden]

It wasnt phantoms in the Ark, that was the Angel of Death.

[@MyDeeroc]

Seeing the guy heart pulled out as a kid was so scary

[@cristos]

I thought temple of doom was the best one. Then raiders. The rest i didn’t care about.

[@bensneb360]

Everyone talks about how Temple of Doom is so dark and scary, but honestly it’s probably the one that scared me least of the kid… I guess melting nazi faces and rabid aging is scarier to me than getting your heart pulled out lol

[@rambler1475]

No doubt. The melting faces always freaked me out as a kid but the heart scene just looked cool

[@joebishman6163]

People are too sensitive. I watched this movie many times when I was kid and I still think of it fondly. Movies should have "questionable" material. What is the point of telling a story if you have to check boxes rather than create art.

[@gavinrivington4918]

It’s funny after not liking this movie much over the years I literally just watched this movie two days ago and thought hey this movie is actually pretty good. I guess it takes too bad Indy movies to finally realize how excellent the Temple of doom was.

[@Steve-lb2gm]

1. Raiders 2. Last Crusade 3. Dial of Destiny 4. Temple of Doom 5. Crystal Skull

[@Romans8-9]

lol

[@hussd21]

While I do prefer The Last Crusade over this one, Temple of Doom is still an entertaining and exciting adventure. Sure most of the content in the film would never fly today, but if you look past all that you'll still have an enjoyable time

[@fredlandry6170]

I saw this in the summer of 1984 in my early teens.

[@jeyneo.8924]

Can you do a What Happened to Jan Michael Vincent? (I know he died but I mean what happened to his career which at first appeared to be super star level fame proyection)

[@Hewylewis]

Why did you not mention that Spielberg wound up marrying Willy Scott after the movie was finished?

[@LoDoFilmUnlimitedMedia]

Yes! I have seen this film a million times and have never thought negatively about people from India. Who made that up?

[@jeffreymcquillen1208]

The 15 minutes are great! A musical number and some James Bond thrown in. After that, not so good. If anything, Crystal Skull is underrated. Story wise, i don't think it works. And Willy Scott is one of the must annoying characters in film history.