The Worst Indiana Jones Movie

 By Bruce Shawkey

I am tossing my DVD of Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. It is the worst, not only of of the Indiana Jones movies, but all movies. Kate Capshaw is just awful. Stewie Griffin, playing the movie's character "Short Round" said it best: "Lady only here because she humping director." The director, of course, being Steven Spielberg. Her character,  Willie Scott, screams her way through the entire picture, playing the helpless victim. This is unlike Karen Allen's character, Marion Ravenwood, in the other Indiana Jones movies, showing some backbone.

To make matters worse, there are repeated scenes of the various villains in the movie whipping and beating children forced to work in the mine, looking for the last two sacred stones of some sacred totem.

The film is actually banned in India for its outdated and insensitive portrayal of Indian culture.

If there is one good part of the film, it is the opening dance scene, a tribute, perhaps, to the old Busby Berkeley dance scenes in movies such as 42nd Street. This scene is even spoiled somewhat by Capshaw attempting to sing "Anything Goes." Spielberg ended up marrying Capshaw in 1991. As much as I respect and admire Spielberg, he can have her.

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