The time has come to talk about Indiana Jones, a character closest to my heart. I've loved the films since I was a kid and hold them in high regard, ALL OF THEM. That's right, even Temple of Doom. Why, do you ask? Do I have no taste? Am I blinded by my love of the films? Of course not!

Don't believe the lies touted by many people, even Spielberg and Lucas. Not only is Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom a great film, it is one of the finest pieces of adventure filmmaking in history. And I'm prepared to back that up.

First of all, let me give you a little perspective on my Indy fandom. In a word, it is total. In some ways, I love Indy more than Star Wars. As a child, I discovered Indy first, and perhaps that's why even to this day there's something that makes it more precious than Star Wars. Even at home, I have to be in a certain mood to watch a Star Wars film. With Indy, I just pop one in and get sucked in right away, no matter what. I bought the DVD set the first day it came out, with the special Best Buy exclusive bonus 5th disc. I also own a fedora, purchase at the Indy stunt show attraction in Walt Disney World, which I've seen three times. So you could call me a "true believer" in the words of Mola Ram.

So let's now get into the meat and potatoes of this article.

First of all, let's look at the new characters. Willie Scott is a very different Indy girl from Marion, and I thought Kate Capshaw did a fine job with her. And Short Round has to be one of the finest sidekicks in film history. He's a kid, but he's neither childish or annoying. He says funny things a kid would say, but they never seem forced or out of place. He is a character you truly care about, and you see the closeness of him and Indy, you see another, more paternal side of Indy.

And how about the villains? Lao Che's apperance in the beginning wasn't long but was highly entertaining. We never saw a "ganster" type villain anywhere else in Indy films. Mola Ram, high priest of the Thuggee, was also performed well by Amrish Puri, who sadly passed away a few months ago. His diabolical take on the character worked well, and he was truly menacing both in the temple scene when he takes the guy's heart out as well as during the final climactic bridge sequence.

Let's now look at the overall plot and progression of the film's story. The opening musical sequence was unique and rousing, and gives your home theatre a good workout. I like films that start off with a bang even in the opening titles. The negotiation and subsequent scramble in the Club Obi Wan was also exciting and well done. And such scenes as the Shanghai streets car chase and the raft falling out of the plane and sliding down the mountains were right in the classic adventure serial feel that Indy should convey.

But it's when we arrive at the village in India that the films really kicks in and we see the dark side of Indiana Jones. From the assassin in Pankot Palace to the temple ceremony, we see an underground world of hellfire. We also see Indy battling again to save the world, this time to free hundreds of children and retrieve the sacred Shankara Stone that was taken from the village.

Also, look at the end: the rousing scene where the children are freed set to John Williams' score, the mine cart chase, and the rope bridge finale. What's not to like? Can anyone honestly say this film sucks? It keeps the adventurous spirit and ups the ante in action. It also explores more complex and dark themes, and has some fresh and interesting characters.

So take from this Indy die-hard: this film is phenomenal!