Romancing The Stone Review

MPAA Rating: PG
Released: 1984

Featuring the talents of Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito, Romancing the Stone was a delicious slice of 80's comedic adventure featuring a wild adventurer and a sheltered writer treading together through the dangerous jungles of Colombia in search of a rare jewel. All the while an obnoxious kidnapper and a band of thugs pursue them. But before they can hope to win their battle against their violent pursuers, they must first stop battling amongst themselves.

I'm sure few could have predicted just how wonderful Romancing the Stone would turn out. Sure, it featured the talents of three of the 80's most beloved stars: Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner and Danny DeVito. And yes, the adventurous story, stunning sets and tongue-in-cheek tone suggested the movie might be pretty darn good. But the actual charisma between Douglas, Turner and DeVito transcends what most come to expect of actors… it took the film to another level entirely. (As a side note, this movie was so successful that the trio would team up twice more in the 80's.)

Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) is a successful big city novelist whose life is turned upside down when she discovers her sister has been kidnapped by a bumbling kidnapper, Ralph (Danny Devito). In order to save her sister's life, Joan must travel to the dangerous country of Colombia to give the kidnappers a map that allegedly leads to an invaluable gemstone. But things go from bad to worse when she meets Jack Colton (Michael Douglas), a charismatic rogue that convinces her to team up with him so they can beat the thugs to the rare stone.

So begins a rollicking adventure through the dense jungles and perilously cities of Colombia - one where they'll soon discover that the blustery kidnapper is the least of their problems, for some corrupt (are there ever any other kind?) Colombian officials also have their eye on the treasure.

Director Robert Zemeckis worked this film with deft hands; his perfect blend of comedy, romance and high-octane action created cinematic magic. It's a successful mix that captures the same exciting and irreverent charm that made the original Indiana Jones film (Raiders of the Lost Ark) so fun.

The choice of country for Romancing the Stone was inspired. Not only does Colombia provide an exotic and perilous backdrop for the would-be heroes, the fact that it's a third-world country gives the movie a timeless feel. Whereas American cities and styles change with the passing of decades, jungles and backwater villages remain pretty much the same. So while this film definitely contains the 80's flair for stylish and lighthearted action, it doesn't appear dated.

But in the end, it's the actors that deserve most of the credit for Romancing the Stone's success. Michael Douglas has always been one of my favorite actors; he's a charismatic and skilled actor capable of playing everything from roguish adventures (like this film) to greedy, intense capitalists (Wall Street). He brings nearly as much style and life to Jack Colton as Harrison Ford did to Indiana Jones, so there's a good chance that fans of the Indiana Jones trilogy will also thoroughly enjoy this movie.

Kathleen Turner wasn't yet a big name before her starring role as the prim and proper writer in this film; she previously had a television series and two movies under her belt, but it was Romancing the Stone that confirmed this actress was a true star.

And what child of the 80's wouldn't instantly recognize Danny DeVito? The comedic performer lends his character Ralph a bumbling likeability that almost convinces the audience to forgive his crimes and greedy ways.

I won't bother to go into detail about the supporting actors in this film, beyond to say that there are no disappointments in this film. The cast selection, from the main stars all the way down to the smallest roles, was very well done.

Romancing the Stone is one of those 80's classics that you can watch over and over again; it's action-packed, lighthearted, absorbing and fun. No movie fan should be without this gem in their collection.

Movie rating: 9 stars

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