Romancing the Stone (1984)
“You’re the best time I’ve ever had.”
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Response to Peary’s Review: Interestingly, Peary’s review(s) focus almost exclusively on Turner rather than going into detail about the storyline itself. He does note that one of the film’s highlights involves “a horde of mean peasant-highwaymen [who] turn out to be… fanatics” of Wilder’s romance novels (this scene is gut-tickling), but the entire screenplay is surprisingly engaging, full of nicely played comedic touches and heart-racing plot twists. The on-location shooting — helmed by director Robert Zemeckis and DP Dean Cundey — effectively transports us to a world of exotic danger and excitement, and Douglas is well-cast as Turner’s reluctant (at first) compatriot and lover. It’s too bad that the film’s sequel — The Jewel of the Nile (1985), not scripted by Thomas or directed by Zemeckis — is purportedly a disappointment; it’s not listed in GFTFF. Note: Thomas’s untimely death just before the release of The Jewel of the Nile was quite tragic; click here for more details. Redeeming Qualities and Moments:
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One thought on “Romancing the Stone (1984)”
A once-must, simply as clever and satisfying comic entertainment.
I hadn’t seen this in many years and, on a rewatch, it still feels fresh. Thomas’ screenplay is indeed refreshing for its female-focus angle, and the rapport between Turner and Douglas serves up infectious chemistry.
The DVD extra has a ‘looking back’ on it, with those involved discussing just how (incredibly) difficult it was shooting the film on-location in a foreign environment that offered untold challenges. Still…the film appears (almost) as light as a feather.