Romancing the Stone (1984)

directed by Robert Zemeckis

starring Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, Danny DeVito, Zack Norman, Alfonso Arau, Holland Taylor, Mary Ellen Trainor

MPAA rating: Studio: 20th Century Fox Script: Diane Thomas Music: Alan Silvestri Running time: 105 minutes Tags: Comedy; drugs; jewels; jungles; rain forest; Romance; South America; writing Tactical strength: [7/10]

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Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner), a popular romance novelist, receives a treasure map in the mail. Art thieves in Columbia called Joan and threatened to kill Joan's sister if Joan didn't go to Columbia and turn over the map. After arriving in Columbia, she takes the wrong bus, which breaks down, and she ends up stranded in the jungle.

She is pursued by Ralph (Danny DeVito), who with his partner Ira hold Joan's sister hostage, and by Zolo, the Minister of Columbian Antiquities who also happens to be the head of the secret police. She meets Jack Colton (Michael Douglas) who helps her evade Ralph and Zolo, encourages her to find the treasure, and becomes a romantic hero suited for one of her romance novels.

The overall plot is fairly predictable, but the romantic and comedic elements mesh together well and create a light and funny story with just enough suspense to keep the story interesting.

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