The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

This sequel to 1984's rip-snorting romantic-adventure, Romancing the Stone, is a moderately entertaining tale that pales by comparison to its predecessor. Romance novelist Kathleen Turner and retired soldier-of-fortune Michael Douglas return as a now-complacent couple. Bored with life on a yacht, they find excitement thrust upon them when she accepts a speaking engagement in the Middle East. Once there, she is abducted and finds herself involved with the "jewel" everyone is chasing. Douglas teams up once more with Danny DeVito to rescue his love. Less charming and more predictable than the original, this suffers for one simple reason: the characters have nowhere to go. In the original story we watched Turner blossom from timid storyteller to lusty adventuress. In this flick she is too much like all the other action adventure babes we've seen before. --Rochelle O'Gorman Amazon.com

A Good Continuation

It's been a few months since Jack T. Colton (Michael Douglas) and Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) sailed off into the sunset (literally). They are now in the Greek isles. Jack loves their life of leisure living on their yacht, but Joan is getting board and is fighting a major case of writer's block. In fact, she can't seem to finish her latest book, which is already overdue to the publisher.

Things change when Joan gets an offer she thinks she can't refuse. Omar (Spiros Focas) is about to become King of his country in Africa, and he is a fan of Joan's work. He wants Joan to write his biography. She is delighted and jumps at the chance, even though Jack isn't interested, and the two split.

But things aren't as they seem. Joan soon learns that Omar isn't all he pretended to be and she must write only what he approves. Jack gets wind of the danger and set off to rescue her. Can he find her? Will they get away? And what is this jewel that everyone is trying to find?

Often time, sequels feel like retreads, going over the same ground as the original. Here, the movie truly feels like a continuation of Romancing the Stone, putting familiar characters in a completely new situation. I found the film just as funny, adventurous, and romantic as the first.

It does have a big flaw, however. Danny DeVito returns as Ralph, one of the bumbling bad guys from the first movie. While he give another fine performance, I found his inclusion highly unlikely. And his storyline went nowhere for most of the film as well. I think the film would have been stronger if they had left him out.

The first film had tons of foul language. This one continues the trend, although it seemed to be toned down some here. Still, parents will probably want to judge for themselves if it is appropriate for their child.

While I enjoy most sequels I see, I do notice they often aren't as good. This is a rare case where both films in the series are just as entertaining. So if you liked the first, don't hesitate to watch this one, too. June 5, 2008

Joan, Jack, Ralph

I search of a jewel for a new book. They travel to many lands for it. And romance too. March 9, 2008

Pathetic

This movie is mostly a waste of time except for the scene when the camel sits on Danny Devito's face. That was entertaining!!! September 8, 2007

The surprises keep coming.

Not as brilliant as Romancing the Stone but The Jewel of the Nile is still quite enjoyable sequel. Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny Devito are back in this action-packed thrill ride, Jack and Joan are sharing their life on a sail boat and some unexpected things start to occur on dry land. I don't want to give away too much but if you like romance and action then The Jewel of the Nile is right up your alley. Happy viewing! August 31, 2007

aduharte

I like this movie a lot but I enjoy the first part way more. May 7, 2007

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