Amy Adler Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner) has achieved her romantic dreams with Jack Colton (Michael Douglas) in this film's predecessor, Romancing the Stone. Or, wait, has she? The in-love twosome have been sailing around the world on Jack's boat, having many adventures. But, there is no ring on Joan's finger yet and she, as a successful romance novelist, is a bit bored with the life at sea. In addition, she has writer's block. Likewise, Jack has been taking Joan for granted. Therefore, when the two stop at an Arab port and Joan is charmed by a Middle East ruler, Omar, who wants her to write his autobiography, the lady writer says yes. Jack is not pleased. Then, too, Colton encounters an old nemesis, Ralph (Danny DeVito) who is interested in Jack helping him find a new treasure called "Jewel of the Nile". Soon, this awkward duo is trying to rescue Joan, who has actually been kidnapped by the evil Omar. Things go from bad to worse as Omar's cohorts blow up Jack's boat, with, thankfully, no one aboard. In desert country and being chased by bad dudes, Jack and Ralph decide to use a plane as a getaway vehicle and jet off, on the ground, across the Sahara. What fun! Can they rescue Joan and grab a treasure, too? This film doesn't have the charm of the first film, Romancing the Stone, as few sequels do. Nevertheless, it is cute, clever and funny, at times. The three stars, Turner, Douglas, and DeVito are a dynamite threesome while the unknown secondary cast is just fine. Yes, the scenery is lovely and does Turner and Douglas look young and attractive in their well-chosen costumes. With few offerings from Hollywood these days, in the romantic comedy genre, one has to "go back to the future" to find treasures, indeed.

Robert J. Maxwell Most sequels don't measure up to the original and this one is no exception. I guess "Romancing the Stone", with the same two stars, Kathleen Turner, Michael Douglas and Danny DeVito was an original, although the incunabulum was "Raiders of the Lost Ark" -- antic adventures in an exotic land among colorful and vicious enemies, with plenty of wisecracks along the route. Notches above an Abbott and Costello movie. (A jackass sits down on top of DeVito, who squirms and hollers.)This sequel is bigger, splashier, more expensive than the original. More of the slapstick and derring do, but less fresh.The plot's not worth describing, something about the pursuit of a jewel that turns out to be a religious reformer whose name means "jewel" in Arabic. (That would be 'جوهرة', according to my translator, Shaymala.) Still it's an undemanding and enjoyable diversion, what with the explosions and bodies flying through the air and last-minute rescues. It passes the time painlessly, like a dental procedure under laughing gas.The acting by the three principals is about the same as it was in "Romancing the Stone." That is, not much is required. Douglas and Turner worked together well on three films, along with Danny DeVito. Here, DeVito is just along for the ride. "Listen, Colton, you OWE me, so wherever you go, I go." That's DeVito's motivation, and it satisfied, because who gives a damn anyway? I've always kind of liked DeVito. He's pretty clever for a guy from Neptune, New Jersey. He and Jack Nicholson were childhood friends, and DeVito dated Nicholson's sister. DeVito has managed to work with a number of recognizable actors from New Jersey, including Michael Douglas (New Brunswick), whose regional accent reflects his native state.

namashi_1 A sequel to the much loved 'Romancing the Stone', 'The Jewel of the Nile' is, at best, a passable sequel, that appeals in parts. One Expected More!'The Jewel of the Nile' Synopsis: Joan Wilder & Jack Colton are off to a new adventure in a African desert, in an effort to find the precious "Jewel of the Nile.'The Jewel of the Nile' begins tepidly & remains dull for its first 45-minutes, but gathers momentum rapidly in the final hour. This time the adventure isn't very adventurous, though. Reason? A half-baked Screenplay Written by Mark Rosenthal & Lawrence Konner. There some moments that inspire, but they aren't enough. Lewis Teague's Direction is a plus-point. Cinematography is excellent. Editing is well-done.Performance-Wise: Michael Douglas & Kathleen Turner reprise their roles & they deliver superbly, yet again. Even their on-screen chemistry, is exciting. Danny DeVito is okay.On the whole, 'The Jewel of the Nile' is a so-so fare.

TheLittleSongbird I loved Romancing the Stone, yes it was old-fashioned but it was a lot of fun too. The Jewel of the Nile isn't as good, there are pacing problems, the story isn't as well held together this time around and the chemistry between Douglas and Turner doesn't quite sparkle as much. However, the locations, scenery and cinematography are superb, as is the score, while the action and one-liners effortlessly come by thick and fast. The direction is also pretty good, while Michael Douglas, Danny DeVito and especially Kathaleen Turner clearly have a lot of fun as they search for the Jewel of the Nile. All in all, not quite as good but it is a sequel worth watching. It isn't as well thought out, but there is plenty to enjoy and the film doesn't fall into the trap of being a sequel that is its predecessor all over again. 7/10 Bethany Cox