Romancing the Stone Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A romance novelist gets kidnapped into her own book, but with more gunfire and fewer Fabio look-alikes, ending with a crocodile eating someone’s hand, because Colombia.

🍿 Romancing the Stone: Detailed Plot Synopsis

A Novelist’s Ordinary Life Disrupted

Joan Wilder, a successful but lonely romance novelist in New York City, completes her latest manuscript. Shortly after, she receives a package from her murdered brother-in-law containing a treasure map. Simultaneously, her sister Elaine is kidnapped in Colombia, and the kidnappers demand the map as ransom.

Journey to Colombia and Jungle Peril

Joan reluctantly travels to Colombia, map in hand, to save her sister. She is immediately thrust into danger when she boards the wrong bus and encounters Zolo, a corrupt Colombian police officer also after the map. Stranded in the jungle, Joan is rescued by Jack Colton, an American adventurer.

The Hunt for ‘El Corazon’

Jack agrees to help Joan reach Cartagena for a fee, and they soon realize the map leads to a valuable emerald called ‘El Corazon’. They decide to pursue the treasure, hoping it will give Joan leverage to free her sister. Their journey takes them through treacherous terrain and close encounters with Zolo and other pursuing criminals.

Discovering the Emerald and Betrayal

After deciphering the map’s clues, Joan and Jack find the emerald hidden inside a cheap ceramic bunny. Ralph confronts them at gunpoint, but Zolo’s forces arrive, leading to a chaotic escape. Joan and Jack are separated, but both make their way towards Cartagena.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Joan Wilder (Kathleen Turner): A romance novelist who embarks on a real-life adventure in Colombia to save her kidnapped sister and find a hidden treasure.
• Jack Colton (Michael Douglas): A resourceful and irreverent soldier-of-fortune who helps Joan navigate the dangers of the Colombian jungle in exchange for money.
• Ralph (Danny DeVito): A bumbling and comedic small-time crook who is determined to get his hands on the treasure map and the emerald.
• Zolo (Manuel Ojeda): A ruthless and corrupt Colombian cop who is also after the treasure map and will stop at nothing to obtain it.
• Ira (Zack Norman): Ralph’s cousin and partner in crime, obsessed with crocodiles, and equally determined to acquire the treasure.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Jack Colton: “That’s not a bridge, it’s pre-Columbian art.” – Said to Joan when she expresses doubts about crossing a dilapidated rope bridge.
• Jack Colton: “Okay, Joan Wilder, write us out of this one.” – Said sarcastically when they are surrounded by armed thugs in a small village.
• Jack Colton: “Lady, you are a jinx!” – Jack’s frequent exasperated comment whenever Joan accidentally causes trouble.
• Joan Wilder: “I’ve never been anybody’s best time before.” – Joan says this to Jack in a moment of vulnerability.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $76,572,238
• Worldwide Gross: $86,572,238

💥 Romancing the Stone Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely love “Romancing the Stone!” It’s the perfect blend of adventure, comedy, and romance. Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas have amazing chemistry. I always wanted to be Joan Wilder when I was growing up. The scene where she swings across the ravine is iconic, and Danny DeVito’s comedic timing is impeccable. This movie is pure escapism, and it never fails to make me smile.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of action-adventure comedies.”
  • “Viewers who enjoy romantic comedies with a strong sense of adventure.”
  • “People who appreciate 1980s nostalgia.”
  • “Those looking for a lighthearted and entertaining movie night.”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence, including gunfights and physical altercations.”
  • “Mild language.”
  • “Suggestive themes and implied sexual content.”
  • “Some scenes may be intense or frightening for younger viewers.”
  • “Cultural stereotypes that may be considered outdated or offensive by some viewers.”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”Romancing the Stone” blends action, adventure, and comedy into a delightful cinematic cocktail. Kathleen Turner shines as the fish-out-of-water novelist, while Michael Douglas oozes charisma. The exotic locales and fast-paced plot keep you hooked from start to finish.
• Roger Ebert: “Ebert states this film is an enjoyable adventure romp due to the on-screen chemistry between Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas. While somewhat derivative of Indiana Jones, the film succeeds in carving out its own unique identity.

Audience Reactions

Kathleen Turner and Michael Douglas had undeniable chemistry.: The movie’s mix of action, adventure, and humor made it a memorable watch.

It’s a fun escapist film that holds up well over the years.: The film’s blend of genres and strong performances provide a balanced experience.

Overall Consensus: A classic adventure-comedy with great chemistry, exotic locales, and a fun story that remains enjoyable decades later.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Motion Picture – Comedy or Musical)- 1985

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Robert Zemeckis was almost fired from directing ‘Cocoon’ because studio executives thought ‘Romancing the Stone’ would flop.”
• “The film was largely shot in Mexico, standing in for Colombia, to keep production costs down.”
• “Diane Thomas, the screenwriter, wrote the script while working as a waitress.”

🖥️ How to Watch Romancing the Stone?

Romancing the Stone is available for streaming on platforms like Prime Video and Apple TV for rental or purchase. Check local listings for potential broadcast schedules on cable networks. Physical copies of the DVD and Blu-ray are also widely available for purchase online and in stores, providing an option for collectors and those preferring to own the film.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Romancing the Stone, you might like these similar films:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark (1981): Shares the adventure and treasure-hunting themes, but with a more fantastical element.
• The Jewel of the Nile (1985): The direct sequel to ‘Romancing the Stone’, reuniting Douglas, Turner, and DeVito in another adventure.
• Six Days Seven Nights (1998): A modern take on the adventure romance, with Anne Heche and Harrison Ford stranded on a desert island.
• The Mummy (1999): Blends action, adventure, and romantic elements, similar to ‘Romancing the Stone,’ but with a supernatural twist.

🛒 Romancing the Stone Related Products

• Romancing the Stone / Jewel of the Nile (Double Feature) [Blu-ray]: Own both Romancing the Stone and its sequel on Blu-ray in one collection. Experience the adventure and romance in high definition.
• Romancing The Stone Movie Poster: A high-quality poster featuring the iconic imagery from Romancing The Stone.
• Romancing the Stone T-Shirt – Vintage Movie Tee: Show your love for Romancing the Stone with this vintage-style T-shirt. Features a classic design and comfortable fit.
• Romancing the Stone: The Novelization (Digital): Experience the original story of Romancing the Stone in novel form, with added details and insights into the characters’ thoughts.

🎧 Soundtrack

Romancing the Stone features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Romancing the Stone” – performed by Eddy Grant
• “Theme From Romancing The Stone” – performed by Alan Silvestri

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Romancing the Stone: Deleted Scenes

Delve into deleted scenes that didn’t make the final cut, giving you a glimpse into the creative editing choices and original vision for the movie.

10 Things You Didn’t Know About Romancing the Stone

Prepare to be amazed with little-known facts and secrets about your beloved movie, Romancing the Stone.

“ROMANCING THE STONE” led to her SUCCESS and TRAGICALLY her DEATH!

Discover the intriguing story of how Romancing the Stone shaped someone’s life, leading to both triumphs and a tragic turn of events.

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