The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

The Jewel of the Nile (1985)

[3] Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito return for this lackluster sequel to 1984's terrific Romancing the Stone. The Jewel of the Nile picks up six months after the end of the first movie, with adventurous Jack (Douglas) and…
The War of the Roses (1989)

The War of the Roses (1989)

[8] Danny DeVito directs his Romancing the Stone co-stars Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner in this supremely dark comedy about a divorcing couple who are each prepared to fight to the death over who keeps their lavish home. No one…
Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

Jumanji: The Next Level (2019)

[6] There's a certain kind of movie that is really hard to review. This is one of those movies. It's a studio movie, formulaic in structure and unremarkable in substance, but entertaining in laughs and thrills and a great vehicle…
Dumbo (2019)

Dumbo (2019)

[7] Director Tim Burton (Edward Scissorhands, Alice in Wonderland) turns Disney's animated classic into a live-action film that is both a remake and a sequel. Dumbo follows the original story in broad strokes, with Danny DeVito running a down-on-its-luck traveling…
Batman Returns (1992)

Batman Returns (1992)

[8] Anything but 'more of the same', Tim Burton's sequel dives into the troubled psyches of its headlining trio -- Batman, Catwoman, and The Penguin.  Michael Keaton's Batman still plays second fiddle to the villains, but what fascinating villains they…
Romancing the Stone (1984)

Romancing the Stone (1984)

[9]

This is the ultimate romantic adventure, complete with a great cast, exotic locations, and measured doses of action, humor, and heart.  Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner never looked better.  They have that ephemeral “chemistry”, the kind that keeps you glued to the screen, rooting for them. The screenplay by Diane Thomas is well paced and constructed, giving plenty of breathing room to a romantic relationship that evolves naturally and believably.  Director Robert Zemeckis (Back to the Future, Forrest Gump) sprinkles memorable action scenes throughout the journey, including the swing across the gorge, the Bronco chase, and the waterfall.  I like the final showdown among all the adversaries, and how a certain alligator figures into the conclusion.  I’m also fond of Alan Silvestri’s score.  It may not be the traditional big orchestra type, but the contemporary/Caribbean/piano lounge feel (odd as it may be) gives the movie a distinct, appropriate sound.