The Jewel of the Nile

The Jewel of the Nile is an adventurous romantic comedy sequel released in 1985. As a notable addition to the 1980s cinematic treasure of action and romance, the film brings back the dynamic and lovable characters brought to life by its versatile cast, including powerhouse names such as Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito.

Michael Douglas returns as Jack Colton, the same renegade, rugged, yet charming hero we fell in love with in "Romancing the Stone". Meanwhile, Kathleen Turner reprises her role as Joan Wilder, the intelligent and captivating novelist who once again finds herself intertwined in a whirlwind adventure, adding a touch of softness and emotion to the otherwise adrenaline-pumping ride. Also, the unforgettable Danny DeVito makes his comeback as Ralph, the comic, nefarious antihero always looking for the next big score.

The storyline takes place six months after the events of its prequel. While both share the main theme of a wild and thrilling adventure, "The Jewel of the Nile" moves its setting from the wild jungles of Columbia to the exotic and mysterious deserts of North Africa. The switching of landscapes provides a refreshing taste, altering the aura from a traditional jungle adventure to a more fantasy-filled quest. The film is just the right blend for anyone looking for action-packed sequences, fiery romance, and comic relief - all packed into one enticing package.

At the beginning of the movie, Jack and Joan are seen sailing around the world, enjoying a perfect vacation on Jack’s new yacht. However, monotony soon seeps into Joan’s fairytale life, craving the thrill of the adventure and the joy of writing that once ruled her life. Their seemingly perfect life gets its dose of excitement, inevitably, when a dapper Arab ruler, Omar, offers to show Joan "the real Africa" by inviting her to write the story about him. Jack is left jilted when Joan decides to pursue this new opportunity, and he winds up sailing alone. The film's central plot unveils as Joan soon discovers that things are not as they seem with Omar, catapulting her back into the world of danger and thrill as she seeks to reveal the truth and escape a precarious situation.

The Jewel of the Nile maintains the legacy of its precursor by capturing the same adventurous spirit and playful, romantic banter between the two leads. Turner and Douglas share an undeniable chemistry that lights up the screen, their characters blending in perfectly with the backdrop of escapade and danger. The transition from jungle landscapes to an Arabian desert setting simply serves to heighten the cinematic aesthetics and that sense of adventure, all while maintaining the bubbling chemistry.

Danny DeVito’s Ralph is again thrown into the fray with Jack and Joan, providing comic moments to lighten up the perilous journey. His expertly executed comical timing and portrayal of the lovable yet perpetually self-serving character add another dimension to the movie, making it more enjoyable, and occasionally, serving as comic relief from the high-energy action sequences.

Directed by Lewis Teague, The Jewel of the Nile certainly lives up to its action-adventure genre, and it doesn’t fall short of delivering on the comedic front as well. The movie flourishes with unique character development combined with high-stakes chase sequences, intertwining plots, and authentic emotional moments. A rousing film score by Jack Nitzsche, complemented by cinematographer Jan de Bont’s stunning visuals of Morocco, add the perfect finishing touches to create a memorable, action-packed, romantic adventure.

In conclusion, The Jewel of the Nile stands as an ode to its era of action-romantic-comedy hybrids. With a beautifully crafted plot that marries danger with delight, impressive performances from the leading trio, and creatively executed action sequences amidst breathtaking sceneries, the film leaves an indelible imprint on the viewer. It’s a must-watch for all those nursing an appetite for adventure, laughter, and a timeless love story!