Romancing the Stone: Critic Reviews

An elaborately produced, mostly charmless adventure-comedy that intends to make fun of a kind of romantic fiction that's one step removed from what the movie is all about.

After all the Raiders rip-offs, it's fun to find an adventure film that deserves the comparison, that has the same spirit and sense of humor.

Director Robert Zemeckis displays such dazzling cinematic know-how that it's genuinely depressing when this 1984 film falls off into the usual self-ridicule.

Turner is like a lot of unwitting screen heroines ahead of her, guaranteed that her drab existence is about to be transformed -- probably by a man, preferably handsome and adventurous.

Action, romance, sharp dialog; best for teens.

Between Michael Douglas' mullet, a synthesizer heavy score, and Kathleen Turner shining in her blink and you missed it prime, Zemeckis' movie is truly time capsule worthy.

A grand example of the rarest combination of adventure, humor, and sexual chemistry which all crackle along with abandon.

Douglas and Turner make a great double act in this exuberantly directed adventure movie with a great start turn from the always enjoyable De Vito. Good stuff.

All very tongue-in-cheek (typified by the opening sequence, lifted straight from one of Joan's pulp novels) and great fun.

A rousing, old-fashioned romantic adventure.

The chemistry between the principles is something that no one can deny.

A high-spirited cocktail of action, comedy and romance that's one of those rare movies with something for almost everyone.

often copied, but never quite duplicated

The message is clear: Love and protection comes with a white face and a big, black gun. His name is Michael Douglas.

Its combination of romance and adventure (and a bit of comedy) was spot-on, and few films that have arrived since have captured Stone's enthusiasm and good-naturedness

A surprisingly witty script, some really excellent chemistry between Douglas & Turner, and a large (and very welcome) portion of comic relief by Danny DeVito. Fun stuff.

The script is sharp and funny, the direction sure-footed on both the comedy and action fronts, and the whole thing adds up to rather more concerted fun than Indiana Jones' flab-ridden escapade in the Temple of Doom.

Rousing entertainment

Fun adventure comedy that won't cost you brain cells.