Released on December 11, 1985, The Jewel of the Nile brought audiences back to the rollicking adventures of Jack Colton and Joan Wilder, reuniting Michael Douglas, Kathleen Turner, and Danny DeVito in a sequel to 1984’s hit Romancing the Stone. Directed by Lewis Teague, the film promised to deliver more exotic locales, daring escapades, and romantic chemistry. While it had big shoes to fill, The Jewel of the Nile embraced its lighthearted tone and adventurous spirit, solidifying its place as a memorable entry in the 1980s action-adventure genre. Forty years later, it remains an enjoyable ride, even if it doesn’t quite recapture the magic of its predecessor.
The plot picks up with romance novelist Joan Wilder (Turner) and her treasure-hunting partner Jack Colton (Douglas) enjoying their newfound life of luxury aboard a yacht. However, their idyllic existence is disrupted when Joan is lured into a diplomatic mission in the fictional Middle Eastern country of Kadir. Believing she will write a biography for the enigmatic leader Omar (Spiros Focás), Joan finds herself entangled in a plot involving rebellion, betrayal, and the mysterious “Jewel of the Nile.” Jack, accompanied by the ever-scheming Ralph (DeVito), sets out to rescue Joan, leading to a series of action-packed and comedic escapades.
The production of The Jewel of the Nile was ambitious, with filming taking place in Morocco to capture the film’s desert landscapes and bustling marketplaces. The sets and costumes evoke a vivid, if somewhat Hollywood-ized, vision of the Middle East. Lewis Teague’s direction leans into the humour and spectacle, balancing romantic tension with slapstick comedy and explosive action sequences. The aerial and chase scenes, particularly a daring flight in a rickety airplane, highlight the film’s sense of adventure.
Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner’s chemistry remains the film’s strongest asset. Douglas’s rugged charm and Turner’s sharp wit make for a dynamic pairing, with their playful banter anchoring the story. Danny DeVito, reprising his role as the hapless Ralph, provides comedic relief, stealing scenes with his bumbling antics and one-liners. Spiros Focás brings a theatrical flair to Omar, though the character ultimately serves more as a plot device than a fully realised villain.
The film’s score, composed by Jack Nitzsche, adds an energetic backdrop to the action, while Billy Ocean’s hit song “When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” became synonymous with the film, further cementing its place in 1980s pop culture.
Upon its release, The Jewel of the Nile was a commercial success, grossing over $96 million worldwide. However, critical reception was mixed. While audiences enjoyed its humour and escapism, critics noted that it lacked the freshness and emotional depth of Romancing the Stone. Some felt that the film relied too heavily on spectacle, losing sight of the character-driven storytelling that made the original so engaging.
Revisiting The Jewel of the Nile in 2025, its charm lies in its willingness to embrace fun and adventure. Watching it now, you might appreciate its breezy pace and unapologetic embrace of genre tropes. While it doesn’t break new ground, it captures the essence of 1980s adventure cinema, offering a blend of romance, humour, and action that remains undeniably entertaining.
From a modern perspective, the film’s depiction of Middle Eastern culture may feel dated, reflecting the limited lens through which Hollywood often portrayed foreign settings during that era. Yet, its emphasis on camaraderie, resourcefulness, and triumph against the odds gives it a timeless appeal. The relationship between Jack and Joan evolves in a way that feels authentic, grounding the larger-than-life escapades in genuine emotional stakes.
Ultimately, The Jewel of the Nile endures because it delivers exactly what it promises: a fun, escapist adventure with beloved characters. It may not achieve the same heights as Romancing the Stone, but it captures the spirit of its predecessor while carving out its own identity. Looking back at it now, you might find yourself swept up in its infectious energy, reminded of a time when adventure films revelled in their larger-than-life charm. Forty years on, The Jewel of the Nile continues to shine as a nostalgic gem in the world of action-adventure cinema.
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