Romancing the Stone

If you are after a comedy that actually makes you laugh out loud, Romancing the Stone is available in Australia on Disney Plus, and in the UK on Disney Plus right now. It says what it needs to say in one sitting, no filler. A 7/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Michael Douglas's performance alone is worth the time investment. Put it on tonight on Disney Plus and see for yourself.

Romancing the Stone is not trying to be everything to everyone, and that focus is exactly what makes it work. Sharp writing and a well-matched ensemble are what separate Romancing the Stone from the crowd. Though she can spin wild tales of passionate romance, novelist Joan Wilder has no life of her own. Then one day adventure comes her way in the form of a mysterious package. It turns out that the parcel is the ransom she'll need to free her abducted sister, so Joan flies to South America to hand it over. The chemistry Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner bring to it does a lot of the heavy lifting. It was released in 1984. The timing in Romancing the Stone is precise enough that even the throwaway lines land on a second watch. It knows exactly what it is, and does not try to be anything else.

For viewers who want something light without wanting something stupid, Romancing the Stone respects your intelligence. If you have run out of similar titles to watch, this is a strong next pick. The complete film is available and best experienced without too much prior knowledge of where it goes. Michael Douglas is funny in a way that holds up on rewatch. Put it on when you need something guaranteed to land.