In some ways better than its predecessor, Romancing the Stone (perhaps because it takes its villains more seriously), this is an enjoyable if never blood-surging romp that takes up the story of its two main characters six months after Romancing.

In no time at all, Joan (Kathleen Turner) is in the middle of a desert war, with Jack (Michael Douglas) riding to the rescue.

There are some good action sequences thereafter (especially a lengthy one on a fast-moving train), with both stars doing a lot of their own stuntwork, something that adds to the excitement.

Turner and Douglas both ooze charisma and, in their relationship, strike all the right emotional sparks off each other.

Danny DeVito, as their diminutive pursuer, is seen to rather better advantage than in the first film.