Welcome to the jungle that is Allan Quatermain and the Lost City of Gold, a 1987 gem directed by Gary Nelson. This action, adventure, and comedy movie is as much a tangled web of excitement as it is a blast from the past. If you’re up for a flashback to the glorious '80s, stick with me through this review!
Let’s dive into the plot, shall we? We're thrown into the rugged and wild heart of Africa, where Allan Quatermain (played by Richard Chamberlain) and his partner-in-crime, Jesse Huston (Sharon Stone), embark on a mission. The quest? A journey to uncover the secrets behind a mysterious old gold piece that may lead them to a lost white race. It’s like the precursor to Indiana Jones with its own unique antics and spectacular absurdity.
The plot seems absurd at times—seriously, a lost white race?—but that’s part of the charm. It mingles action and comedy with a hint of slapstick. The writers, taking inspiration from H. Rider Haggard, create a narrative that’s more about the ride than the arrival. Themes of loyalty, bravery, and a sprinkle of swashbuckling whimsy are threaded through the screenplay penned by the likes of Gene Quintano and Lee Reynolds.
When it comes to acting, there’s James Earl Jones—yes, Darth Vader himself, lending gravitas to the chaotic adventure as Umslopogaas. Meanwhile, Richard Chamberlain gives it his all as the dashing but bumbling Quatermain. And then there's Sharon Stone, in a pre-Basic Instinct role, showcasing her potential in the comedic realm with flair. The cinematography captures the lush African landscapes, even if the special effects are as retro as a friend’s mullet from high school.
Comparing this film to others from the same era, you can’t ignore the shadow of Indiana Jones looming over it. Sure, it doesn’t pack the polish of Spielberg’s masterpieces, but it delivers gritty, old-school adventure similar to movies like Romancing the Stone. If you’ve got a soft spot for films that fire off campy energy faster than a shootout, then this is a must-see.
If you’re a fan of vintage adventure flicks with a hint of comedy, this is a must-watch! Even as you chuckle at some of the more exaggerated sequences, you’ll likely appreciate the simpler time in cinema it brings alive—without a CGI overload. So grab your popcorn, pop this old classic on, and take a stroll down memory lane—well, more like a wild sprint through the wilderness!