Quartile rating: 5.5/10 · 1 rating
Ever in search of adventure, explorer Allan Quatermain agrees to join the beautiful Jesse Huston on a mission to locate her archaeologist father, who has been abducted for his knowledge of the legendary mines of King Solomon. As the kidnappers, led by sinister German military officer Bockner, journey into the wilds of Africa, Allan and Jesse track the party and must contend with fierce natives and dangerous creatures, among other perils.
This 1985 King Solomon's Mines is a shameless Raiders of the Lost Ark cash-in, transplanting the classic H. Rider Haggard adventure into a broadly comedic, action-packed romp. The plot is formulaic and episodic, stringing together set-pieces without much cohesion or tension. Richard Chamberlain and Sharon Stone have some charm but the acting is largely broad and campy, befitting the tone but not distinguishing the film. The African location photography provides some visual appeal, giving cinematography a modest edge. Novelty is low — the film openly borrows its template from Spielberg/Lucas and offers little that is distinctive or singular. The ending is perfunctory, wrapping up without real payoff.