Romancing the Stone - 3/5

This movie is a parody of its own genre, trying at once to make fun of and be an adventure clone in the vein of Indiana Jones. And for that it largely succeeds, though many of the jokes fell flat for me and there’s too much mundanity to really make it an enduring classic. The lead actors fail to exude the confident charisma needed for the genre, with generally average performances that should have been stellar.

Content warning: Brief female nudity

Closest comparison: It’s like Galaxy Quest by way of Indiana Jones

Setting: Exotic Adventure
Plot: Adventure Parody
Tone: Action Adventure

Black Rain - 4/5

This film noir flew under the radar despite being directed by the legendary Ridley Scott. It’s got a fun, gritty feel without actually portraying the scum that seems like it might lurk around every corner. The main character is hard-boiled and almost likable despite himself. The setting is almost a character unto itself, and the movie showcases the surreptitious Japanese underground instead of relying on its few action setpieces. This is a great entry into the genre, and it’s a shame that it’s been relegated to obscurity.

Closest comparison: It’s like a small scale ‘The Untouchables’ by way of Blade Runner.

Setting: Modern Noir
Plot: Buddy Cop
Tone: Cyberpunk