I enjoy treasure hunting movies, but I prefer watching a potential romantic couple rather than a lone treasure hunter going after the prize. Especially if the hero is the daredevil and the heroine is the scholar. Why? It’s every nerdy book girl’s fantasy to solve the puzzle and have the adventure of a lifetime while dazzling the world as she wins it all.
I’m guessing. 🙂
These treasure hunting movies tap into that specific fantasy. Here’s how:
The scholar is an equal match to the daredevil
So what if the heroine has no hands-on experience with weapons? Perhaps she should have spent more time on cardio than curled up on the couch with a book. And, yes, the brawny guy thinks she’s going to slow them down. It doesn’t matter because the brainiac has a knowledge base that allows her to overcome any obstacle. And if the daredevil becomes smitten with her determination and creativity? Then it turns out he’s also one smart cookie.
In Romancing the Stone (1984), the jungle is kicking Joan Wilder down, but she doesn’t admit defeat. With ingenuity, grit and a little bit of luck, she keeps up with adventurer guide. One might even point out she got across the river more efficiently and had time to top off that bravery with a little liquid courage before Jack caught up with her.
The game-changing secret weapon is a book
It’s possible that a bookworm is socially awkward and she uses books as a shield. Or it could be that books bring her comfort and entertainment. Whatever the reason, books change the lives of these women. Whether they write, study or search for their identities through them, a treasure-hunting heroine know how to get the most out of books.
In The Mummy (1999), Evie finds a fulfilling career as a librarian. She’s enthusiastic about every bit of trivia she learns and she knows how to find the most important detail at a crucial moment. She can also make mistakes like read aloud from the Book of the Dead. And if the swashbuckling hero isn’t that into books? No problem! She’s excited to share what she’s read to an attentive audience.
The scholar’s strengths are finally appreciated
In Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017), Carina Smyth is accused of being a witch because of her scientific mind. No one wants to listen to her. In fact, they want to punish her for being an intelligent woman. But Henry Turner has faith in her and her abilities. He believes she’s his best chance for completing a decade long quest in breaking a curse.
For every geeky girl who was picked last for the team, this is emotional justice. In a world where athleticism is celebrated and academia is often dismissed, the scholar finally gets her moment. Not only is she actively participating in the mission, but she’s also making the decisions.
And in true Hollywood fashion, the hero and heroine in these action-adventure movies discover the treasure and find their happily-ever-after. What more can your inner nerd ask for?