The Lost City/ Contributed
Springtime is post-Oscar season in Hollywood, which means it’s time for a lot of lighthearted rom-coms, action and adventure movies. The recently released The Lost City is all three of these genres in one movie and does not disappoint.
The Lost City is a Paramount production, directed by brothers Adad and Aaron Nee. This romcom adventure stars Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, and Brad Pitt (in an extended cameo that’s worth the price of admission alone).
Rated PG 13 for bloody images, some violence, language subjective material and partial nudity (including a frequently shirtless Chaning Tatum). With a running time of 1 hour and 52 minutes, the movie is fast paced and does not drag on at any point.
Sandra Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a reclusive author of a popular adventure novel series. Pining over her late husband’s death, Loretta is dissatisfied with the way her career has devolved from an archeologist to a writer of cheap and steamy romance novels. Chaning Tatum plays Alan, the handsome cover model to her series of books, whose popularity among the fan base has eclipsed her own. While on the book tour of her latest novel, which may be her last, Loretta is abducted by a megalomaniac billionaire played by Harry Potter himself, Danielle Radcliffe. Determined to prove that he is just as much of a hero as Dash (the character of her books), Alan sets out an adventure across the ocean and into the jungle to rescue Loretta. With the help of Beth, her publicist and a real life mercenary and former navy seal, played by Brad Pitt, comedy, action and adventure ensue. In the end, Loretta learns that her literature does have value and not to judge a book by its cover.
The hilarious chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Chaning Tatum carries the film. Every moment this duo is on screen together is comedy gold. I wouldn’t at all be surprised if because of this comedic team, The Lost City doesn’t become a franchise. The comedic writing is generous, however, as it gives all the actors a chance to shine and share the screen, with witty dialogue, satirical role reversals, and some very humorous, absurd situations. Look for some funny cameos from SNL’s Bowen Yang and Oscar Nunez from The Office.
As I mentioned earlier, the movie is fast paced and the action sequences are exciting while maintaining its lighthearted humor. Some of the action sequences and plot points are a little forced, as often is the case in this genre of movie. But if you’re willing to go along for the ride and suspend your disbelief, it’s an enjoyable movie.
I give the Lost City 4 out of 5 unicorns. This comedy which doesn’t at all take itself seriously, is the kind of movie we need right now. Recently shown exclusively in theaters, The Lost City is now available to stream on Paramount Plus. I’d just like to add that I saw this movie on the big screen at Orcas Island’s own Seaview Theater. The theater is open again after a two year closure due to the pandemic. It is incredibly hard for small theaters to remain in business these days. There’s nothing like movies on the big screen. Please try to support local theaters, in particular, The Seaview Theater!