Really, there’s not much to say about The Lost City other than it’s a mindless popcorn movie that’s refreshingly free of aliens, superheroes, or video game tie-ins.
Romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) struggled to finish her most recent book, The Lost City of D. Since the death of her archeologist husband, she’s found little inspiration for her work. In fact, she rarely has the energy to leave her house. When her publicist schedules her on a publicity tour with Dash (Channing Tatum), the Fabio-like cover model who has graced all of her books, Loretta decides she has had enough. When Loretta is kidnapped by a British billionaire, Dash — who’s real name is Alan — has to come to her rescue.
Pairing Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum together in a romantic comedy that — at times — smacks of Romancing the Stone could have been a gamble on the part of directors Aaron and Adam Nee. Thankfully, it pays off in a pleasantly breezy, guilt-free time-waster of a film. The Lost City includes elements of the many action/adventure movies that have come before it. The script by the Nees, Oren Uziel and Dana Fox never takes anything seriously. In fact, it’s clear from the opening scene that the filmmakers know the appropriate adventure movie tropes and embrace them lovingly.
What could have been the most delightful surprise of the film was, sadly, spoiled by the trailer. Brad Pitt appears as Jack Trainer, an ex-Navy SEAL hired to find Loretta. Pitt’s extended cameo generates the biggest laughs of the movie. Perhaps they would have been bigger had his appearance not been telegraphed by the studio.
Bullock’s unapologetically smart Loretta and Tatum’s blissfully unaware Alan combine for some satisfyingly hilarious banter. I’m not entirely sure they’d make a successful couple in real-life, but they’re the perfect oil and water mix required for a romantic comedy.
Daniel Radcliffe, as billionaire Abigail Fairfax, makes for a very hammy villain. It’s fun to see him play yet another role as far-removed from Harry Potter as he can get. Da’Vine Joy Randolph and The Office‘s Oscar Nunez don’t add a lot to the mix but they’re adequate in their supporting roles.
Really, there’s not much to say about The Lost City other than it’s a mindless popcorn movie that’s refreshingly free of aliens, superheroes, or video game tie-ins. If you’re looking for a movie that fits that description, look no further.
3.5 out of 5.0 stars
