ROMANCING THE STONE fans will completely be tickled to see another strong female author lost-in-adventure with, THE LOST CITY. Is this film as entertaining and fun as the 80s jungle odyssey?
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
I’ll be honest the trailer had me a little apprehensive to see this movie. I thought oh not again! Sandra Bullock full commitment to her displeased heroine was the perfect companion to Channing Tatum’s aloof charm. And add in the witty nature of Daniel Radcliffe and THE LOST CITY actually is engaging. Not that this is the summer hit film of 2022, but if you’re looking for a nice escape from reality this wild adventure is crisp and enjoyable.
Oscar Nunez, as Oscar (geez can’t get another name since the Office!) is a real saving grace with his secondary role, and his working off Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s Beth character added so much to the second half of the film. Everyone will love Brad Pitt’s cameo as the aptly named Jack Trainer. Overall though the film is all about the chemistry of Tatum and Bullock and the will they won’t they feel. DP Jonathan Sela and Editor Craig Alpert’s tremendous chops elevate the film to new heights with the quick paced action adventure elements of the film. This isn’t UNCHARTED level stunt work, but it is just as fun a ride through the jungle world.
Writers Dana Fox and Oren Uziel have added real polish to the young brother directors, Aaron and Adam Nee. The Nee’s have been given a big ask for Paramount to deliver a real experience and they have given an admirable piece of entertainment.
THE LOST CITY won’t change your world but it does give us a nice treat and worth a date night, family outing or friends bash out at the theaters.
Directed by: Aaron and Adam Nee
Written by: screenplay by Dana Fox, Oren Uziel, Aaron and Adam Nee. With Story By Seth Gordon
Rated: PG-13
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 1h 52min
Action Adventure Comedy
In Theaters March 25th
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Oscar Nunez, Brad Pitt, Patti Harrison, and Bowen Yang.
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen but wish I hadn’t paid for it.
