The Reel Review
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum star in this action adventure rom-com about a reclusive, widowed romance novelist who ends up in a jungle adventure with her handsome but ditzy cover model after a wealthy archeologist (Daniel Ratcliffe) kidnaps her. He is convinced that her latest novel, The Lost City of D, contains clues to finding a hidden ancient city and its treasure.
It is the sheer likability, onscreen chemistry and impeccable comic timing of the leading duo (and some scene-stealing hilarity from Brad Pitt) that elevates this overwise formulaic, screwball riff on 1984’s Romancing the Stone, with a just dash of Tomb Raider thrown in. Fear not – there are funny parts in addition to those in the trailer. Da’Vine Joy Randolph (Dolemite is My Name), Bowen Yang (Saturday Night Live) and Oscar Nuñez (The Office, The Proposal) round out the cast.
The more obvious laughs are the film’s front loaded, big moments – among them, Brad Pitt as the ridiculously-nimble, overconfident special ops rescuer and a squeamish Bullock prying leeches off Tatum’s bare butt. (Yes it’s really his ass.) But it is the more subtle, off-color humor and the cute banter between Bullock and Tatum that really connects, as well as the cleverly constructed, sweet messages about not judging a book by its cover and taking chances in life. Is The Lost City groundbreaking cinema? Absolutely not. Is it sweet, mindless fun? Absolutely. Make sure to stick around for a surprise scene during the closing credits.
REEL FACTS
• Ryan Reynolds, who co-starred with Bullock in 2009’s The Proposal, initially was sought for the role that went to Channing Tatum.
• Sandra Bullock asked Brad Pitt to take part in The Lost City after becoming friends while doing a cameo in his action comedy, Bullet Train, which hits theaters in July 2022.
• The Lost City was filmed in the Dominican Republic.
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