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The Lost City
Stars: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Da’Vine Joy Randolph and Brad Pitt
Directors: Adam Nee and Aaron Nee
Scriptwriter: Seth Gordon
Composer: Pinar Toprak
Cinematography: Jonathan Sela
Fortis Films/Paramount Pictures
Rating: PG 13
Running Length: 112 Minutes 

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum have teamed to do an adventure film about the kidnapping of a romance novelist by a treasure hunter, and, of course, she needs someone to rescue her. Does this sound familiar? “Romancing The Stone” with Kathleen Turner (novelist) Michael Douglas (adventurer) and Danny DeVito (tag-a-long comedy). There was more laughter and humorous lines in the “Stone” film, and that made it rise up above other films released at that time. “The Lost City” can become lost at times, but Sandra Bullock’s almost-painted-on red jumpsuit, Tatum’s role as a muscular hunk out to rescue the authoress and Daniel Radcliffe (villain with a quip ready) make the movie agreeable. One surprise is to see the name of Brad Pitt in the film. Was he supposed to be the romantic hunk? Who knows, but he steals the film. 

As the story goes, Loretta (Bullock) writes novels full of adventure and romance. However, her own life is somewhat ordinary. Alan (Tatum) is the model for the covers of her books. Think Fabio here. Lurking in the background is Fairfax (Radcliffe) a rich guy who believes Loretta really knows where a lost city is and where its treasure is located. There are kidnappings and escapes and rescues and islands and tombs and enough to engage one’s attention. It is Brad Pitt who comes on unexpectedly.  Loretta’s publicist, Beth (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) is attention-getting in her scenes. The romance here comes on gradually, like a slight breeze from the sea and you begin to wonder if there will be a sequel. Hmm. 

Directors Adam Nee and Aaron Nee, fairly new to directing films, do good work here. They let the actors do their own thing. Bullock with quips and physical comedy. Tatum being the handsome hulk who sometimes seems lost, and Radcliffe as a villain removed from the James Bond-type.  

For an amusing almost-two hours, “The Lost City” will entertain. For Sandra Bullock fans, she may step away from movies for a bit to concentrate on family, while Channing Tatum is working on a "Magic Mike" third film. Yes, you read that right.  “The Lost City” isn’t lost, it has been found. Oh, yes, and if you are inclined to leave the movie theater without looking at the end credits, don’t do it this time. 

 

Copyright 2022 Marie Asner