The Lost City

"How do they keep finding us?"

"You're basically a walking disco ball."

Loretta Sage (Bullock) is the author of a popular romance series.  After the death of her husband 5 years ago, she became a recluse, avoiding life and her books.  She reluctantly finishes the latest book and agrees to a publicity tour, arranged by her publicist, Beth (Randolph).  Also on the tour is Alan (Tatum), the cover model on all of her books. Fans love Alan, but are unimpressed with Loretta.

Loretta is kidnapped by billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Radcliffe).  Abigail is seeking the lost city and crown of fire that was referenced in Loretta's latest novel.  He believes Loretta is the only one who can help him find the treasure, as she understands the ancient language.  Time is not on their side, as the city is located on an island with an active volcano that will destroy the site.  He flies her to the island and forces her to translate the clue.

Meanwhile, Alan feels responsible for not protecting Loretta and sets out to find and save her.  He manages to rescue Loretta, with the help of a tracker, Jack (Pitt). But the rescue does not go as planned, leaving Alan and Loretta stranded on the island with no phones, no vehicle, no weapons, no map, and no clue how to survive in the wild.  Can they survive a real adventure and find the crown?

A loose remake of the 1984 film Romancing the Stone.

The Good:

Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum have good chemistry.  Their characters can carry scenes on their own, but are best when they are together.  Daniel Radcliffe is a solid villain, and easy to cheer against.  The Brad Pitt scenes are also a highlight.

The Bad:

The side characters don't have much to do and are not fully realized characters.  The leeches scene... they go for the cheap laugh and take it to far.

Other Comments:

-As stated above, the basic premise (romance author, lost in the jungle, goes a reluctant adventure in the jungle) is very similar to Romancing the Stone

-Oscar Nuñez has a small, but memorable role as a pilot who helps Beth.

-I didn't enjoy this film as much as expected.  The main cast is enjoyable and the story is interesting, but something is missing: it needs more than the charisma of the stars.

The Lost City (2022) 112 minutes

Rating: PG-13 for violence and some bloody images, suggestive material, partial nudity and language

Director: Aaron Nee and Adam Nee

Starring: Sandra Bullock as Loretta Sage

Channing Tatum as Alan

Daniel Radcliffe as Abigail Fairfax

Da'Vine Randolph as Beth Hatten

Brad Pitt as Jack Trainer

Oscar Nuñez as Oscar

Patti Harrison as Allison