Sit back and let the jungle consume you, because The Lost City reminds you that adventure-based romantic comedies are alive and well in modern Hollywood. The Lost City arrives in cinemas on April 15th.
With more than a few nods and winks to the 1984 hit Romancing the Stone and its 1985 sequel Jewel in the Nile, The Lost City regularly feels like a throwback to 80s Hollywood’s obsession with adventure-laced romantic comedy. However, it also feels decidedly fresh despite its recognisable structure and standard comedy riffs. Directors and co-writers Adam and Aaron Nee pull off a rare win: an addictive comedy-adventure movie full of fizz. The Lost City is the equivalent of cinema comfort food, with its butter-soaked gags, sweet-and-sour romance, and sugar-coated performances. Adam and Aaron Nee not only understand its place as a feel-good romantic adventure comedy but also encourage a sense of escapism often missing in many modern big-screen comedy outings.
READ MORE: SONIC THE HEDGEHOG 2
Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has led a successful career as a romance writer but is now suffering from burnout, and her successful series of adventure/romance novels feels like a ball and chain around her ankles. However, her cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), still relishes his status as a sex symbol, embodying his fictional character with gusto.
Forced into yet another publicity event, Loretta has already decided to end the book series, something Alan is unaware of as he bounces onto the stage, only for Loretta to announce his character’s demise. Like a wounded puppy, Alan is dismayed as Loretta leaves; after all, her books are his bread and butter. But as the book promotion ends, events take a turn no one could have anticipated when Loretta is abducted by a maniacal billionaire, Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe). Fairfax believes the lost city and treasure featured in Loretta’s books are real and flies her to an active volcanic island, where she is expected to translate texts that lead to the ancient prize.
READ MORE: JACKASS FOREVER
However, as Loretta sits tied to a chair in the scorching heat, Alan decides to mount a rescue attempt with the help of a meditation guru and action man named Jack (Brad Pitt). But when the rescue attempt goes tit’s up, Alan and Loretta are forced into the jungle with only each other for protection as Fairfax hunts them down with a group of Bond-inspired henchmen.
L-r Daniel Radcliffe (Standing), Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock (seated) star in Paramount Pictures’ “THE LOST CITY.”
The story is a delightful romp through the jungle, with fabulous one-liners and cracking performances from Radcliffe, Tatum, and Bullock, all of whom seem to be having the utmost fun with their characters. Meanwhile, Brad Pitt’s cameo is nothing short of genius as he glides through the jungle, dispatching henchmen with ease. However, The Lost City does suffer from the same weakness as many modern comedies: pacing. At times, the gags falter, and the film’s runtime feels slightly too long, given the simple story at its heart.
But despite this weakness, The Lost City remains enjoyable, fresh and delightfully light throughout. Nothing here is groundbreaking or unique. Yet, The Lost City remains a pleasure as it whisks you away to a volcanic island for some good old-fashioned ’80s-inspired adventure, romance, and comedy. Here, the film’s ability to provide pure escapism, entertaining its audience with giggles and belly laughs, is just what we all need. So sit back and let the jungle consume you because The Lost City is here to remind you that adventure-based romantic comedies are alive and well in modern Hollywood.
Follow Us