The Lost City: A delightful romp through the jungle

The Lost City arrives in cinemas on April 15th.

With more than a few nods and winks to 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, at the same time, it also manages to feel decidedly fresh despite its recognisable structure and standard comedy riffs. Here Directors and co-writers Adam and Aaron Nee manage to 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.

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Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has led a successful career as a romance writer but is now suffering from burnout, as her successful series of adventure/romance novels feel like a ball and chain around her ankles. However, her cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum), continues to relish his sex symbol status as the recognisable leading man of her books, 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 that nobody could have anticipated as Loretta finds herself abducted by a maniacal billionaire, Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe). Fairfax believes that the lost city and treasure featured in Loretta’s books are genuine and flies her out to an active volcanic island where she is expected to translate texts that lead to the ancient prize.

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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 Radcliff (Standing), Channing Tatum and Sandra Bullock (seated) star in Paramount Pictures’ “THE LOST CITY.”

The following story is a delightful romp through the jungle with some 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, the cameo from Brad Pitt 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. There are moments where the gags falter and times where 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. There is nothing groundbreaking or unique here. 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 that entertains its audience through 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.

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