In the past few years, I have found myself less and less relating to the main characters in films and have instead seen myself relating more to the moms in the stories. Being a mom myself in my 30s, I guess it was inevitable. But for the Adventure/Comedy ‘The Lost City’ starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, I could easily relate with the character portrayed by Sandra Bullock, Loretta Sage is a successful novelist who writes racy, romantic adventure stories, which features the fictional hero Dash McMahon who is portrayed in the cover by model Alan (Channing Tatum). Think ‘Precious Hearts Romance’ novels with a hunky Chaning Tatum-like man on the cover, wearing a sheer white polo shirt and with long golden locks,and with a beautiful lady in their arms.
After the death of her archeologist husband, Loretta has become a recluse, rarely leaving her home, if at all. She spends her day, forcing herself to finish her book. Uninspired and feeling that the books have become more about its cover model Alan/Dash (Channing Tatum). Loretta dreads going on its book tour. As she has become overshadowed by Alan, which is especially more pronounced with the many swooning fans who cheer for him during these events.
During the book tour’s first stop, Loretta is dressed in a low-cut, sequined jumpsuit, much to her chagrin and indignation. Beth, Loretta’s well-meaning publisher insists that she wear the jumpsuit (which is on loan) and that she do the press tour with Alan.
Following an embarrassing and disastrous Q&A with fans, Loretta and Alan exchange unpleasant and hurtful words. Alan, wanting to make up, chases after Loretta only to discover that she has been taken!
Eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) is responsible for Loretta’s kidnapping and will not stop until the Crown of Fire becomes his.
Hilarity ensues when Alan insists on rescuing Loretta, with the help of a skilled and mysterious soldier for hire Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt-in a very funny and amusing cameo). Unfit to trek through jungle terrain, Loretta and Alan struggle with leeches, walking in uncomfortable shoes and in Loretta’s case, a sparkly sequined jumpsuit.
Part of the charm is that Loretta and Alan are no Lara Croft or Nathan Drake, far from it. They are a couple of pampered indoor types from Los Angeles, who have to survive the jungle, without the right equipment and in the most ridiculous clothes.
Lots of laughs and lots of heart. ‘The Lost City’ is just a damn good time in the cinema. There’s a lot to laugh about, from the hilarious situations our two unlikely leads find themselves in to the witty and funny script and the comedic performance of Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Daniel Radcliffe continues with his spree of playing villains and it’s fun to see him just have fun with this role. Speaking of having fun, Brad Pitt also has a super fun cameo in the film. The film is also about living your life to the fullest despite setbacks and is also a reminder that we all deserve a second chance at life and in love.