Announcements
The Lost City (titled The lost city in Latin America and Lost City in Brazil) is a romantic adventure comedy released in 2022, directed by the brothers Aaron and Adam Nee. The film mixes the spirit of the classics of the 'Peccomo' genre Romancing the Stone (1984) Goat with a contemporary approach loaded with humor, parody and charisma.
Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, with notable appearances by Daniel Radcliffe and a hilarious cameo from Brad Pitt, The Lost City it offers a light, fun and colorful experience, ideal for those looking for unpretentious but stylish entertainment.
Announcements
It is one of the biggest budget romantic comedies of recent years, with an ambitious production that combines action, romance, self-reference and a rhythm that does not falter.
Synopsis
Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) is a writer of popular romance and adventure novels, starring fictional archaeologist Dr. Angela Lovemore and her handsome partner Dash. Loretta, however, leads a lonely life, is a widow, and feels disconnected from both her stories and the outside world.
Announcements
On a promotional tour for her new book, she accompanies her Alan Caprison (Channing Tatum), the model who embodies “Dash” on the covers of his novels. Although Alan is charming, Loretta sees him as a superficial man who does not understand the true content of his stories.
Everything changes when Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), an eccentric billionaire antiques collector, kidnaps Loretta believing that she can find a legendary lost city and its treasure: the “Corona de Fuego”, mentioned in his books. Fairfax is convinced that Loretta has the keys to decipher an ancient language that will lead him to the treasure.
Alan, wanting to prove that he can be more than just a pretty face, sets out on a rescue mission with the help of Jack Trainer (Brad Pitt), a highly trained mercenary. However, things quickly get complicated, and Alan and Loretta are forced to survive in the jungle, face ancient traps, and learn to trust each other.
Cast
- Sandra Bullock like Loretta Sage: Intelligent, sarcastic and somewhat cynical writer. Her evolution from lonely scholar to adventurer is one of the film's strong points.
- Channing Tatum like Alan /Dash: Muscular and somewhat naive model, but with a good heart. Surprises with a well-balanced comic performance.
- Daniel Radcliffe like Abigail Fairfax: Eccentric villain, obsessed with relics and a wounded ego. His performance is a mix of intensity and absurd comedy.
- Brad Pitt like Jack Trainer: A professional mercenary who appears briefly but leaves an unforgettable impression. His character satirizes the typical action hero.
- Da'Vine Joy Randolph like Beth: Loretta's literary agent, who brings additional humor and chaotic moments in the search for her missing client.
- Oscar Nuñez like Oscar: An eccentric airplane pilot who helps the protagonists.
Criticisms
The Lost City it received mostly positive reviews, with praise directed at the film's light tone, its charismatic cast, and the ability to mix genres without taking it too seriously.
Highlights:
- Chemistry among the protagonists: Bullock and Tatum form an effective comic couple, with good pacing and genuinely funny moments.
- Self-referential comedy: The film plays with the clichés of the adventure genre without falling into complete parody, maintaining a balance between homage and mockery.
- Constant entertainment: Keeps the viewer interested with action, humor, romance and surprises.
- Well-used cameos: Especially Brad Pitt, who steals every scene he appears in.
Negative reviews:
- Predictable history: It follows a classic structure and does not offer major narrative twists.
- Little threatening villain: Although funny, Radcliffe's character does not represent much real danger.
- Hurried ending: Some critics noted that climax resolves too quickly and easily.
Public reception
The film was very well received by the general public, especially as an ideal choice for an uncomplicated trip to the cinema. Its mix of romance, adventure and humor attracted diverse groups, from couples to families.
In Rotten Tomatoes, The Lost City it has an approximate score of 79% by the public and 83% of generalist criticism, indicating a pretty solid reception for a romantic comedy.
In IMDb, the film maintains a rating around 6.1/10, reflecting its status as “culpable pleasure” or relaxed entertainment.
At the box office, it was a considerable success, raising more than 190 million dollars worldwide, far exceeding its estimated budget of 70 million. This showed that romantic comedies can still succeed on the big screen if they are well executed and have major stars.
Technical and visual aspects
- Cinematography: The tropical and jungle locations are well used. Although much of it was filmed in the Dominican Republic, it manages to convey a feeling of exotic adventure.
- Production design: Ancient tombs, traps and treasure maps have that touch of pulp” “fiction that fits well with the light tone of the film.
- Costumes: Special mention to the bright and glamorous fuchsia jumpsuit that Sandra Bullock wears throughout much of the film, which contrasts comically with the jungle environment.
- Special effects: They are modest but sufficient for the type of production. Total realism is not sought, but visual support for humor and adventure.
- Music: Pinar Toprak's soundtrack brings energy to the action and romance scenes, without standing out too much, but accompanying the rhythm of the story well.
Conclusion
The Lost City it's exactly what it promises: a fresh, friendly and well-acted adventure comedy. It does not try to reinvent the genre, but it does update it with humor, self-reference and a more modern and relaxed approach.
Sandra Bullock demonstrates why she remains one of the most charismatic actresses in cinema, while Channing Tatum surprises with a mix of vulnerability and very effective physical comedy. Brad Pitt's participation adds extra comic value, and Daniel Radcliffe once again demonstrates that he is willing to take on eccentric roles far removed from his past like Harry Potter.
In an era dominated by superheroes and dark franchises, The Lost City it is presented as a reminder that light, colorful and romantic cinema still has an important place. It is ideal for those who enjoy the classic adventure genre but with a modern twist.
