The Lost City (2022) – Adventure, romance, and humor in the jungle

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 NeeThe film blends the spirit of the classics of the genre —such as Romancing the Stone (1984)— with a contemporary approach full of humor, parody and charisma.

Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, with notable appearances by Daniel Radcliffe and a hilarious cameo by Brad Pitt, The Lost City offers a light, fun, and colorful experience, ideal for those seeking unpretentious yet stylish entertainment.

It's one of the highest-budget romantic comedies of recent years, with an ambitious production that combines action, romance, self-reference, and a pace that never lets up.

Synopsis

Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) is a writer of wildly popular romance and adventure novels starring the fictional archaeologist Dr. Angela Lovemore and her handsome partner, Dash. Loretta, however, leads a solitary life, a widow, and feels disconnected from both her stories and the outside world.

On a promotional tour for her new book, she accompanies her Alan Caprison (Channing Tatum), the model who embodies "Dash" on the covers of her novels. Although Alan is charming, Loretta sees him as a superficial man who doesn't understand the true meaning of her stories.

Everything changes when Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), an eccentric billionaire antiques collector, kidnaps Loretta, believing she can find a legendary lost city and its treasure: the "Crown of Fire," mentioned in his books. Fairfax is convinced that Loretta holds the keys to deciphering an ancient language that will lead him to the treasure.

Alan, wanting to prove 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 the jungle, confront ancient traps, and learn to trust each other.

Cast

• Sandra Bullock as Loretta SageA smart, sarcastic, and somewhat cynical writer, her evolution from solitary scholar to adventurer is one of the film's strong points.
• Channing Tatum as Alan / DashA muscular, somewhat naive model, but with a good heart. He surprises with his well-balanced comic performance.
• Daniel Radcliffe as Abigail FairfaxAn eccentric villain, obsessed with relics and suffering from a bruised ego. His performance is a blend of intensity and absurd comedy.
• Brad Pitt as Jack Trainer: A professional mercenary who appears briefly but leaves an unforgettable impression. His character satirizes the typical action hero.
• Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Beth: Loretta's literary agent, who brings additional humor and chaotic moments to the search for her missing client.
• Oscar Nuñez as Oscar: An eccentric airplane pilot who helps the protagonists.

Reviews

The Lost City It received mostly positive reviews, with praise directed at the film's lighthearted tone, its charismatic cast, and its ability to blend genres without taking itself too seriously.

Positive highlights:

• Chemistry between the protagonists: Bullock and Tatum make an effective comic duo, with good timing and genuinely funny moments.
• Self-referential comedyThe 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 cameosEspecially Brad Pitt, who steals every scene he's in.

Negative reviews:

• Predictable story: It follows a classic structure and does not offer major narrative twists.
• Unthreatening villain:Although funny, Radcliffe's character does not pose much real danger.
• Hasty endingSome critics noted that the climax is resolved too quickly and easily.

Public reception

The film was very well received by the general public, especially as an ideal choice for a hassle-free movie night. Its blend of romance, adventure, and humor appealed to diverse audiences, 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, which indicates a pretty solid reception for a romantic comedy.

In IMDb, the film maintains a rating around 6.1/10, reflecting its status as a “guilty pleasure” or relaxed entertainment.

At the box office, it was a considerable success, raising more than $190 million worldwide, grossing far exceeding its estimated budget of $70 million. This proved that romantic comedies can still succeed on the big screen if they're well-executed and have strong stars.

Technical and visual aspects

• CinematographyThe tropical and jungle locations are well utilized. Although much of it was filmed in the Dominican Republic, it manages to convey a sense of exotic adventure.
• Production design: Ancient tombs, traps, and treasure maps have that pulp fiction feel that fits well with the film's lighthearted tone.
• Locker roomSpecial mention to the bright and glamorous fuchsia jumpsuit that Sandra Bullock wears for much of the film, which contrasts comically with the jungle setting.
• Special effectsThey're modest but sufficient for the type of production. The goal isn't total realism, but rather visual support for the humor and adventure.
• MusicPinar Toprak's soundtrack brings energy to the action and romance scenes, without standing out too much, but accompanying the story's rhythm well.

Conclusion

The Lost City It's exactly what it promises: a fresh, engaging, and well-acted adventure comedy. It doesn't attempt to reinvent the genre, but rather updates it with humor, self-reference, and a more modern, relaxed approach.

Sandra Bullock proves why she remains one of cinema's most charismatic actresses, while Channing Tatum surprises with a highly effective blend of vulnerability and physical comedy. Brad Pitt's participation adds extra comedic value, and Daniel Radcliffe once again demonstrates his willingness to take on eccentric roles far removed from his past, such as Harry Potter.

In an era dominated by superheroes and dark franchises, The Lost City It serves as a reminder that lighthearted, colorful, and romantic cinema still has a place. It's ideal for those who enjoy the classic adventure genre with a modern twist.