Sandra Bullock is one of those actors that it’s hard not to enjoy. She got her start in the late 80s and by the mid-90s had become a recognizable name. She built some respectable comedy chops in those early years. From “Love Potion #9” to “While You Were Sleeping,” she had that goofy, cute, girl-next-door vibe. Even in 1994’s “Speed,” this was her persona, albeit in the midst of all-out action craziness.
In the last several years, Bullock has appeared in fewer movies, and those movies have often been more serious in tone, like “Gravity,” and the Netflix movies “Bird Box” and “The Unforgivable.” Recently, the Oscar winning actress appeared in something a little more light-hearted- the action-adventure comedy “The Lost City.” Was the movie a good romp in the jungle or a dud that will earn Bullock another Razzie? Read on for my review!
“The Lost City” was released in late March and has made some good headway in this year’s box office, hovering around the number 5 or 6 mark for most earnings this year domestically. In other words, people seem to like it. And I personally found it very likable!
The story revolves around author Loretta Sage, an adventure-romance novelist. Sage writes about a fictional hunky hero named Dash McMahon, who is portrayed by cover model Alan Caprison.(Channing Tatum plays this Fabio-esque figure.) Her publisher, Beth, insists that the author must embark on a book tour with Alan to promote her latest work. At her first book tour event, Loretta is kidnapped by the eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax, played by Harry Potter himself, Daniel Radcliffe.
Fairfax is trying to cash in on Loretta’s knowledge of archeology and ancient languages to help him find a lost treasure on a remote Atlantic Island. He won’t take no for an answer and drags Loretta to the island against her will. Alan, who had seen Loretta get snatched by Fairfax, sounds the alarm and insists on helping find her. Action and hilarity ensue in the jungle as Loretta and Alan try to escape Fairfax, deal with some confusing feelings and maybe even get in on the treasure hunt.
This movie is just plain fun. The plot is kind of predictable but it’s such a good time, I didn’t care. There were several laugh out loud moments, and the chemistry between Bullock and Tatum was solid. We don’t get to see this kind of movie often enough anymore…the action adventure that is part romantic comedy that actually works. If you’re a fan of movies like “Romancing the Stone” (an oldy but goody), you’re probably going to enjoy “The Lost City.”
The supporting performances were a lot of fun too. Radcliffe as the loony rich guy was great. It’s hard not to see Harry Potter on screen when he’s acting but as he spirals out of control and waves a gun around, I almost got there. Loretta’s’ publicist played by Da’Vine Joy Randolph is also great as a woman stretched and stressed beyond her breaking point. There is also a wonderful cameo early in the movie by a very well-known actor who plays the guru and tracker helping find Loretta. I won’t spoil who it is, even though he’s in the movie previews. I’ll just say the movie is worth seeing for this cameo alone.
“The Lost City” has recently been playing in small-town theaters, and I see that it’s still in some bigger cineplexes as well. I imagine it will be available to rent online and stream in the near future. Whatever you have to do, make an effort to see this one if you like action-adventures, any of these actors or fun in general. From Loretta pulling leaches off the chiseled Alan’s behind to a volcano eruption chasing the heroes, it’s a great romp of a movie!
As always email comments and suggestions to Bridget at news@wrightcountymonitor.com.
