“The Lost City” Review

Story posted March 31, 2022 in

Directors and brothers Aaron and Adam Nee perfectly delivered an action and adventure film setting that was juxtaposed by characters ill-prepared for the situation to comedic effect.

In “The Lost City,” Sandra Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a romance author introduced as quite content on merely existing as a middle-aged woman.

She goes on a book tour, which was arranged by her publisher, Beth Hatten, portrayed by Da’Vine Joy Randolph and after an onstage appearance goes wrong, Sage gets kidnapped by Abigail Fairfax, played by Daniel Radcliffe. 

Sage’s cover model, Alan Caprison, portrayed by Channing Tatum, discovers what happens and notifies Hatten. The ensuing rescue plan to save Sage turns into an adventure that brings everyone out of their element.

Over the course of the film, the direction follows Sage’s transition from uncomfortable and reclusive to open and ready to meet the world. An indicator of this is her attire - she starts in a restrictive garment and finishes out the movie in something more agile.

This change would not have occurred without Caprison. Tatum expertly plays the character as someone who appears simpleminded, but is really misunderstood. 

As Sage and Caprison spend time together while evading Fairfax’s forces, she finds that there is more story beneath his cover and Caprison encourages Sage to keep moving forward.

Everyone brings energy to their roles. Bullock wonderfully illustrates Sage’s transformation, Tatum makes Caprison someone who cares about others and grows with confidence and Radcliffe perfectly makes out Fairfax to be an obsessive billionaire. 

Issues come from the beginning and some of the dialogue. The first act is uncomfortable to watch making viewers recoil at some lines, but it appears to be intentional. It served to contrast to how Sage felt at the time compared to the ending.

Albeit some dialogue that can make some uneasy, there is a treasure waiting for everyone in “The Lost City.”

Rating: 3 / 5 stars


David Myers is a fourth-year student majoring in telecommunications.  To contact him, email at d12amyers@gmail.com