The Plot
Paramount Pictures
The relationship between Loretta Sage and Alan Caprison lies at the center of The Lost City storyline:
“We just feel like it’s a great escape, like the movies that we grew up on when we were young, like ‘Raiders’ and ‘Romancing the Stone’ where it just feels like a joyful fun escape from life. And I hope it’s that for you.”
The Lost City is a much welcomed big-screen adventure comedy in the midst of more serious storylines, which have since recently taken a prominent place on the big-screen. Sandra Bullock starring as the romance novelist with the knowledge of a hidden treasure, only to be kidnaped by a billionaire obsessed with the said treasure and then be rescued by the handsome hero, played by Channing Tatum, with whom she has an almost love-hate relationship, positions the movie as an albeit cliché, light-hearted comedy.
Brilliant, but reclusive author Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) has spent her career writing about exotic places in her popular romance-adventure novels featuring handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum), who has dedicated his life to embodying the hero character, “Dash.” While on tour promoting her new book with Alan, Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes that she can lead him to the ancient lost city’s treasure from her latest story. Wanting to prove that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books, Alan sets off to rescue her. Thrust into an epic jungle adventure, the unlikely pair will need to work together to survive the elements and find the ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.
The movie’s storyline has drawn some criticism against the Nees siblings, as the film runs the risk of being a repetition of movies such as Romancing the Stone, only restructured to suit present times. However, the Nees can’t be blamed for relying on a narrative that has been a proven success over the years. The storyline has been recreated to offer viewers something they may knowingly or unknowingly be craving- a good, old-fashioned rom-com adventure. Despite the narrative being maybe a tad bit over-familiar, viewers cannot deny the hilarious quality that The Lost City embodies.
The Cast
Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, acting as the chemistry-filled main characters, portray Loretta Sage and Alan Caprison. Daniel Radcliffe takes on the role of villain Abigail Fairfax, playing a hugely different role from his days of wizardom. Brad Pitt has been cast as Jack Trainer, a handsome hero playing into the knight-in-shining-armor trope. In addition to this, Da’Vine Joy Randolph has been cast as Loretta’s publicist and best friend. Oscar Nunez, Raymond Lee, and Bowen Yang also make appearances in the film.
Brad Pitt’s Epic Cameo
Viewers have been left wondering about the epic cameo made by Brad Pitt. The cameo was shot over just four days and speaking to Entertainment Weekly, Bullock and Tatum agreed that Pitt stole the show. “And we let him. He just came in, and he tore it up. He’s really funny,” said Bullock. Bullock also solved the mystery by revealing to Entertainment Weekly that she and Pitt agreed on the appearance through a deal made via their mutual hairstylist. As per the deal, in exchange for Pitt appearing in The Lost City, Bullock would appear in Pitt’s upcoming thriller, Bullet Train.
The star-studded cast and light-hearted plot have set The Lost City on the path to being a success among viewers. Paramount released The Lost City only in theaters though many hope that the film will later be available to stream.
