REVIEW: ‘The Lost City’ movie is a silly, fun adventure that plays to the strengths of its stars Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum

SALT LAKE CITY — Some movies will be remembered forever as the height of the cinematic art, or for their exploration of a difficult issue, or for bringing to light areas that have traditionally been obscured.

But not all movies aspire to this. Some are content to just be entertaining. They know what they are, they know what they do well, and then they just go out and do it.

The Lost City, starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, and directed by siblings Aaron and Adam Nee, fits firmly into the latter category.

THE STORY

While on tour promoting her new book, brilliant but reclusive romance-adventure novelist Loretta Sage (Bullock) is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) who hopes she can lead him to the supposedly real treasure in the ancient lost city from her latest story.

Heading to rescue her is Alan (Tatum), the handsome-but-not-very-bright hunk who has posed for the covers of all her books.  Alan has dedicated his life to embodying Dash, the main character from Loretta’s novels, and he’s hoping to prove to her (and himself) that he can be a hero in real life and not just on the pages of her books.

Once the pair join up, they’ll need trust and rely on each other in order to survive the jungle, escape the villain, and maybe even find an ancient treasure before it’s lost forever.

THINGS I LIKED

The Nee brothers obviously recognized what they had in Bullock and Tatum, and built the movie around their strengths. Both have proven their comedic chops in multiple past films, both continue to look great, and the movie’s story is the perfect vehicle for their particular talents.

Brad Pitt provides a hilarious and macho cameo as a guy Alan reaches out to for help in the rescue. Da’Vine Joy Randolph also steals a few scenes as Bullock’s publisher, who wants to help with her friend’s rescue but always seems a step or two behind in the chase.

The bearded Radcliffe moves further away from his Harry Potter persona as the wild-eyed, evil billionaire obsessed with finding the treasure and not caring who gets hurt or killed along the way.

With comedy movies, there’s always the danger that a trailer gives away too many of the funny moments, but I was pleased that there were plenty of other hilarious scenes and lines of dialogue that were unspoiled.

WARNINGS

The Lost City is rated PG-13 for violence, some bloody images, suggestive material, and the requisite salty language used in any action movie or comedy.

There’s also a couple of lingering shots of Tatum’s naked posterior, but it’s hardly titillating since it’s covered in leeches when they show it.

The run time is 1 hour and 52 minutes. There is a mid-credits scene worth sticking around to watch.

FINAL THOUGHTS

The Lost City is a funny movie that’s exactly what it looks like: A vehicle for the stars involved.

If you liked Bullock in Miss Congeniality or The Heat, you’ll probably like this. If you thought Tatum was funny in 21 Jump Street or its sequel, you’ll probably think he’s funny here.

Writers Adam Nee, Oren Uziel and Dana Fox keep the story light, funny and constantly moving. Sure, the bad guy is underdeveloped and the more you think about it the plot and certain situations, the more questions you’ll probably have. But overall, it’s just a fun watch.

Final Rating: THREE out of FOUR stars

WHERE TO WATCH

The Lost City is playing exclusively in theaters.