The surprise hit of the year, The Lost City, has arrived this week on Blu-ray, DVD, and various digital formats. Starring Sandra Bullock, Daniel Radcliffe, and Channing Tatum (with a killer cameo by Brad Pitt), the film chronicles what happens when a romance writer—who has penned her fair share of amorous adventures—becomes the central soul in a kidnapping by the most eccentric of billionaires (Radcliffe, going bad in the most bloody brilliant of ways).
Directed by the Nee brothers (Aaron and Adam), the thrilling comedy is like a whiff of cinematic fresh air. The Lost City is the rare original film these days, that is not a remake, a sequel, or a superhero movie (except for horror, actually those creators are wildly creative, and yes, they have a bevy of sequels) and therefore it is a surprise that it did so well at the box office. Despite great reviews, fresh ideas have not been rewarded with box office receipts for the last several years (Baby Driver for example of a film that was heralded by critics, was wildly original, and flopped at the box office). That was certainly not the case with The Lost City.
Now, yes it bears some similarities with Romancing the Stone. The protagonist is a romance writer who utilizes ripped male models for her covers is the only connection between the two films.
The film truly nails the world of romance writing, as noticed by the legion of that genre’s authors and the comments online. Bullock’s portrayal is a love letter and a salute to those who make their livings penning about adventure, ripped bodices, and muscular men who aid the lovely lady in her struggle—whatever form that takes. It never weaves into satire and that is why the film works so well. It takes itself seriously, as it should. It has established this world that is based on one that exists in reality. Sure, it takes it to the ninth level creative license-wise, but that is what makes it so compelling and comedic.
The Oscar winner for The Blind Side proves once again why she is one of the few remaining movie stars coming out of Hollywood. Sure, Tatum is charming—more on him in a moment—but this is truly Bullock’s flick. Her characterization makes it or breaks it.
It’s that simple. The moment she appears onscreen in The Lost City, we feel an instant affinity with her and that is the greatest gift for any storyteller. Bullock’s Loretta Sage appears and she is one successful author, but that is honestly the only arena in her life that one would label “a positive.” She’s alone. Has no prospects, and frankly, doesn’t care—and that’s fine. But given the myriad of lavishly romantic worlds she creates with each passing novel, it does provide a fascinating contrast that plays out through the thrills of her kidnapping and “saving” by her cover model (Tatum), Alan.
Enter Radcliffe’s Abigail Fairfax (what a moniker!), who is behind her abduction, and his reasons for wanting the author could have been off the wall, or serious in their demands. Screenwriters Oren Uziel, Adam Nee, Dana Fox, and Aaron Nee smartly crafted a character in Fairfax that the Harry Potter actor could wrap his talents around and take to the stratosphere. The boy who starred in the biggest movie franchise in history has to be careful. He is so good in The Lost City, he is still young and should be aware of typecasting possibilities after Radcliffe’s turn in the Nee comedic thrill ride.
Tatum is his usual affable self. He has cornered the market on the buff, gorgeous, but has a heart of gold who also means well to the point of lunacy—lucky for us! Because that comes full force in his role as Alan (also Dash, come on, now!). Witnessing him alone should separate this film from its comparisons to Romancing the Stone. Seriously, its only connection is a romance writer out of her element in the jungle. That is all. Tatum is no Michael Douglas, whereas we could see the comparisons with Bullock to Kathleen Turner, putting any kind of connection between the Magic Mike star and the Fatal Attraction legend is like apples and oranges.
There are over 50 minutes of never-before-seen bonus content to enhance a Blu-ray that was already worthy of a purchase and an addition to the collection.
Leading the charge is a nice featurette that is aptly called Dynamic Duo. It focuses on the relationship between Loretta and Alan (Bullock and Tatum). Their chemistry is priceless and one can see why after witnessing this home video extra.
There is an element to films with exotic locales that put their main characters in challenging situations with the backdrop of what seems like paradise. Location Profile looks at that very aspect of the filmmaking process as it shines a spotlight on the Caribbean nation, the Dominican Republic, where the film was shot. This featurette looks at how locations were discovered, as well as how the enormous crew handled the one-two punch of monsoon-like rain and those lovely flying menaces, otherwise known as mosquitos.
Speaking of locations, check out Jungle Rescue—and discover how some of the film’s most engaging action sequences and stunt sequences were captured by the Nee’s cameras. Meanwhile, Building The Lost City takes a fascinating look at creating the island world that almost becomes a character in and of itself and The Jumpsuit, speaking of making an impression. Upon its release, one of the things most brought up discussing the film was the incredible jumpsuit that Bullock wore throughout the film. This featurette takes a deep dive into the design of Loretta’s jaw-dropping purple sequin jumpsuit.
There are deleted scenes that add layers to the entire The Lost City experience, a blooper reel that illustrates what a loose, ad-lib-friendly environment the Nees created on the set. The Villains of The Lost City introduces us to the film’s baddies—Abigail Fairfax and of course, his loyal henchmen. After witnessing the film and this bonus feature, Radcliffe has a future in villainy should he choose to accept it!
Lastly, leave The Lost City on a hilarious note with Charcuterie. It is a hysterical behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal kidnapping scene and in particular, discovering how dangerous a charcuterie board can be if used in a certain manner.
Film Grade: A-
Bonus Features: A