The Lost City (2022) Movie Review: Where to Watch Online
Released in 2022, The Lost City is a high-energy action-comedy starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Radcliffe. Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee, the film offers an exciting blend of adventure, romance, and humor. Featuring a storyline reminiscent of classic adventure films like Romancing the Stone (1984), The Lost City brings a fresh take on the genre with its quirky characters and exotic setting. With a star-studded cast and stunning visuals, The Lost City quickly became one of the most fun cinematic experiences of 2022.
In this review, we’ll break down the plot, performances, themes, and where you can watch The Lost City online.
Plot Summary
The story follows Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock), a reclusive romance novelist who has grown tired of her own success. Once a serious historian, Loretta now spends her days writing bestselling romance-adventure novels featuring an archeologist hero, Dash, who is modeled after her late husband. Although her books are wildly popular, Loretta has become disillusioned with her career, preferring to stay out of the limelight.
During a press tour for her latest book, Loretta is kidnapped by the eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), who believes that she can lead him to the real-life treasure described in her novel, which is hidden in the jungle. Abigail is convinced that the ancient city described in her book, The Lost City of D, is real and that Loretta holds the key to finding it.
Unbeknownst to Abigail, Loretta’s clueless cover model, Alan Caprison (Channing Tatum), who portrays “Dash” on her book covers, decides to mount a daring rescue mission. Though ill-equipped for the adventure, Alan is determined to prove that he can be a real hero, not just a fictional one. Along the way, Loretta and Alan form an unlikely partnership as they navigate treacherous jungles, outwit kidnappers, and search for the legendary treasure.
Why The Lost City is a Must-Watch
- Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum’s Chemistry: At the heart of The Lost City is the undeniable comedic chemistry between Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum. Bullock shines as the jaded, introverted Loretta, while Tatum brings his signature charm and humor as the bumbling but well-meaning Alan. Their dynamic is playful and endearing, driving much of the film’s humor as their mismatched personalities clash throughout their jungle adventure.
- A Throwback to Classic Adventure Films: The Lost City evokes the spirit of 80s adventure films like Romancing the Stone and Indiana Jones, blending romance and action in a fun, escapist package. The film pays homage to the adventure-comedy genre while updating it with modern humor and sensibilities. The exotic locations, thrilling chase sequences, and hidden treasure plot will delight fans of classic adventure tales.
- Daniel Radcliffe’s Villainous Turn: Known for his role as the iconic boy wizard in the Harry Potter series, Daniel Radcliffe delivers a wonderfully eccentric performance as Abigail Fairfax, the film’s villain. Fairfax is a spoiled billionaire who will stop at nothing to find the treasure, and Radcliffe plays him with a manic energy that is equal parts hilarious and menacing. His over-the-top villainy is a perfect counterbalance to the film’s lighthearted tone.
- Surprising Action Sequences: While primarily a comedy, The Lost City features surprisingly well-executed action sequences. From daring rescues to jungle chases, the film keeps the audience engaged with fast-paced action that complements the humor. Channing Tatum, in particular, gets plenty of opportunities to showcase his physical comedy skills during these scenes, adding to the film’s appeal.
- A Story of Self-Discovery and Empowerment: Beyond the humor and action, The Lost City is also a story about personal growth. Loretta’s journey from a reluctant, cynical author to someone who rediscovers her passion for adventure mirrors Alan’s own transformation from a superficial model into a brave, albeit unlikely, hero. The film explores themes of self-discovery, empowerment, and the importance of embracing the unexpected.
Key Themes in The Lost City
- Rediscovering One’s Passion: Loretta’s arc centers on her journey to rediscover her passion for adventure and life itself. She starts the film feeling trapped by the success of her novels and mourning the loss of her husband, but her experience in the jungle forces her to reconnect with her love for history and exploration. The film subtly explores how grief and loss can cause someone to retreat from life and how unexpected experiences can reignite their passion.
- The Power of Perception: A recurring theme in the film is the idea of perception versus reality. Alan, the handsome but dim-witted model, is initially perceived as little more than eye candy, but he surprises both Loretta and himself by stepping up to the challenges of the jungle. Similarly, Loretta’s character is perceived as fragile and unadventurous by those around her, but she proves herself to be resourceful and brave. The film challenges these surface-level judgments, emphasizing that people are often capable of more than they seem.
- Finding Courage in Unlikely Places: The film shows that bravery comes in many forms, often from unexpected sources. Alan, who is used to playing a fictional hero, learns that real courage is about taking risks and pushing beyond his comfort zone. Loretta, too, learns to embrace her own inner strength, proving that she doesn’t need anyone to rescue her. These characters’ journeys reflect the film’s message that courage can be found within, even in the most unlikely of circumstances.
Where to Watch The Lost City Online
1. Paramount+
The Lost City is available for streaming on Paramount+. Subscribers can watch the film in HD on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, mobile devices, and tablets.
- Availability: Streaming (Subscription required)
2. Amazon Prime Video
You can rent or purchase The Lost City on Amazon Prime Video. It is available in both standard and HD formats.
- Rental Price: $4.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $19.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
3. Apple TV (iTunes)
The Lost City is also available for rent or purchase on Apple TV (iTunes). It can be streamed on Apple devices or downloaded for offline viewing.
- Rental Price: $4.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $19.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
4. Google Play Movies & TV
On Google Play, the film is available for rent or purchase in HD. It can be streamed on Android devices, smart TVs, or via Chromecast.
- Rental Price: $4.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $19.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
5. Vudu
Vudu offers The Lost City for rent or purchase in HD. It can be streamed on various devices, including Roku, smart TVs, and gaming consoles.
- Rental Price: $4.99 (HD)
- Purchase Price: $19.99 (HD)
- Availability: Rental and Purchase
Is The Lost City on Netflix?
As of now, The Lost City is not available on Netflix. However, it can be found on Paramount+ for streaming and is available for rent or purchase on various other platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play.
Conclusion
The Lost City is a perfect blend of adventure, comedy, and romance, offering a fun, escapist experience for audiences. With its charismatic leads, Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, delivering hilarious and heartfelt performances, and Daniel Radcliffe’s delightfully villainous turn, the film is an enjoyable throwback to the adventure genre.
Fans of lighthearted, action-packed comedies will find plenty to love in The Lost City. Whether you’re drawn to the jungle escapades, the humor, or the surprisingly deep character development, this film offers something for everyone. And with its wide availability on streaming platforms like Paramount+ and rental services like Amazon Prime Video, it’s an easy choice for a movie night full of laughs and excitement.
