If there’s one Hollywood formula audiences can’t get enough of, it’s a blend of romance, adventure, and humor that immediately hooks you from the opening scene. Timelessclassics likeThe Princess Bride,Romancing the Stone,andThe African Queenhave proven that the winning mash-up of genres remains a hot commodity in cinema, as fans love to live vicariously through these exciting characters and the epic journeys they embark upon.
In 2022, Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum teamed up to star in the rip-roaring hitThe Lost City, which follows a romance novelist as she finds herself swept up in a real-life adventure after she is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire. The film was a massive success and helped revitalize the genre while inspiring countless other imitators, including 2023’sFreelance,which features John Cena and Allison Brie as a mismatched pair attempting to make it out of a dangerous jungle alive. The flick failed to make a splash upon its release, and curious viewers should instead revisitThe Lost Cityto scratch their adventure itch.
Bullock & Tatum Brilliantly Serve Up Excitement & Romance
Touting a star-studded cast of Hollywood heavyweights,including Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Brad Pitt, the action-adventure knockoutThe Lost Cityfocuses on the successful yet depressed romance novelist Loretta Sage as she is kidnapped by eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe), who believes she is the key to finding an ancient city’s lost treasure.When Loretta’s dim-witted but sweet cover model, Alan, witnesses the writer being snatched up by Abigail’s henchmen, he sets out to rescue her and prove to himself that he’s capable of being a true hero, just like in the pages of the book.
Aided by the guidance of charismatic Navy SEAL-turned-CIA operative (Pitt), Alan embarks upon a bold and daring mission to a remote volcanic island to save Loretta (whom he secretly harbors a crush on) from Abigail’s dangerous scheme, with misadventures and hijinks naturally ensuing.The Lost Cityfollows Loretta and Alan as they are forced to try and survive the jungle and navigate treacherous terrain while being relentlessly pursued by Abigail and his men, and sparks fly between the two amid relentless chaos.
‘The Lost City’ Is an Epic Thrill Ride From Start to Finish
WhenThe Lost Citypremiered on July 25, 2025, audiences were completely enamored by the film’s explosive chemistry between Bullock and Tatum and the swashbuckling energy and nostalgia directing duo Aaron and Adam Nee impressively created. The adventure flickclearly took some inspirationand paid homage to the beloved ’80s gemRomancing the Stone,which famously featured Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner as a bird hunter and novelist who team up to escape a Colombian jungle while being chased by antiquities smugglers.
Fans couldn’t get enough ofPitt’s scene-stealing performanceas the ruggedly handsome Jack Trainer, who possesses a unique skill set and masterfully takes down one foe after another while helping Alan rescue Loretta. The unexpected cameo of the charming leading man was a downright delight and left moviegoers rolling with laughter as he led Tatum’s Alan into quite the precarious situation while searching for the writer, who is immediately taken by Jack and his luscious blonde locks. A rightfully stunned Loretta couldn’t help but ask him why he was so handsome, to which the CIA operative cheekily replies, “My dad was a weatherman.”
Pitt’s brief-but-epic cameo was just one of the many reasons whyThe Lost Citycompletely dominated the box office and raked in over $192 million, as audiences also loved seeing Daniel Radcliffe embrace his villainous side when playing the egotistical billionaire Fairfax. TheHarry Potteralum’s against-type casting was a refreshing and fun choice and allowed the actor to showcase his range, with fans welcoming his unhinged portrayal of the eccentric antagonist. Likewise, Oscar-winner Da’Vine Joy Randolph’s lively role as Loretta’s fiesty and determined publisher Beth was a hoot, as she made it her own personal mission to save Loretta (and her book tour).
The Lost Citytruly haseverything you could possibly wantfrom a movie: two talented lead stars with undeniable allure, endless tongue-in-cheek humor, thrilling action sequences, and an exciting premise that immediately demands your attention.ThoughFreelanceseemed to tryandattempt to capitalize on the spirit and success of the adventure hit, it simply couldn’t replicate the magic and wonder ofThe Lost Cityand proved to be a dud with critics and audiences. Now is the perfect time to revisit the 2022 blockbuster, which alsohelped Bullock become"the first actress to have $100 million earners in live-action star vehicles over four different decades."
StreamThe Lost CityonParamount+.
The Lost City
