Estimated read time: 5-6 minutes
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
THE JUNGLE — I'm not always a romantic comedy guy. There are a few such films that tickle my fancy, I suppose, but it's not usually my cup of tea.
There is one subgenre of romantic comedies I'm a sucker for, however. And that's the action romantic comedy. They aren't perfect films, but movies like "Date Night," "Mr. and Mrs. Smith," "Murder Mystery" and "Game Night" are some of my guilty pleasures.
These movies are the reason I was cautiously optimistic about the newest addition to this subgenre: "The Lost City." The movie stars Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe and Brad Pitt.
While "The Lost City" isn't breaking any new ground, and the plot will feel vaguely familiar to the 1984 film "Romancing the Stone," I didn't mind. The movie makes for a fun date night, and here are a few reasons why.
The cast
The best thing "The Lost City" has going for it is its cast. Bullock is strong as always, and we're reminded why she shines in comedic roles. Tatum is in his element as the overly handsome and overly simple love interest, and Pitt is fantastic in his small but memorable role. I personally think Pitt is at his best in comedy.
Radcliffe holds his own as the villain, and other supporting characters like Da'Vine Joy Randolph and Oscar Nunez add some color and overall strangeness to the cast. The real star of the film, however, is the chemistry between Tatum and Bullock.
Their relationship feels natural and real, which makes the evolution of the story and their interactions much more interesting and entertaining.
It's funny
That basis for my rating in a comedy comes down to one simple thing: Did it make me laugh? I'm happy to report that "The Lost City" got me laughing on more than one occasion.
The movie isn't going to leave you rolling on the floor with nonstop jokes, but it is funny and there are some clever lines and setups that will give you some belly laughs. Some of the best stuff comes from the fish-out-of-water aspects of the film as a book cover model is trying to be a real hero while also trying to keep his cuticles from getting too dirty. Or watching a romance novelist trying to brave the terrors of the jungle in a sequin jumpsuit and high heels.
"The Lost City" isn't the funniest movie I've ever seen, but it did make me laugh — and that's what I really want out of a comedy.
It's a nice break from reality
There are times I love seeing a movie that is real and raw, where the performances are moving and the gravity sits with you for days after. But many times I'm headed to the theater to escape the real world, to forget about all the problems hanging over my head and those plaguing the rest of society. Maybe that's irresponsible, what some would call burying my head in the sand, but I need that escape sometimes and "The Lost City" gave me that.
The movie was a fun distraction for a couple of hours. It's a great date night movie to put a smile on your face and give you a chance to quote lines and talk about scenes while you're at dinner following the screening. Sometimes all I want from a movie is pure entertainment, and I got that from "The Lost City."
Should I go see it?
For my money, I'd say "The Lost City" is worth checking out. Some jokes didn't land, and I still can't figure out if they were trying to pay homage to "Romancing the Stone" or honestly didn't even know it exists, but even the missteps couldn't keep me from liking the movie.
With the charm and charisma of Tatum and Bullock along with the surprising role Pitt plays, it is really hard not to like this movie. It delivers on what it promises. It's not award-winning or world-changing, but who cares? It's funny, entertaining and exciting.
"The Lost City" is rated PG-13 for violence and some bloody images, suggestive material, partial nudity and language.
Check back on KSL.com on Friday for a Parents' Guide to "The Lost City" so you can get a better understanding of what to expect from the film and whether you'll think it's OK for your kids.
More from John Clyde:
Review: 'The Batman' is a new kind of Batman film, like nothing you've seen before
When I walked out of the theater after seeing "The Batman," I knew I had seen a Batman movie — but I did not get what I was expecting. Here are some reasons I really like this new take on Batman and a couple of things about it that fell flat.About the Author: John Clyde has grown up around movies and annoys friends and family with his movie facts and knowledge. He also has a passion for sports and pretty much anything awesome, and it just so happens that these are the three things he writes about. To read more of his articles, visit John's KSL.com author page.
