The Lost City

The adventure film is the last genre I expected to have a revival. After sounding its death knell after the failed Tomb Raider and Mummy remakes it’s since come punching back with the Jumanji films, Jungle Cruise and, now, The Lost City, which looks set to be a commercial hit with some savvy advertising.

Fair play to it as well, like Disney’s Jungle Cruise before it, The Lost City is an enjoyable romp; nothing more than the sum of its, rather good, parts.

There’s no unnecessary, videogame-alike ‘item collecting to push the plot along’ (hello Aquaman) just a simple premise: megalomaniac millionaire (Daniel Radcliffe, relishing another villain role) kidnaps romance author to find a mythical tomb which features in her most recent novel. Her cover model, harbouring long held and secret feelings towards her, attempts a slightly clumsy rescue mission. Cue hilarity.

It's sharp, funny and frequently surprising, whisking us to exotic locations and the main cast all know exactly what kind of film they’re in. The aforementioned Radcliffe is excellent, alongside a completely tongue-in-cheek Brad Pitt ‘action hero’ performance. Channing Tatum continues his comedic streak but Sandra Bullock and Da’Vine Joy Randolph steal the show as the weary writer Loretta and her agent Beth.

It just is simply what it is – a fun filled blockbuster romp that anyone can get a bit of Saturday night enjoyment from. Sure, it’s a tad overlong and not every joke lands, but it sits comfortably alongside its recent brethren in the genre to show that the adventure film ain’t going away any time soon. Bring on that next Indiana Jones.

3 stars ***