The Lost City

Parents say
Based on 11 reviews
Kids say
Based on 28 reviews
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The Lost City
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that The Lost City is a romcom action adventure starring Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, and Daniel Radcliffe. With a theme of moving on after loss, it has strong messages about being the author of your own story and that life is "sweeter after difficulty." While most of the violence is typical big-budget action fare, there's plenty of peril and one gruesome moment involving a shooting that appears to have been added for shock value (but ultimately has a reassuring resolution). Tatum's bare backside is seen extensively in a nonsexual scene that also has a lot of references to his penis (which isn't shown). Bullock's character writes steamy novels, so expect innuendo and racy language ("d--k," "s--t," etc.), as well as some creative writing tips -- e.g., a humorous dissertation on when the word "throbbing" can and can't be used. There's lots of product placement, particularly alcoholic beverages, which are poured and consumed throughout (villains also smoke cigars). Non-stereotypical portrayals include an intelligent romance novelist, a muscular model who's emotionally vulnerable, and a philosophical Navy SEAL who's into yoga. Although most characters of color are unfortunately portrayed as corrupt or unbalanced, supporting character Beth (Da'Vine Joy Randolph) is a great role model: She's a successful Black businessperson who works hard, cares about profits and people, and establishes and maintains boundaries.
Community Reviews
Clean Hollywood movie. Thank you Sandra, Channing and Brad!
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Very funny and entertaining, but not in the “family friendly” category
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What's the Story?
In THE LOST CITY, reclusive romance novelist Loretta Sage (Sandra Bullock) is starting the promotional tour for her latest work, The Lost City of D, accompanied by handsome cover model Alan (Channing Tatum). When Loretta is kidnapped by an eccentric billionaire (Daniel Radcliffe) to help him find the lost city's lost treasure, Alan sets off to rescue her to prove he's just as much a hero as the one he portrays on Loretta's book covers.
Is It Any Good?
Treasure hunting + adventure + comedy + romance seems like a formula for cinematic success, and, indeed, Paramount Pictures has struck gold here. Giving off Romancing the Stone vibes, The Lost City has a hilarious script that's made even funnier with perfect casting. Bullock is the master of playing a relatably put-upon woman, and here she also gets to be the smartest person in the room and the jungle. It's a kick to see Tatum and co-star Brad Pitt play into their sex-symbol images, laughing along with the audience while simultaneously showing that the "ideal man" has the same insecurities and vulnerabilities as everyone else.
While the top-billed stars are national treasures, the real find in The Lost City is Da'Vine Joy Randolph as Loretta's publisher, Beth. She could have easily turned out as a typical romcom confidante, but Randolph offers a different take, evolving "the best friend" into a magnificent, three-dimensional, confident woman who is a boss by all definitions, literally going to the ends of the Earth for those she loves. While this isn't a perfect film, it's pretty great, and writer Seth Gordon puts plenty in it to love, including a strong message that it's the hard times that help us appreciate the good times.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence and peril in The Lost City. How did the movie use death both for comedy and to magnify the importance that the loss of any life, even that of a villain, is a tragedy? The characters are often in extreme peril: Were you ever worried? Why, or why not?
What do you think "sweeter after difficulty" means? Why might it be a good mantra to remember during rough times?
Do you think The Lost City is a romantic comedy? Why, or why not? How does it compare to other romcoms?
What is product placement, and how does it impact buying choices? Did you notice certain brands?
Are smoking and drinking glamorized here? Are there realistic consequences? Why does that matter?
Movie Details
- In theaters: March 25, 2022
- On DVD or streaming: July 26, 2022
- Cast: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe, Brad Pitt
- Directors: Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
- Studio: Paramount Pictures
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Adventures, Great Girl Role Models
- Character Strengths: Courage, Curiosity, Teamwork
- Run time: 92 minutes
- MPAA rating: PG-13
- MPAA explanation: violence and some bloody images, suggestive material, partial nudity and language
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: November 18, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
For kids who love romantic adventures
Character Strengths
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