#channing tatum

What they probably think they sound like:

What they actually sound like:

Don’t judge a book by its cover model

At one point during The Lost City, a topless hero drops the cliche ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’. This could well be the film’s mission statement - take life as it comes, and you might just surprise yourself. Well, there aren’t many surprises in store here, but that isn’t really the point. A charming cast and some inspired laughs are just enough to make this adventure worthwhile. 

Written by Seth Gordon, the brains behind Horrible BossesandIdentify Theft, the plot is as wacky as you’d expect. Loretta (Sandra Bullock) used to be an archaeologist with her late husband, but now she’s the author of a smutty adventure series (think Fifty Shades mixed with Indiana Jones) that has become more famous for its dashing and dim-witted cover model, Alan (Channing Tatum). On a tour to promote her poorly received new book, she is abducted by the bitter son of a media tycoon (a hot-tempered Daniel Radcliffe) who wants her help to locate the island treasure described in her book. Alan, who might also have feelings for Loretta, sets off on a daring rescue mission.

No ancient medallions for guessing where this is heading. As Loretta and Alan are unwittingly thrown together on a dangerous island, expect a lot of soul-searching, near scrapes with death, and villainous monologues. Thankfully, that doesn’t make this any less entertaining. 

Directors Aaron and Adam Nee keep things fast-paced and funny, with a madcap streak of humour lined through it. There’s also a memorable cameo from Brad Pitt as a spiritual military man who makes Liam Neeson look like a puppy. Not all of the jokes land, and a subplot about a fearless publicist (Da’Vine Joy Randolph) detracts too much from the action, but it’s hard not to be swept up by the sheer silliness on display here.

The Lost City is at its best when its leads are sharing the screen. While Bullock can do high-strung deadpan comedy in her sleep, Tatum threatens to run away with the film as a well-meaning but completely useless ‘hero’ who is way out of his depth. Their chemistry is truly inspired and draws in the biggest laughs of the film, including a hilarious scene where they try to justify sending a goon to his death. It’s with this dream pairing that the film really strikes gold. 

While the story isn’t exactly a page-turner, The Lost City is elevated by some silly laughs and a comic pairing to treasure in Bullock and Tatum.

★★★

Aries: Zac Efron

Taurus: Starbucks

Gemini: “I can’t even.” 

Cancer: Channing Tatum

Leo: Selfies

Virgo: Northface

Libra: Iphones

Scorpio: Pretty Little Liars

Sagittarius: Chipotle

Capricorn: Mean Girls

Aquarius: Frozen Yogurt

Pisces: One Direction