The Bite Magazine - Spring/Summer 2022 - Issue 31

bitefilmreview but one of the henchmen has a change of heart and leaves a crow- bar to help them escape before abandoning Fairfax on the island. Beth arrives with the local coast guard after persuading them to help her rescue them, and Fairfax is arrested for his crimes. Loret- ta’s next book, based on their adventures, is a hit, and she and Alan share a kiss while on vacation. It is pleasing that Alan doesn’t take over the typical alpha male, unbreakable hero role. Through its comedic moments, the film explores gender dynamics and emotional turmoil that both char- acters go through. Loretta’s manager and publisher, Beth, has an adventure getting to the island to ensure her client is safe. One of Fairfax’s goons remarked how the search for this titular lost city is disrespectful to his heritage, only to do nothing with that plot thread even when the story makes its way to a surrounding town. The story leans on the ‘don’t judge a book by its cover’ scenario, sometimes in the literal sense, such as Alan chastising Loretta for dismissing her books as nothing but low-brow shlock. Bullock and Tatum are dedicated professionals in this rom-com that it almost feels rude not to fall for their eventual romance. It’s lovely to watch how she eventually warms up to Alan once his self-imposed image of masculinity starts to chip away, as she tenderly applies eczema cream to his back while describing how she’d write that particular moment in one of her novels. The Lost City finds that sweet spot between goofy and sincere. Tatum was excellently cast for this role on several levels. Not only does he look like he belongs on the cover of a romance paperback, but he is also an actor who understands his appeal and has re- peatedly proven he isn’t afraid to play it for laughs. Bullock was also happy to play into her character’s physical awkwardness and eventual shedding of her prickly exterior. There’s more than lip service paid to Loretta’s grief and her dashed dreams of serious scholarship, and while she’s not immune to Alan’s good looks, you can see why he wouldn’t be on her radar at the film’s beginning. Together, the pair exudes fun and a sense of affection that’s easy to get caught up. Costume designer Marlene Stewart putting Bullock in a Fuschia sequinned jumpsuit played well against the traditional jungle aesthetics. www.thelostcity.movie/home Images courtesy of Substance Global