Channing Tatum and Adam Sandler share a screen together in The Lost City, and the result mostly works. Mostly. The 2022 action-comedy pairs Tatum as a handsome cover model and Sandler as a bookish writer who find themselves caught up in a real-life adventure after their fictional world gets invaded. The setup is silly, the stakes are low, and the film knows it.
Trailer, via Paramount Pictures.
The Setup
Tatum plays a man who lives entirely within the pages of a romance novel, complete with dramatic lighting and a chiseled jawline. Sandler plays the author whose books he stars in, a nerdy recluse who has never left his apartment. When the villain shows up to steal the treasure the book promises, both are dragged out of their comfort zones and into a jungle full of danger.
Sandler and Tatum Together
Their chemistry is the film’s strongest asset. Tatum plays it straight while Sandler leans into his usual over-the-top energy. The contrast works, and their banter carries scenes that might otherwise sag under the weight of the plot.
The Jungle Stunts
The action sequences are the weakest link. The film tries for big set pieces — a waterfall chase, a rope swing across a gorge — but the stunt work feels cheap and the editing jumps around too fast to land any punches. It is entertaining in the moment, but it rarely builds to anything memorable.
The Supporting Cast
The villain, played by Mélanie Laurent, is a competent foil. She brings a cool detachment to a role that could easily become cartoonish, and her scenes with Sandler crackle better than most of the film’s attempts at humor.
The Romance
There is a romantic subplot involving Daniel Radcliffe, playing a rival adventurer, that adds a layer of competition to the proceedings. It is a thin thread, but it gives the film a reason to keep the two leads apart for stretches, which helps break up the routine.
The Running Time
At 103 minutes, The Lost City moves quickly enough that it never overstays its welcome. That brevity is a virtue, since the material is slight and the jokes are not always landing.
The Verdict
The Lost City is a pleasant, forgettable entry in the summer comedy lineup. It has a strong cast, a decent premise, and a few genuinely funny moments. It also has a lot of filler, weak action, and a plot that barely holds together. It is not a disaster, but it is not a recommendation either.
| Element | Strength |
|---|---|
| Lead pairing | Strong |
| Action set pieces | Weak |
| Humor | Hit-or-miss |
| Runtime | Manageable |
The Lost City earns a 6 of 10. It is a solid date movie for people who like Sandler and Tatum together, but nothing more ambitious than that.
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