'This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can't even be Jewel of the Nile'
Daniel Smith
07:00, 04 Jan 2026
A modern rom-com that harkens back to an 80s' classic while featuring a pair of A-list stars is on British telly tonight (Sunday).
Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, The Lost City was released in 2022 to generally positive reviews, earning back almost three times its budget.
Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a former archaeology researcher who writes romance-adventure novels. She reluctantly agrees to go on a book tour with a cover model for her fictitious hero, played by Tatum, but both find themselves embarking on an adventure, searching for a lost city that hides a priceless treasure.
The movie also features Brad Pitt in a rare supporting role, while Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe plays against type as an egotistical, eccentric billionaire who acts as the film's ultimate baddie.
The Lost City has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says that while "The Lost City doesn't sparkle quite as brightly as some classic treasure-hunting capers such as Romancing the Stone, its stars' screwball chemistry makes this movie well worth romancing."
One critic wrote: "The Lost City is every bit the romantic adventure we didn’t know we needed and then some. It’s fun and hilarious, and its on-the-nose praise of the romance genre is something we’ll never tire of exploring."
Another was more circumspect, writing: "Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum get blindsided by a wonky and aimless script better suited for the balls-to-the-wall performances of its side characters."
Movie fans were also divided on the film, which has some big supporters but more than a few who were left unimpressed. One wrote: "Enough laughs to make it enjoyable. All the actors did great in it. Sandra Bullock is really good at doing clumsy slapstick."
A second stated: "It was such a funny treat. All the cast and crew were amazing. It had the whole theatre laughing. I’d definitely recommend watching this film."
A third said: "Very enjoyable adventure-romance-comedy movie. I loved it. Highly recommend!"
However, some thought it paled in comparison to the classics: "This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can't even be Jewel of the Nile... It's fun enough to be a passable time-waster, but it's not compelling or unique enough to leave a lasting impression."
Another wrote: "Clicked play immediately upon seeing the cast - found myself extremely disappointed that such great actors would partake in such an overplayed, cheesy plot. Paying attention was a chore."
The Lost City airs on E4 tonight (Sunday, January 4) at 9pm.