Romancing the Stone 2022

 

Sometimes it's just the act of going to a movie which makes you feel good.   On a rainy and cold Sunday afternoon that was reminiscent of my childhood, a movie was the draw.  Even more important, I had discovered that my favorite neighborhood theater of old, the Bronxville, had finally re-opened after two years of COVID lockdown.  The cinema itself was now owned by another classic Westchester movie house, the Pelham Picture House.  

All of the factors above shaved about 30 years off my life.  What an ideal way to beat the cold and grizzly weather.  It was almost immaterial what was playing.

Indeed, the feature was "The Lost City." And it matched up to my feelings for the day because this film is pure escapist fare.   Get some popcorn, a soda, and a comfy seat.  Leave your logic and brains at the door.  Just prepare yourself to enjoy some mindless plot where it looks like the actors involved are trying to be just as mindless.

"The Lost City" is really nothing more than a 2022 version of "Romancing the Stone," which is now the quintessential romcom/adventure yarn.  In this one, you have Sandra Bullock in place of Kathleen Turner and Channing Tatum subbing for Michael Douglas.  They are looking for a hidden artifact on a tropical island and being chased by rifle-toting villains led by Daniel Radcliffe (?!!!!).  All the plot points and the beats seem to match up.  Bullock is the pampered woman being led by the brainless hero played by Tatum.  You have seen these people before but that's okay.   You've watched this plot before but that's okay.

Essentially, "The Lost City" is a 35 mm security blanket.   And that's okay.  Along with a brief appearance by Brad Pitt who really has honed his comedic chops, this is just a welcome time at the movies.   The rain and cold temps outside help.  The glory of returning to a cherished local movie theater adds to the atmosphere.

It was a serendipitous time at the movies.  Now all the factors might not line up for you and, as a result, you may find "The Lost City" lacking.   But I will argue there might be some isolated moments of enjoyment.  

And sometimes that is perfectly okay.

LEN'S RATING:  Three-and-a-half stars.

Dinner last night:  Mongolian beef at PF Chang's.