The Lost City (2022)
Synopsis:
Reclusive romance-adventure novelist Loretta Sage has built a successful career writing about exotic locations and daring exploits, with her books featuring a hunky cover model named Alan. When an eccentric billionaire kidnaps Loretta during a book tour, he believes she possesses real knowledge about an ancient lost city and its treasure that she featured in her latest novel. Determined to prove he's more than just a pretty face on book covers, Alan embarks on a rescue mission to save her. What follows is a wild adventure as the unlikely pair must navigate dangerous terrain and outsmart their captor. This action-comedy blends romance novel tropes with real-world peril, asking whether two people who've only pretended to be heroes on the page can rise to the occasion when actual danger strikes.
Where To Watch: The Lost City
Parental Feedback
The Lost City delivers a fast-paced adventure-comedy that blends action sequences with lighthearted humor and romantic elements. Parents should expect a tone that balances comedic moments with moderate action intensity, including chase scenes and perilous situations that may be exciting for older children but potentially overwhelming for younger viewers. The film maintains an upbeat, escapist atmosphere throughout while incorporating themes of self-discovery, courage, and the contrast between fantasy and reality that families can discuss together.
Why Kids Should Watch The Lost City
This adventure-comedy offers several positive elements that can entertain and inspire young viewers while providing valuable lessons.
The film showcases characters who demonstrate genuine courage and personal growth, particularly through Alan's determination to prove himself as a real hero rather than just a fictional one. This journey from self-doubt to confidence provides an encouraging message about believing in oneself.
The story emphasizes the importance of teamwork and friendship, as characters must work together to overcome obstacles and rescue one another. These collaborative efforts demonstrate how people with different strengths can support each other in challenging situations.
The adventure setting and treasure-hunt premise spark imagination and curiosity about exploration and ancient civilizations. Young viewers may find inspiration in the exotic locations and mystery-solving elements that drive the narrative forward.
The film features strong female representation through Loretta Sage, a successful author who uses her intelligence and resourcefulness throughout the story. This portrayal can encourage children to value knowledge, creativity, and problem-solving skills.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch The Lost City
Parents should consider several factors that may make this film less suitable for younger or more sensitive children.
The PG-13 rating indicates action sequences and perilous situations that include kidnapping, chase scenes, and moments of danger that could be frightening for younger viewers. These intense moments may cause anxiety in children who are sensitive to suspenseful content.
The film's romantic elements and adult-oriented humor may not resonate with younger children and could include jokes or situations that go over their heads. Some comedic content may be more appropriate for teenage audiences than elementary-aged viewers.
The runtime of nearly two hours may challenge the attention span of younger children, potentially leading to restlessness or difficulty following the complete storyline. Families with very young children may find the length prohibitive for an enjoyable viewing experience.
Verdict: Parent Approved
The Lost City earns parent approval as an entertaining adventure-comedy suitable for tweens, teens, and families with older children who can handle moderate action and appreciate character-driven humor.
What Parents Should Know About The Lost City
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the film demonstrates courage, determination, teamwork, and the value of proving oneself through actions rather than appearances. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The kidnapping scenario and various perilous action sequences may create tension and anxiety for younger or more sensitive viewers. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the antagonist's selfish pursuit of treasure ultimately leads to negative outcomes, reinforcing that greed and kidnapping have consequences. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, characters must collaborate and rely on each other's unique strengths to overcome obstacles and achieve their rescue mission. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children will learn that true heroism comes from courage and determination rather than just physical appearance, and that real-life bravery matters more than fictional personas. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate The Lost City as an entertaining option for families with older children and teenagers, praising its blend of adventure, humor, and positive messages about courage and self-belief. Many note that the film works well for family movie nights with tweens and teens who enjoy action-comedies, though they caution that the PG-13 rating is appropriate given the moderate action sequences and some adult-oriented humor. Families value the positive representation of intelligence and resourcefulness, along with themes of teamwork and personal growth. However, parents consistently recommend previewing for younger children, as the kidnapping premise, action intensity, and lengthy runtime may not suit elementary-aged viewers or those sensitive to suspenseful content.
Official The Lost City Trailer
Why Kids Love The Lost City
Kids love watching Alan try to prove he's a real hero, not just a cover model who poses for book jackets. When Loretta gets kidnapped by the eccentric billionaire Abigail Fairfax, Alan charges into the jungle to rescue her, even though he has zero actual survival skills. The awkward situations pile up as this wannabe action star stumbles through real danger, creating tons of silly jokes and physical comedy.
The chase for the ancient city's lost treasure turns into a wild rollercoaster of fast-paced action and unexpected twists. Loretta and Alan race through exotic locations while dodging Fairfax's henchmen, leading to exciting chasing scenes where nothing goes according to plan. Jack Trainer shows up to help with some seriously cool rescue moves, proving that teamwork wins even in the craziest situations.
The movie delivers non-stop funny characters, from the determined-but-clueless Alan to the kidnapping billionaire obsessed with finding treasure from Loretta's novels. Kids enjoy watching these mismatched partners figure out smart problem-solving tricks to escape danger and outsmart the bad guys. By the end, Alan gets his chance at saving the day and being the hero he always wanted to be, making this adventure as hilarious as it is thrilling.