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Review: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum's 'The Lost City' is a blast until it loses saucy edge

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It’s a satisfying turn of events during Oscar week, when Hollywood’s busy getting gussied up for its big night, that Brad Pitt follows his Academy Award win with one of the silliest things he has ever done. We can only hope the academy’s watching again as a steely eyed Pitt (with flowing blond locks and a mean tan) pushes Sandra Bullock in a wheelbarrow while escaping from explosive certain death in “The Lost City.”
Well, maybe they can just catch the first act. The star-studded throwback action comedy really cooks early on, then careens off the Temple of Doom.
Directed by Aaron and Adam Nee (“Band of Robbers”), “The Lost City” (★★½ out of four; rated PG-13; in theaters Friday) casts Bullock as Loretta Sage, a prickly novelist who, after the death of her archaeologist husband, has lost the will to write her hugely successful romance-adventure franchise.
‘The Lost City’:Sandra Bullock had to ask co-star Brad Pitt ‘for a fourth day for free’
The literary series has also made a success out of handsome and slightly dim Alan (Channing Tatum), the shirt-ripping cover model whom Loretta’s fans adore. For her latest, “The Lost City of D” – which Loretta sees as the swan song for adventure heroine Lovemore and her lover/partner Dash – she and Alan are teamed on a book tour by her publisher (Da’Vine Joy Randolph), where it’s clear that he’s a lot more invested than Loretta.
Loretta’s pretty savvy when it comes to ancient history, though, and wealthy megalomaniac Abigail Fairfax (Daniel Radcliffe) kidnaps her because he thinks she’s his key to translating a piece of cuneiform and finding a mythical Crown of Fire in the aforementioned lost Atlantic city.
‘I can’t edit myself’:Channing Tatum on directing ‘Dog,’ ‘Magic Mike 3’ and Zoë Kravitz
A rescue mission is mounted by new-agey special-ops guru Jack Trainer (Pitt), buff yet sensitive Alan comes along so he can be the one who saves Loretta, and the heroes navigate a series of mishaps to go after the treasure, too. If you can’t enjoy Bullock in a not-ready-for-the-jungle sequined jumpsuit picking leeches off Tatum’s bare butt, we can’t help you.
Much frivolity ensues, double entendres fly and the energy between Bullock and Tatum crackles – at first. But after a while, “Lost City” loses its saucy edge, side subplots slow the momentum, Pitt is essentially the film’s best special effect, and both the adventure and romantic angles get mired in predictability.
Even Radcliffe, the erstwhile Harry Potter who receives a really nifty villainous opening, veers one-dimensional as Fairfax, the awkward millennial version of Belloq from “Raiders of the Lost Ark.” And there’s nowhere near enough of Loretta’s drunk and sassy social media manager, played by “Together Together” standout Patti Harrison.
Like Tatum’s character in a sort of meta sense, the film weirdly doesn’t realize how cool it could be. The audience gets a taste of the Lovemore and Dash that exist on the page and in Loretta’s head but that’s unfortunately a one-and-done opportunity. Also given the premise, a much more adult, R-rated version of “Lost City” would have worked – and felt less like an Indiana Jones/“Romancing the Stone” clone. At the very least, how about something a bit more mature than the word “throb” being repeated over and over again?
“The Lost City” isn’t a bad movie, and it’s sufficiently ridiculous for those seeking a gonzo escape with A-listers. You’re just left wanting in general, be it extra Pitt or more ribaldry.
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Ruud van Nistelrooy makes next job decision as Man Utd plan coaching appointment

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That decision failed to pay off, however, with the Red Devils sacking Moyes after just 10 months in charge.
After the current West Ham boss came Van Gaal, who arrived with big things expected due to his past success at the likes of Barcelona and Ajax.
Giggs was hoping to get the Red Devils job himself, which was why he stayed, but both ended up leaving nearly six years ago.
When Jose Mourinho took over, he opted to maintain his close relationship with Rui Faria – who had previously worked under him at clubs such as Real Madrid and Chelsea.
Fair departed in the summer of 2018, though, with Michael Carrick then given a place on Mourinho’s bench.
Carrick stayed to work under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, with the Norwegian also regularly picking up the thoughts of Phelan and Kieran McKenna throughout his spell in the dugout.
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High cholesterol: Blood pressure drug linked to significant reduction in good cholesterol

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“Though they’re commonly used to treat different forms of heart disease, beta-blockers can significantly reduce HDL levels.”
Among the beta-blockers that cause this are Corgard (nadolol), Inderal (propranolol), Tenormin (atenolol), Zebeta (bisoprolol).
These drugs are widely used in the treatment of angina, heart failure, atrial fibrillation, heart attack and high blood pressure.
But despite concerns about their effect on cholesterol, scientists stress that the benefits of beta-blockers far outweigh the risks.
VeryWell Health adds: “If your beta-blocker affects your cholesterol significantly, your doctor may lower your dose or switch you to a different medication.”
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Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez not on same page over Saudi Arabia GP after missile attack

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However, after a four-hour meeting between race officials and the teams, it was confirmed the race would go ahead despite the attack. It had been reported that a number of the competing drivers were concerned for their safety following the nearby explosion.
Despite this, an agreement was finally reached to race at 2:30am local time, after team chiefs left the lengthy meeting to confirm: “We will be racing.” A statement from Formula 1 confirmed Sunday’s race would go ahead as planned. It read: “Formula 1 has been in close contact with the relevant authorities following the situation that took place today. The authorities have confirmed that the event can continue as planned and we will remain in close contact with them and all the teams and closely monitor the situation.”
Unsurprisingly, there were a number of mixed views on whether the race should go ahead, and this is clearly apparent in the Red Bull setup. This comes after advisor Helmut Marko revealed that drivers Verstappen and Perez are not on the same page when it comes to racing.
JUST IN: F1 drivers ‘had concerns’ about Saudi Arabia GP as new details emerge after missile attack
On the issue, Marko told Sky Germany: “Max is a bit more relaxed about it. Perez is a little bit scared, but when you live in Mexico City there’s not much more security. We have the pandemic, we have the war in Europe and now we have a missile attack 20 kilometres away. This is no longer normal or pleasant.”
Ahead of tomorrow’s race though, the Austrian advisor is firmly on the side of Verstappen and the race officials, supporting the idea of the race taking place. He commented: “I really think it’s the right thing to do. As I said, these drone attacks are common, I think. They have a very good defence system. Why this one didn’t work remains to be seen. It’s not the first drone, after all. But it’s the first one to strike on such a scale.”
The attack took place during Friday’s first practice session, and it was Red Bull’s star man Verstappen who was one of the first to realise something was wrong after reporting on his team radio that he could ‘smell burning’. Initially, the Dutchman thought the smell was coming from either his or one of his rival’s cars, however it then became clear that an explosion had taken place just a few miles from the track.
Giving an insight into Verstappen’s initial worries, Marko said: “Max radioed us, he thought his car had caught fire because there was an intense burning smell. We were informed a drone had been sent from Yemen. The Saudis have a defence system and for some reason the drone was not intercepted.”
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