A charming guy, Gary, played by Andy Garcia is an irresponsible but an irresistable goodhearted soul; all of his friends are Runyoneque. Trouble is Gary is a 'scalper'. His 'Guardain Angel', Benny, played by Richard Bradford, buys his tickets and sells them off at highly increased prices. Gary falls for Linda, played by Andie MacDowell, but he is awkward and afraid to say he loves her. She puts him off and then he tries to win her back by selling tickets to the Pope's visit to town, but ends up in jail because he lost the cash - funny film, but cute and exciting, and there are a few forgotten famous actors including Abe Vigoda and Ron Leibman. I recommend it highly! 7/10
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willrams6 July 2003
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doeadear4 July 2000This film must have been the best-kept secret in movies, because I never heard of it before. It's a charming and well-acted little comedy romance, I don't know why it was brushed under the carpet. Andy Garcia is extremely funny and energetic in the lead role of Gary, he and Andie MacDowell have a good romantic chemistry, and some of the supporting characters are great. It's not a brilliant film, but it's certainly well worth watching, and I think Andy Garcia should be very proud of this amusing and very good film.
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leplatypus15 August 2009For a low budget, unknown movie, it is rather a good surprise!
It owes a lot to its principal cast, because having the two Andies(Garcia & MacDowell) to play in a romance, you are sure to have a winning ticket!
Garcia is at his best playing a passionate man and Macdowell is terrific as the fragile lover. For me, there isn't an actress better when it comes to a love story.
Furthermore, you see New York in a new light, because the movie takes place in the streets of New York, as it involves tickets selling.
The story is very moving, especially the relationship between Garcia and his surrogate father. It talks a lot about dreams, failures and resilience.
You can be unhappy with the extra (text to read or silent making-of) but not by the main thing! So, try to find it if you can and enjoy this great movie! -
givantha8 January 2002I saw this movie on cable a a couple of days ago and loved it.I guess the only reason why I never bothered to watch this was that an early movie review on BBC was not very positive.I also did not like the poster so everytime I saw a pic of this movie I got fed up!
Well enough is enough.This is a very nice movie with all the right cliches.It gets your attension and fills you up just when you thought it was all over.
Garcia plays a ticket scalper who tries to find the ONE job that he can do to retire and be with the girl he loves plyed by Mcdowell.But fate has other plans for him as he realises as there is no such thing as last job and people don't wait all day for you to finish.
It is more or less about life and what sohuld matter to you. I highly recomend you to watch this movie. -
I was on a British Airways flight from London to New York when I saw this movie. I wish I could have fallen asleep. The story line was very thin and the editing crew did their best to stretch it out as long as they did.
Gary, played by Andy Garcia, was such an unlikable character that I found it hard to be supportive of him. Andy's acting ability is good but not good enough to make up for the poor writing in this movie.
Andie MacDowell did a fine job with her portrayal of Linda, Gary's romantic interest. I can not say anything bad about Andie, I always enjoy her acting. The problem here is that the romance between Andy and Andie is so far fetched and unbelievable. The two do not make a good pair on the big screen.
The end of the movie was almost as much of a let down as the movie itself. A nod from the Pope and all is forgiven, come on. The event that allows this movie to have a some what happy ending and that the writers would expect us to accept it is pathetic. Gary does not change and only by the death of a dear friend does his situation get better.
There are tons of great movies that should be seen before this one. Don't waste your time. -
Garcia plays a lovable bum who makes his living by knowing how to work the city streets. MacDowell is good as the girlfriend who can no longer put up with his unstable ways. This was a good romantic comedy; an unusual story about the other half of the ticket industry.
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puck_claes5 March 2002This film was pure entertainment. It gave me a fine smile throughout the whole duration of the story. Fine en believable acting of two professional and charming actor's. One of the best scenes is undoubtfully the one in the kitchen preparing the "haute cuisine" and bringing it to the "guests" This is a refreshing view on it.
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sipreana13 December 1999Totally prepared for a-rainy-afternoon-fun-with-movie, got something else. A bunch of sorry people of which you know little more afterwards, an unlikely couple (Garcia and McDowall) and an unavoidably slick villain. The end is unpredictable but corny at the same time. In conclusion: the makers should better have made a clear choice either way, comedy or drama. Now it is neither.
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mattymatt4ever23 September 2001I was surprised at this film's low ratings and poor critical reviews. This is a really, really good film! A unique piece of filmmaking like nothing I've seen in a while! First of all, it has a great sense of realism. Writer/director Richard Wenk does a brilliant job at capturing the hustle and bustle of New York City streets. And unlike in many films, where directors decide to cut corners and shoot part of the movie in Canada, "Just the Ticket" possesses an authenticity of the Big Apple that only NY-based directors like Martin Scorcese and Sidney Lumet have captured better. There are no gimmicky attempts at style (in the words of Mr. Lumet: what's style?); we're not bombarded by pretentious shots of the Statue of Liberty or anything like that. A film like this perfectly captures the essence of New York, without patronizing the city.
Andy Garcia possibly gives the best performance of his career! I've always admired him as an actor, and I respect almost all Hispanic actors who make it big in show-biz (most of them happen to be great actors, too). Garcia displays an unrelenting energy in his performance as ticket scalper Gary Stark. After watching this film, I'm surprised if he doesn't get approached to star in a Broadway play. He has enough energy to light up the stage! Yet he's charming all the way; never obnoxious. We fall in love with his character. We fall in love with the supporting characters as well. Andie McDowell (though I don't think she has an attractive presence; hey, beauty's in the eye of the beholder!) is charming as his love interest. The two Andys have a perfect chemistry together--a real chemistry. The kind of chemistry that real lovers would possess; and not "Hollywood lovers." You can't help but smile every minute they share the screen. Though they quarrel at times, you just keep thinking "They were meant for each other." And best of all (especially considering it's an R-rated film) their relationship is not based on sex. There's not one sex scene in this movie. If it weren't for some naughty street language, you can take the whole family to see this movie. Richard Bradford is amazingly likeable as Gary's friend for life/father figure. You feel more and more sympathy for him (which is ironic for a guy who scalps tickets and tells lies for a living) and their father-son relationship as the film goes along. I was touched by the subplot between Gary and his heroin-abusing pregnant friend Cyclops (Laura Harris). Their interactions, including his attempts to stop her from abusing drugs, are very moving. I was also glad to see a male-female friendship that doesn't end in love or sex. You don't see that too much in the movies. Rob Liebman (who co-starred with Garcia in "Night Falls on Manhattan") makes a few short appearances. He's a terrific, underrated actor and it was great to see the two of them share the screen again.
Some may find this film uneven. I can predict there's going to be a lot of complaints about the way "it can't decide whether it wants to be a comedy or drama." I liked the balance between the comedic and dramatic elements, with romance rubbed into the equation. This is not one of those over-the-top, slapstick, screwball comedies that many are probably used to. It has a good sense of maturity. And most of the humor is used for comic relief. There's a good deal of drama in the story, so don't expect to be laughing all the way. So if you want to blame someone--blame the ones who marketed this film. But I was so engaged in the story and characters that I didn't feel a need for laughs. This is an interesting, moving piece of storytelling that never goes over the top and keeps its feet on the ground. Never once was I uttering, "this only happens in the movies." Wenk didn't take any cheap shots, and I admire him for that. So why--oh why was this film so poorly rewarded?
Not to mention this the first film to provide insight into the world of ticket scalping. And I don't think they could've done it any better. I saw Garcia on Conan O'Brien's show when he was promoting the movie, and he said that he did actual field research and posed as a ticket scalper to help get into the shoes of his character. I'll also mention that a famous celebrity (a living legend to some) makes a brief appearance. I was amazed when he appeared on screen. It wasn't one of those predictable cameos, where you had a feeling that person was going to show up anyway. Face it, brace yourselves. And don't read the complete IMDB cast list before watching the movie; it'll ruin the experience. :)
"Just the Ticket" is a charming, engaging, unique, touching film that'll fill your heart with good cheer. It's definitely one of those overlooked flops that'll amaze you. Plus, the soundtrack's great! Andy Garcia helped compose most of the music for the score. I developed the biggest smile on my face when they played "Signed, Sealed, Delivered" at the final scene. This is a film that captures your heart from all angles.
My score: 8 (out of 10) -
"Just the Ticket" is a different comedy romance and drama, mostly because of its main subject - scalping. This is a good love story with a little drama, built around a world of scalping tickets in New York City. I don't know how big this racket may be, or how realistic the portrayal of the racket is in this film. But, it turns out to be an interesting milieu in which to portray a love story between Gary Starke and Linda Palinski. Andy Garcia and Anie MacDowell star in the film that Garcia also produced.
I don't understand the nuances and field of film making these days, since the end of the studio system and the demise of most of the major studios of history. Now movies are made by conglomerate businesses that may or may not have bought an old studio or system and include it in their name. Or, they are independently produced by who knows who or what business, and then somehow contracted for marketing. I mention that here because this was apparently a contracted film that Garcia produced, but its distribution and showing was somewhat iffy.
Apparently it didn't get very good reviews wherever it was released. Yet, I found it very interesting just for the activity it showed of handfuls of people making their livings off of scalping tickets in New York City. The romantic love story is good and believable with the portrayals of Garcia and MacDowell. And, the humor is apparent when Gary says he's going straight but he can't help but go after the next big deal. The message is clear - this type of activity can be addictive. There are some nice supporting roles by mostly little known actors. And, there is some drama and a sad note. But the ending is a hoot.
One very curious thing about it is that Gary, a guy in his early 30s, didn't have a social security number. The only way he could have lived and gone so long without needing a SS number for employment, would be something like what he did - scalping tickets. He ran away from an orphanage as a young teen and never looked back. But, from the school of hard knocks, he had a good heart. And Linda turned out to be his ticket to responsibility - and respectability. He just needed to get one last big project - when the Pope comes to visit New York City.
Fortunately for Gary, other things happened that helped him make Linda's dream come true - and clinch winning her back. And lots of humor occurs with this, interspersed with some down to earth human and dramatic pieces here and there. I think it's a very good film with some wonderful acting by the entire cast. -
Gary (Andy Garcia) makes his living in NYC scalping tickets. A charming crook, he has attracted the attention of would-be chef Linda (Andie MacDowell). They have had a go at a relationship but Linda has become unhappy about his profession and his careless ways. Seeing no future in the involvement, Linda has tried to end it. Yet, Gary keeps coming around, weakening her resolve. As these things go, other scalpers seem to be encroaching on Gary's territory. Will he give up the criminal life to win the affections of his girlfriend?
This movie works because of the appeal of Garcia and MacDowell. They have a sparkling chemistry which is infectious. There are some funny scenes involving Garcia at Catholic confession as well as some dramatic ones concerning the up and down lives of the other scalpers. The ending is a demonstration of the adage "all's well that ends well". Although it is not the best romantic comedy out there, fans of the genre should give this movie a whirl. It might be just the ticket for an enjoyable evening of entertainment. -
HotToastyRag23 July 2019In this romantic comedy, Andy Garcia plays a ticket scalper who conducts his business the old-fashioned way, in person. He'll do anything to make a sale, and his slick, salesman ways are exactly how real scalpers act. If you were around in the pre-Internet age and bought sold-out tickets, or if you've ever been to New York City, you know how those guys work.
His girlfriend, Andie MacDowell, doesn't like that he's irresponsible and untrustworthy, able to sweet-talk his way out of any situation, and she leaves him. Andy doesn't take her decision lying down, and he treats her the way he treats an unsellable ticket: he tries everything he can think of to get her back. Since she knows he'll promise anything and never deliver, why should she believe him? Regardless of whether or not she should, she just might. You'll have to watch the movie, to find out. Check out the preview, and if it looks cute, you'll probably like it. Plus, how cute is it when the two leads in a movie have the same first name? -
marvelous-marv1 August 2000If you are looking for a movie that's perfect, and you want to nitpick about the chemistry between the characters or the subtle nuances of one particular character, don't watch this one.
But if you're the kind that, instead of using a microscope to analyze something, would prefer to appreciate something by standing back at a distance and taking it all in, and especially if you like romantic comedies, this is absolutely, definitely the movie for you.
I can't believe any company would decide not to put this movie in the theaters. It was a very good movie; not a "Bull Durham" in quality of storyline, directing, etc., but it made me feel a helluva lot better than "Bull Durham" did in the end. There are more than a few moments where you will probably cry if you are emotional (as evidenced by my wife's reaction), and though the laughs aren't big, the lighter moments certainly work.
I've never liked Andie MacDowell, and I believe she is the weak link of the entire movie. I could have seen someone like a Shelley Long or somebody else prettier than MacDowell and certainly someone with more range who would have connected better with Garcia. But it's probably that fact that makes you really want Andy Garcia to win throughout the movie. He can actually be likeable in his character's helpless role, though it's more like the Al Pacino impression that he always does. Look for Don Novello, a/k/a "Father Guido Sarducci" as one of Gary's friends. Kudos to Richard Bradford, who really made the movie special with his portrayal of Benny, the punch-drunk former boxer & ticket hustler; he brought the "heart" to the movie.
It really moves well from the 30 minute point on, so give it a few minutes if you're not getting into it, but I predict, if you have a heart at all, you will appreciate this movie from start to finish, and it builds and progresses like a good movie should to a great and cute ending.
It was so good I bought the DVD! -
e-blowers20 December 2003In England they are known as Ticket Touts, but whether you know them as Touts or Scalpers the character is the same. Unpleasant. So an unlikely candidate as a leading character in a romantic comedy? Maybe so, but this is one of the things that sets this film apart from the average romantic comedy. Another is the performances. Not Oscar winning stuff maybe, but they all seem to be getting the most out of their roles. While the focus is on the relationship between Garcia and McDowell, the relationship between Garcia and his pal/father figure Benny underpins the film and ultimately is the catalyst which is the reason for the ending. Benny is ably played by Richard Bradford, at last being given a chance to stretch his wings outside of the corrupt coppers he is usually asked to play, and you would have to be a hard hearted person not to be touched by his portrayal. It is such a shame that so much of "Benny" ultimately ended up on the cutting room floor and so we are only given a glimpse of why Garcia takes him under his wing.
If you want your intellect stretched, look elsewhere. But if you want to curl up on the sofa armed with a box of Kleenex and a box of chocolates, you could do a lot worse than let this film into your living room. -
Andy Garcia is one of my favorite actors and I sincerely believe that in "Just the Ticket" he is at his best. This movie is so spontaneous that everything seems real. I enjoyed "Just the Ticket" so much that wish to recommend it to you. Go and see it today.
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EdRooney15 April 1999`Just The Ticket' This current trend of movies being announced for home video before, or during, a theatrical run is very heartbreaking. Good movies are lost in the stampede for the rental market, and I feel it cheapens the minor magic of seeing a film in the theater. `Another Day In Paradise', "Go", and `At First Sight' are recent examples of this. `Just The Ticket' is the latest. Appearing in the Phoenix area 6 weeks after its debut, it's also about 6 weeks before you can go to Blockbuster and rent it. Sad. What that means to me, and seemingly only me due to the reviews I have read, is that a very amiable and charming romantic-comedy-drama is going to fall below the radar with most people. Andy Garcia is an actor with an amazing dramatic charge that easily makes him one of the best actors we have. It's his choice of films that taint that assessment considerably.
I like him a lot, and `Ticket' gives Garcia that perfect opportunity to show off his range. His performance here as a ticket scalper ranks with his best work. He can take hold of the moment with the best of them, and he has an unbelievably funny scene involving the laserdisc of "Stargate". With Andie MacDowell, who I have always believed had the range of a half-empty box of Honey Nut Cherrios, Garcia creates believable chemistry. Their scenes of foreplay are truly enjoyable. The background story of `Ticket' is that they shot the New York street scenes without a permit, often having the citizens around them not aware that a movie was being made.
This aspect of the movie is its strongest asset. The dirty, low budget mentality makes the flick more enjoyable. The grainy film stock, passerby's looking into the camera, and Garcia actually seeming like he's having fun is such a breath of fresh air. It's like a student film with A list actors. Truth be told, the film falters when it reaches for more dramatically satisfying material. A drug addicted pregnant girl, a life-challenged mentor, and a rival scalper make for some weak moments. They threaten to crush the film. Somehow Garcia, with director Richard Wenk, make everything come together with a decent ending that doesn't feel forced. This isn't landmark material, but it is the rare film that isn't too forceful, and has complete faith in the power of its actors.------------- 8 -
alabanco29 June 2008I don't understand why that movie has got so low rating. I believe that the play of Andy Garcia here is fabulous. His charisma and awesome dramatic play make him the actor who forces us to love cinema. For me this movie comes in one line with "Things to do in Denver when you are dead", another cult movie.
I would say that this is a cute romantic story. Just another example for young actors how to learn how to play. Definitely "Just the ticket" will be in my top 50 movies. I will agree with those who say that good movies like this are rare these days. What makes it better than others is that it is real and charming story. -
juliette-627 August 1999I was in a huge hurry and basically just grabbed this off the shelf for lack of seeing anything else that sparked my interest. I saw the trailer for this movie at the theater and thought that it looked incredibly stupid. I don't particularly like Andy Garcia or Andi McDowell, but I just watched on a whim and the next thing that I knew I was laughing (and crying). I was really surprised by how well I liked this film!
The plot was a tad silly, but the characters were so colorful and likeable (even the junky pregnant girl) that I got past the immaturity of the story line. It showed a small bit of the dark underbelly of NY ticket scalping, but the good intentions of everyone counteracted the negativity and the result was very optimistic. Andy Garcia was so good as the romantic lead, I particularly loved the scenes preparing for the big catering and the the kitchen destruction...too funny!
Bottom line, I think these two made a great on screen couple and I would recommend this to anyone who like me, enjoys these kinds of films, or to anyone who might need a little cheering up. -
kent-1129 July 2000My wife and I enjoyed a film in which the characters were all interesting, as well as earning your involvement.
The romance was real and very well done.
Andie must have wanted to be in a good movie instead of the drek they usuall give her because she and garcia put themselves and their money in it -
Z-Bravo9 January 1999I saw this movie in a screening about a year ago (January 1998), when it was just called "The Scalper". Of course the studio had to monkey with the title, but I can't imagine what's taken them so long to get it out -- it was a perfectly good romantic comedy/drama when we saw it, with plenty of humor and energy. I couldn't really think of anything wrong with it, and as a matter of fact, Andy Garcia was standing outside after the screening and we told him how much we liked the movie. I hope they didn't screw with it TOO much, it was fine the way it was!
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njenkinson15 August 2010I never really enjoyed Andie MacDowell's acting. I've found her to be stiff, not in character, and have often been uncomfortable just watching her. I often thought she should have stuck to modeling.
This role was different. She was light, refreshing, emotional, and...believable! Andy Garcia was great as usual, and it was nice to see his daughter Daniella in the cast.
I enjoyed it very much despite missing the first half-hour. I'll be looking for it to air again.
This movie has a lot of heart. Watch it!
Do or do not; there is no try. Yoda -
Wizard-84 February 2017Movies that are like "Just the Ticket" are never going to be box office smashes or win major awards, but they are all the same charming and well worth seeking out. It's kind of a mash between several different genres; it's alternately a comedy, a romance, and a character study. The comedy is gentle but does provoke some laughs, my favorite scene being when Andy Garcia's character impersonates a television salesman. The romance between Garcia's and Andie MacDowell's characters does have heart, plus some bittersweet moments that feel true to life. The examination of Garcia's character is really interesting. Although it's clear he's not a bad person, he is all the same a dreamer who resists the painful truths that reality have to offer, sometimes hurting people along the way. All these different genres are pretty well done and mix well together. I admit the movie is a tad long at 114 minutes in length when a slightly quicker pace might have helped. Also, what happens near the end is kind of a deus ex machina plot twist, though the happy ending it provides feels right for the movie. These nitpicks don't hurt the movie too much, however, and the movie ends up being a very pleasant sleeper.
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Morlos20 December 1999I love it. It just made me so happy watching it, and you can tell that Andy Garcia had a really good time making this by the way he acts.
If I could make just one film in my life, this would be it, Richard Wenk can die a happy man (hopefully not for a very long time). I hope to see another one from these two guys. I know it is a long shot but I really feel that Andy should get an Oscar for this, this is his finest hour, this is so good and so true that you forget it is acting. The original screenplay also deserves and Oscar, it is thoughtful, funny and touching. What more do you want.
If you want to see a good film, go rent or buy this, it is Just The Ticket. -
Brap-211 August 1999For the first time ever, I finally saw the great acting side of Andy Garcia. I am proud of the efforts that he made in this film. He opened up himself and unleashed the real Andy Garcia.
"Just The Ticket" was an incredible shot of optomism from everyone. Andy Garcia led the entire cast with true power and praise. Especially to Andie McDowell. She tried not to be part of him, but when she looked straight at his face, nothing in her entire body said, "NO!". It was what Garcia had, to give everyone hole. -
Phroggy3 August 1999This movie hardly qualifies as a stupid "romantic comedy" in the
Sandra Bullock/"Message in a bottle" cheesy vein. As somebody
else explained it very well in his comments, there is some
gritty urban edge in several scenes, sometimes even reminescent
of "Taxi Driver", like a subplot including a junkie or some
(very) cynical young catholic-school students. Garcia's
performance is good, proving that he's not just an expensive
suit with somebody in it (who said Richard Gere) - though
sometimes he overdid it by mimicking Al Pacino. Even the happy
ending isn't contrived. Lots of flair from director Richard
Wenk, who can even find a new angle for a melodramatic scene
(the death of Garcia's old friend is a model of effective
simplicity and therefore very touching) - it is obvious this
movie is a labor of love - and, all in all, a very good
surprise, unless you expect glossy "pretty woman" stuff or
Sandra Bullock-like shenanigans. Highly recommende