Ticket to Paradise

"Ticket to Paradise" is the clear example that the trailer is better than the movie itself. The script does not bring anything new to romantic comedies, it rushes to take the already known formula and fill the plot with the typical clichés. Julia Roberts and George Clooney offer simple performances without much charm, the secondary characters are more endearing as is the case with Wren Butler played by Billie Lourd. The filming locations are extraordinary and the cinematography makes them look even more beautiful. Returning to the script, it fails to catch on and as entertainment it doesn't go that far either. One of the worst moments is the terrible CGI with which a dolphin that appears on the screen for a few seconds was created. Movie to see once and not repeat.

If you're going to produce a run of the mill romantic comedy/drama film then you may as well set it in one of the most beautiful places on earth and get some of the biggest names in Hollywood to lead it.

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The location and scenery was stunning, the acting performances were good and although the story itself was by the numbers, it was enjoyable light hearted entertainment with a light moral message.

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It does run for a bit too long and the outtakes were by far the funniest part of the film.

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Overall, I would score this film as a six out of ten.

Ticket to Paradise follows a very familiar formula that has very few surprises in its narrative but that works as a nice reminder as to why this formula works so well when done right, especially in the hands of two perfectly matched screen legends.

George Clooney and Julia Roberts are both great, having worked together many times before their chemistry and comedic timing is instant and extremely strong. Kaitlyn Dever is really good with a warmth makes her sudden relationship feel genuine.

Ol Parker's direction is also really good, the location constantly looks gorgeous and it maintains a solid pace throughout. The music by Lorne Balfe works perfectly for the film's tone, so grand and swoon worthy.

Following their tempestuous relationship of 19 years (including the recovery), an acrimonious divorced couple travel millions of miles from home, then enter a momentary truce to stop the pending nuptials of their only daughter who just recently graduated from college and got engaged on a whim in Bali. Lazy star vehicle doesn't offer much in the way of surprise or originality, it's also light on laughs and ineffective on drama, thus it's mostly a chance to witness the snap, crackle, and pop repartee of a well-matched Roberts and Clooney. The scenery is good too, making it even more comfortable to sit through. **

I love the actors, loved the location and loved an older romance getting a look in for a change. However, the plot was lazy and it kind of felt like an opportunity was missed, it was only okay when it could have been great. It felt like the actors just sleepwalked through the movie and the script wasted their talents.

Also, what stopped me from enjoying the movie more was the dumbness of the supposedly very intelligent daughter. I mean, what is the rush to marry someone you have known for only 30 days? Maybe she had been binge-watching 30 day fiancé. I get that he's a hunk and it's a paradise island but after a couple of years of picking seaweed even that will get old.

There was great chemistry between George and Julia and it kind of felt like we were cheated out of a proper smooch between them! It is worthwhile for the nostalgia factor but not a classic and probably not even a re-watch.