Ticket to Paradise (C+ or 2.5/4 stars)
In 'Ticket to Paradise' (a nostalgic romantic comedy directed by Ol Parker, Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again, The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel), superstars Julia Roberts & George Clooney reunite to play art curator Georgia & architect David; divorced parents to Lily (Kaitlyn Dever), who has just graduated from law school at Northwestern University. Georgia & David loathe each other after 25+ years of acrimony, but must 'make nice' in their daughter's presence. After graduation, to unwind, Lily & her BFF, Wren (Billie Lourd), head-off for Bali, where Lily immediately falls for Gede (Maxime Bouttier), a local seaweed farmer.
Realizing - um, far too late!? - that she has never really wanted to practice law, Lily decides to make Bali her new home with Gede and, after only 37 days together ... they decide to get married. Naturally, Georgia & David are astounded & horrified - and even though they can barely stand the sight of each other - they travel together to tropical Bali for some island adventures and this traditional Balinese wedding with the joint intention of sabotaging it {under the guise of being supportive}. But of course, this wouldn't be a romantic comedy without some twists & entanglements along the way.
Sigh. Ya know, 'Ticket to Paradise' is a frothy confection that will appeal most to those who remember & adored the rom-coms of the 1980s & 90s. Unfortunately, there isn't much to this movie other than basking in the light that is the mutual charisma btwn. our two superstars, and relishing the tropic locales. Fundamentally, this is the story of how 2 ex-spouses rediscover the aspects of their relationship that brought them together in the 1st place -- and there ain't much more goin' on than that. The Roberts/Clooney dynamic is actually shoved to the background often enough to make lotsa room for the dull-as-dishwater romance btwn. Lily & Gede. They're adorable, but the romance reeks of artifice & their plot is not remotely compelling; lifeless, really.
Furthermore, replace Roberts & Clooney with 2 lesser-known actors and, not only would this already meh film be made instantaneously worse, but next-to-no one would even consider going to the theater to see it. As mentioned, Kaitlyn Dever & Maxime Bouttier are adorable, but their characters are a big fat nothing. The movie really is ALL ABOUT seeing Julia's mega watt smile & George's suave charms up on the big screen and to enjoy Bali {which is really Australia}. As for anyone else in the cast, only Billie Lourd makes an impression. And to that, she's given NOTHING to do but to be the supporting, lingering best friend and to drink lots of alcohol -- that's about it.
Julia Roberts & George Clooney thankfully lend their charms to this I-hate-you-but-I-may-fall-for-you-again storyline. They don't exactly sizzle with sexual energy here, but their well-worn chemistry & rapport is irresistible. And these roles - which are 2nd nature to them by now - are pulled off with amiable aplomb. One other aspect of the film I commend is the respectful nod to Balinese marital customs. See, when I wasn't rolling my eyes at something silly, I actually mildly enjoyed this movie. Director Ol Parker has created a modest throwback to those aforementioned 1980/90s rom-coms. This movie just isn't as successful as some of those better ones. Our main actors here are perfect. The setting is perfect. All that's missing is a good script.
Realizing - um, far too late!? - that she has never really wanted to practice law, Lily decides to make Bali her new home with Gede and, after only 37 days together ... they decide to get married. Naturally, Georgia & David are astounded & horrified - and even though they can barely stand the sight of each other - they travel together to tropical Bali for some island adventures and this traditional Balinese wedding with the joint intention of sabotaging it {under the guise of being supportive}. But of course, this wouldn't be a romantic comedy without some twists & entanglements along the way.
Sigh. Ya know, 'Ticket to Paradise' is a frothy confection that will appeal most to those who remember & adored the rom-coms of the 1980s & 90s. Unfortunately, there isn't much to this movie other than basking in the light that is the mutual charisma btwn. our two superstars, and relishing the tropic locales. Fundamentally, this is the story of how 2 ex-spouses rediscover the aspects of their relationship that brought them together in the 1st place -- and there ain't much more goin' on than that. The Roberts/Clooney dynamic is actually shoved to the background often enough to make lotsa room for the dull-as-dishwater romance btwn. Lily & Gede. They're adorable, but the romance reeks of artifice & their plot is not remotely compelling; lifeless, really.
Furthermore, replace Roberts & Clooney with 2 lesser-known actors and, not only would this already meh film be made instantaneously worse, but next-to-no one would even consider going to the theater to see it. As mentioned, Kaitlyn Dever & Maxime Bouttier are adorable, but their characters are a big fat nothing. The movie really is ALL ABOUT seeing Julia's mega watt smile & George's suave charms up on the big screen and to enjoy Bali {which is really Australia}. As for anyone else in the cast, only Billie Lourd makes an impression. And to that, she's given NOTHING to do but to be the supporting, lingering best friend and to drink lots of alcohol -- that's about it.
Julia Roberts & George Clooney thankfully lend their charms to this I-hate-you-but-I-may-fall-for-you-again storyline. They don't exactly sizzle with sexual energy here, but their well-worn chemistry & rapport is irresistible. And these roles - which are 2nd nature to them by now - are pulled off with amiable aplomb. One other aspect of the film I commend is the respectful nod to Balinese marital customs. See, when I wasn't rolling my eyes at something silly, I actually mildly enjoyed this movie. Director Ol Parker has created a modest throwback to those aforementioned 1980/90s rom-coms. This movie just isn't as successful as some of those better ones. Our main actors here are perfect. The setting is perfect. All that's missing is a good script.