Ticket to Paradise (2022) | Film Review

about 2 years ago

When I caught a glimpse of the official trailer of this romantic comedy, I was beyond excited. I mean, George Clooney and Julia Roberts, two iconic Hollywood actors in one movie! It was too good to be true.

After spending an hour and forty-four minutes watching this flick, I wondered why the release of cheesy and predictable movies featuring great actors by Hollywood this year. In a way, I see it as downplaying the actors' talents. Allow me to give you a little synopsis of this rom-com.

Viewers are introduced to Lily, a law school graduate, who is heading off to Bali, Indonesia with her best friend, Wren, for a vacation before starting a new job at a reputable firm. Her long-divorced parents, Georgia and David Cotton (played by Julia Roberts and George Clooney) are in support of the trip and can't wait for her to return to her successful life.

Things take a different turn when the Cottons receive emails that their daughter is in love with a Balinese seaweed farmer, Gede and they are getting married! David and Georgia set their differences aside and make a secret pact to ensure the wedding does not happen.

^{Source: YouTube}

Review

This is one cheesy and predictable rom-com and not what I expected when I watched the trailer. I had anticipated funny and romantic scenes considering the A-list actors involved but sadly, I was disappointed.

First, the plot of the film is an average, run-of-the-mill type but the execution of the plot is what makes movies outstanding. Am I right? The storyline was poorly performed. If not for the charisma and humour of stars Roberts and Clooney, this movie would have been a total flop.

The chemistry between Lily and Gede is poor and disappointing. The scene where they meet for the first time is not impressive —Lily and Wren are left in the middle of the ocean, trying to swim to shore when Gede sails his boat to rescue them. Their chemistry isn’t nearly as interesting as that of Roberts and Clooney.

I feel the director did not give Lily and Gede a decent chance to bloom. After the meeting scene, viewers are transported to where they prepare for their wedding. In general, there is very little character development which makes it challenging to connect with the rest of the cast.

On a positive note, the chemistry between Roberts and Clooney is fantastic. They give great performances as bitter exes whose reunion sways viewers to think they might get another chance at love. The scenes where they tease each other and make snide remarks are funny and give life to the comedic part of the film.

Another positive of this film is the stunning scenery and scenic beaches. We get to live vicariously through these actors and get a view of 'paradise' as the title suggests. Or maybe it's a way to convince Roberts and Clooney that their on-set daughter made the right choice to marry a Balinese.

I'll say this isn't a film you want to take too seriously. Even with the lovely scenery and great performances from the stars, it is a misfire due to its predictable plot, boring scenes and characters. I think viewers are most interested to watch Roberts and Clooney.

Overall, it is good to see the old-school stars display their talents for which they are popularly known and to see the passage of years on their faces. They bring back fond memories of their performances in the heist comedy Ocean's Eleven and Ocean's Twelve. I hope to see more films from them.

Thank you for visiting my blog.

^{Other images are screenshots from the movie}

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