OWN IT ON DIGITAL DECEMBER 9, 2022
BLU-RAY™ AND DVD DECEMBER 13, 2022
FROM UNIVERSAL PICTURES HOME ENTERTAINMENT
The film is also available to stream on Peacock on December 9, 2022.
TICKET TO PARADISE is exactly what you would expect and hope for. A feel good comedy full of humor, heart, and healing. Many filmmakers are trying to reinvent the genre, but time has shown that this formula just works. Is it predictable and often cheesy? Of course! And we love it.
Synopsis: A divorced couple teams up and travels to Bali to stop their daughter from making the same mistake they think they made 25 years ago.
Commentary: To be completely honest this film is riding completely on the shoulders of its two stars. George Clooney and Julia Roberts are cinematic icons. To have them sparring as a divorced couple in a romantic comedy is Hollywood gold. The only other pairing I can think of to top this would be a Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan reunion. But even then I am not sure you would get the same level of chemistry and outright star power you get here.
First off let’s be clear on the acting delivery. Are Clooney and Roberts amazing at what they do? Yes. Are they gonna win Oscars for this? No. They don’t even try and hide the fact of who they are. I am surprised the film even gave them character names. You watch and say, hey that’s George and Julia. It is who we came to see, and we need nothing else. Well, maybe a beautiful setting.
The film is set in Bali but was filmed in Australia. If you want to see those same sunsets make sure you head in the right direction. Would the story have worked set in Queensland. Totally. But whatever. The surroundings are amazing and make you wish for an island excursion. Beaches, island food, sunsets; this one has them all.
As mentioned the story is clever but predictable. David (Clooney) and Georgia (Roberts) have been divorced far longer than they were married. They can’t stand to be in the same room together. They are only together now to try and talk their daughter Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) out of a whirlwind marriage to a young man (Maxime Bouttier) from Bali she met while celebrating her recent college graduation.
While on the island David and Georgia realize that maybe time can heal all wounds, or at least make them bearable. What I love most about both of these actors is their ability to deliver lines in such an organic and natural way that it seems unscripted. There is nothing groundbreaking about the dialogue but when placed in the mouths of these two it just flows gracefully. You can forget all the cliches and predictability, and just enjoy the ride.
Will see these two together in future films? Maybe a “Ticket to Paradise: The grandparents visit”? I am not sure. But if we do, I am there with popcorn in hand ready to laugh and love along with them.
TICKET TO PARADISE is rated PG-13 for some strong language and brief suggestive material. It is a fantastic date night at the movies.
BONUS FEATURES ON DVD, BLU-RAYTM & DIGITAL:
- Return of the Dynamic Duo – Back together at last! In this fun-loving featurette, celebrate the big screen return of two of the world’s most beloved stars, Julia Roberts and George Clooney.
- Destination Wedding – It’s a beautiful day for a wedding in paradise- and you’re invited! Take a deep dive into all the details of Lily’s magical day.
- Production in Paradise – From Balinese marriage customs, to filming in the Whitsundays, discover how filmmakers were able to bring a slice of paradise to audiences around the world in this making-of.
- Keep a Straight Face – It’s hard to keep a straight face with a best friend by your side. Spend a day on set with real life pals Kaitlyn Dever and Billie Lourd as they try not to distract each other too much.
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