"Two Tickets to Paradise," directed by Ol Parker, may leave rom-com enthusiasts yearning for the golden era of the genre. Despite the presence of beloved Hollywood stars George Clooney and Julia Roberts, this frustratingly lackluster film fails to deliver the charm and wit that made '90s romantic comedies so beloved.
The privileged class takes center stage in this unexceptional tale, where successful architects, art dealers, and recent college graduates embark on a luxurious vacation in Bali. Clooney and Roberts, as the last of their kind in Hollywood superstardom, embody the epitome of privilege, enjoying their status and sharing playful banter against the stunning backdrop of tropical paradise.
However, the similarities to classic romantic comedies end there. Blame falls on the dispiriting script, which relies too heavily on the star power of its A-list actors, neglecting the need for a compelling story to rally behind. This leaves audiences wondering how such effortless charms could be squandered.
The film introduces Lily (Kaitlyn Dever), a recent college graduate, on her way to Bali with her vivacious friend Wren (Billie Lourd). Lily's story takes an implausible turn when she swiftly falls in love with Gede (Maxime Bouttier), a seaweed farmer, and decides to marry him. This hasty decision robs the film of believability and depth, leaving Lily's character underdeveloped and her choices questionable.
The central narrative instead revolves around Lily's parents, David (Clooney) and Georgia (Roberts), who are also each other's exes. Tasked with ending Lily's impulsive affair, the estranged couple reluctantly embarks on a mission to Bali together. The film garners some goodwill through David and Georgia's bickering chemistry, offering glimpses of their former love and tension. However, these moments are short-lived, overshadowed by Lily and Gede's frequent appearances and Georgia's present-day romantic interest, played by Lucas Bravo.
The film's disinterest in exploring the dynamics of Bali and its characters' relationships is evident. Instead, the setting serves as a mere backdrop, with luxury resorts taking precedence. While some glimpses of local culture are shown, they are portrayed in a cartoonish manner, contributing little depth to the story. Notably, Wren's character suffers from underdevelopment, though Billie Lourd's enchanting performance manages to make an impact despite the film's forgetfulness regarding her existence.
It is the undeniable star power of Clooney and Roberts that momentarily elevates the lackluster script, reminding audiences of their talent and on-screen presence. However, their efforts alone cannot salvage the film, leaving viewers longing for the nostalgic rom-coms of the past.
"Two Tickets to Paradise" falls short of recapturing the magic of its predecessors. The film fails to deliver a compelling narrative, relying too heavily on the charisma of its stars. While it offers fleeting moments of entertainment, it ultimately disappoints those hoping for a return to the golden age of romantic comedies.
Two Tickets to Paradise (2022) - info
- Release date: September 8, 2022
- Genre: Comedy, Romance
- Director: Dustin Rikert
- Writer: Tracy Andreen, Kevin Taft
- Stars: Ashley Williams, Ryan Paevey, Mary-Margaret Humes