REVIEW: TICKET TO PARADISE

3.5/5

The Parent's Trap.

104 Mins. Starring: George Clooney, Julia Roberts, Kaitlyn Dever, Billie Lourd, Maxime Bouttier & Lucas Bravo. Director: Ol Parker. 

Paradise lost. With previously quarantined borders finally being broken down as we try and make and mask our way through this COVID mess, soon we'll be able to take trips to destinations like this. But before you leave on a jet plane for the best way of life again, make sure you book a 'Ticket To Paradise'. Sitting between the first class company of George Clooney and Julia Roberts. Playing 'Intolerable Cruelty' as former flames who made it to the altar, but were extinguished in divorce soon after. All for a trouble in paradise trip to beautiful Bali (actually an amazing Australia) that looks like the screensaver on your laptop (credit to Jon Favreau in 'Couple's Retreat') that's been your company, going steady since 2020 (so you enjoy working from home? Not remotely. Ba dum tss). But will these romantic comedy tropes vow to turn into 'One Fine Day' in the end? This here that Michelle Pfeiffer. Too hot! 

Divorced in paradise, only lovers as jilted as these would try and poop the wedding party of even their own daughter. That's when they're not trying to one-up each other in bragging rights (hilarious in the post-credits, outstanding out-takes) at graduation, so much so, they forget to focus on the camera. A 'Booksmart' Kaitlyn Dever who has been on a TV tear ('Unbelievable' on Netflix and 'Dopesick' on Disney +) since said Olivia Wilde movie (and let's not forget the 'Detroit' and 'Beautiful Boy' breakout) is the daughter in question here. A promising law graduate who finds love on this island and wants to turn her gap year holiday romance into something that will last a lifetime (don't be a cynic). Could you blame Dever on devastatingly good form with the handsome and forthright charm of model and musician Maxime Bouttier? He and his family are the sweet soul of this story. 

Keeping the family fires burning of the beautiful Debbie Reynolds and Carrie Fisher legacy, a 'Booksmart' friend in granddaughter and the princesses own Billie Lourd steals scenes as the perfect B.F.F. role in support. All character. No cliché. The same goes for Roberts younger love interest, Lucas Bravo, from May to December. Bravo to the 'Emily In Paris' star for sending this all up so perfectly in Ol Parker's ol' time classic. The 'Mamma Mia' director saying 'Here We Go Again' to the best, exotic locations (it's not about the directing any more is it (ha, ha)?). But part 'The Descendants' holiday snap and all 'My Best Friend's Wedding' scenario, it's the 'Money Monster' reunion (slept on 90s throwback like classic) of A-listers George Clooney and Julia Roberts that really cashes out in this trojan horse of a reverse parent trap. 

Clooney like Cary can compel with this underrated art of leading man subtle nuance. Breaking into that warm smile we've seen since the day's of 'ER' that is like medicine, the way it can weather any time or condition. He looks into his chest and holds our gaze as he communicates more with that trademark touch of happiness than he does with decks of dialogue. All before crippling our tear ducts with some tender bar talk. His outstanding 'Oceans' co-star Julia Roberts across these, and their charming chemistry (especially when they snipe on a plane like...well, an old married couple). Still the 'Pretty Woman' legend that gave us undisputed Hollywood golden era classics like 'Erin Brokovich' and 'Notting Hill', you are witnessing one of the greatest actors and familiar faces of all-time still in her prime. But recently she's hit another level. Paying no mind to those haters who tried to troll her when some ignorant Hollywood exec suggested she should play abolitionist hero Harriet Tubman (this had nothing to do with her. People shouldn't have tarnished her name, because a fool brought hers up). Her last movie 'Ben Is Back' (that moment where she takes a drug addicted Lucas Hedges to a graveyard and asks him where he wants to be buried) was a devastating drama for the holidays, no hallmark. And as of late she's made television ('Homecoming', 'Starz' and 'Gaslit') her outstanding own too. 

But no 'Runaway Bride', these older dogs can still learn new tricks (and so can we). Witnessing the traditions of beautiful Balinese wedding plans. Even if they want to put them and young love's dream on hold like 'Fools Rush In'. Not to mention time's tried and tested love to have and to hold. Say I do to this one and catch the bouquet. A lovely, delightful movie for these wonderful holidays. Paradise found. TIM DAVID HARVEY.

Further Filming: 'Money Monster', 'The Descendants', 'My Best Friend's Wedding'.