Ticket to Paradise is a familiar romantic comedy about the divorced parents of a young woman who decides to get married herself, and their efforts to change her mind.  Ol Parker’s film is as formulaic as one can imagine: the parents (George Clooney, Julia Roberts) bicker and plot and bicker some more; the daughter (Kaitlyn Dever) tries to cope but eventually realizes their duplicity; the parents begin to doubt their strategy and flirt with each other; all ends happily.  This is the type of movie that would normally garner no more than two stars from me no matter what; the material barely suffices as theatrical quality.

So why two-and-a-half stars?  Star power for one thing.  Clooney and Roberts have genuine magnetism that still jumps off the screen, even at their advanced ages (61, 55).  (Yes, that was sarcasm).   The scenery is spectacular, although their version of Bali is actually Australia much of the time.  Despite the formula the actual writing is impactful, and the journey is enjoyable. This is a film that shouldn’t be as good as it is, but like many romantic comedies is just so darn pleasant and amusing and romantic that it works in spite of its formula.

The film works hard to be inclusive, and makes every effort to not diminish or insult the Balian people or customs.  Lots of American films would, but this one is pretty respectful of the different culture and way of life.  It stresses the importance of family and commitment, which resonates with the parental characters who could not make their own union succeed.  Eventually, as we all know must occur, the parents come to their senses so that their daughter can experience the best of life and follow her own path to happiness.  Even in material as slim as this, that message is still mighty effective.  Enjoyable fluff with some depth.  ☆ ☆ 1/2.  30 November 2022.