Feeling right out the 90’s, Ticket to Paradise knows exactly what kind of movie it wants to be.

Sometimes, it’s nice to go to a movie, turn you brain off, and sit back and laugh. From the trailer, anyone could tell exactly how Ticket to Paradise would go. There’s nothing about this flick that will challenge you, but that doesn’t mean it’s a bad movie. There is actually quite a bit that works in it. That being said, there is a missed opportunity to sets itself apart with a more original script.

The main aspect that works in Ticket to Paradise is the acting from two legends in Julia Roberts and George Clooney. They absolutely carry this movie and help it be less forgettable. Their chemistry and banter back and forth lead to plenty of laugh out loud moments. It’s nice to see them both truly have fun with their roles. The premise is pretty simple overall: David (Clooney) and Georgia (Roberts) are divorced and travel to Bali to stop their daughter from marrying a local that she suddenly falls in love with during her post college graduation vacation. David and Georgia believe she is making the same mistake that they did many years ago, so they feel inclined to stop her.

There are plenty of funny moments leading up to their arrival in Bali, and even more once they actually get there. If Ticket to Paradise had two less talented actors leading the way, it likely wouldn’t have been as funny or entertaining. They hatch a plan to sabotage their daughter’s wedding so she can see the mistake she is making. But while doing so, they get a blast from the past as they’re reminded why they actually loved each other. This aspect, like most of the film, is predictable. However, it works solely because Roberts and Clooney sell it so well.

Speaking of predictable, that is where Ticket to Paradise struggles the most. With a very light, thin script, you see everything coming from a mile away, including some of the comedic moments. This mostly applies to the structure of the story, though. It would have been nice if the script have a few unforeseen turns that would challenge the viewers. Instead, it chooses to play it safe and stick to the cardboard-cut-out rom-com we’ve seen 100 times before. That’s fine, but there is definitely a missed opportunity for it to be more memorable.

If you’re looking for a fun date night at the movies, Ticket to Paradise might be a good choice for you. It’s nice to see Roberts and Clooney in these roles, as we don’t see either star actor in as many films these days. They’ll have you laughing throughout the short runtime, and their chemistry might remind you of their time in the Ocean’s franchise.  There’s no rush to see this, but it might deserve your time whether it’s in the theater or at home when it’s available to stream.

RATING: ★★★ 

(out of five stars)