This article may contain spoilers for Ticket to Paradise (2022).

While watching the trailer for Ticket to Paradise (2022), one might notice that it has some remarkable similarities to Mamma Mia (2008). If you continue to watch the trailer, it is revealed that the film is by the same creators of Mamma Mia. This explains why it seems like Ticket to Paradise is a more diluted and flashy version of Mamma Mia.

The Hollywood celebrities George Clooney and Julia Roberts star as the divorced couple, David and Georgia, who hate each other with a fierce passion. Their daughter, Lily (Kaitlyn Dever) is a recent college graduate taking a Bali vacation with her friend and former roommate, Wren (Billie Lourd). 

While in Bali, Lily has a “meet-cute” with the local Balinese seaweed farmer, Gede (Maxime Bouttier). Although it ends up being more of just a “meet” than a “meet-cute”. Instead of saying any actual words of significance to each other, they meet as Gede pulls Lily onto a boat and they lock eyes for a few moments before the movie moves on. Instead of showing the two click through conversation having a moment of compatibility like most other romantic comedies, it simply shows that each thinks the other is attractive enough to be stared at for about a minute. This fact can be excused, as the real main characters of the movie that our attention is drawn to, Lily’s parents.

The film then skips ahead a little over a month, when Lily’s parents find out from a wedding invitation that their daughter plans to marry and reside with Gede, rather than go back to the States to a job she had already set up at a law firm. Disappointed by this outcome, David and Georgia join together to pry the couple apart in their attempts to get their daughter back on the life track that they would rather her be on, a ploy that their daughter and her fiance eventually see through.

The fact that David and Georgia hate each other is used as a plot device to show that they believe their plan is such a worthy cause that they are willing to work together, as well as to provide witty banter between the two throughout the course of the movie. Their hate is more shown as an affectionate hatred through witty banter and pointed remarks, and it eventually begins to falter as they reminisce about the days when they first got together, and discuss what eventually tore them apart.

If you are searching for relatable characters, watch a different movie. David and Georgia are both unnecessarily rich, and it’s shown. They seem to have any luxury that they wish at the snap of their fingers. Throughout the movie, they are shown in fancy homes, buying luxurious items, and staying in a five-star hotel for the duration of their daughter’s wedding events. This includesthe fact that they had sent their daughter and her friend on a one-month-long island vacation in the first place.

The side plot seemed underdeveloped in order to rush to the main plot. Lily and Gede are rarely shown together on their own, yet the audience is supposed to believe they are madly in love. As the film failed to show even the slightest development of their relationship before it is revealed that they are to be married, which makes it feel like a rushed decision. Rather than plot development, much of the movie is pushed forwards with shots of the amazing scenery in the dream paradise, although the plot mainly focuses on the touristy parts of the island rather than the home village of Gede where Lily will be residing with him.

The cast did an excellent job portraying the characters given to them, even if they seemed a bit nonsensical at times. If you are looking for a heartwarming and simple romcom with young actors, then perhaps check the listings for something different. This movie is perfect for anyone that enjoys a basic plot, famous cast members Julia Roberts and George Clooney and a scenic movie that makes you wish you were rich enough for an island holiday.

In theaters today.