Ticket to Love

This film must have been the best-kept secret in movies, because I never heard of it before. It's a charming and well-acted little comedy romance, I don't know why it was brushed under the carpet. Andy Garcia is extremely funny and energetic in the lead role of Gary, he and Andie MacDowell have a good romantic chemistry, and some of the supporting characters are great. It's not a brilliant film, but it's certainly well worth watching, and I think Andy Garcia should be very proud of this amusing and very good film.

For a low budget, unknown movie, it is rather a good surprise!

It owes a lot to its principal cast, because having the two Andies(Garcia & MacDowell) to play in a romance, you are sure to have a winning ticket!

Garcia is at his best playing a passionate man and Macdowell is terrific as the fragile lover. For me, there isn't an actress better when it comes to a love story.

Furthermore, you see New York in a new light, because the movie takes place in the streets of New York, as it involves tickets selling.

The story is very moving, especially the relationship between Garcia and his surrogate father. It talks a lot about dreams, failures and resilience.

You can be unhappy with the extra (text to read or silent making-of) but not by the main thing! So, try to find it if you can and enjoy this great movie!

Gary (Andy Garcia) makes his living in NYC scalping tickets. A charming crook, he has attracted the attention of would-be chef Linda (Andie MacDowell). They have had a go at a relationship but Linda has become unhappy about his profession and his careless ways. Seeing no future in the involvement, Linda has tried to end it. Yet, Gary keeps coming around, weakening her resolve. As these things go, other scalpers seem to be encroaching on Gary's territory. Will he give up the criminal life to win the affections of his girlfriend?

This movie works because of the appeal of Garcia and MacDowell. They have a sparkling chemistry which is infectious. There are some funny scenes involving Garcia at Catholic confession as well as some dramatic ones concerning the up and down lives of the other scalpers. The ending is a demonstration of the adage "all's well that ends well". Although it is not the best romantic comedy out there, fans of the genre should give this movie a whirl. It might be just the ticket for an enjoyable evening of entertainment.

A charming guy, Gary, played by Andy Garcia is an irresponsible but an irresistable goodhearted soul; all of his friends are Runyoneque. Trouble is Gary is a 'scalper'. His 'Guardain Angel', Benny, played by Richard Bradford, buys his tickets and sells them off at highly increased prices. Gary falls for Linda, played by Andie MacDowell, but he is awkward and afraid to say he loves her. She puts him off and then he tries to win her back by selling tickets to the Pope's visit to town, but ends up in jail because he lost the cash - funny film, but cute and exciting, and there are a few forgotten famous actors including Abe Vigoda and Ron Leibman. I recommend it highly! 7/10

In England they are known as Ticket Touts, but whether you know them as Touts or Scalpers the character is the same. Unpleasant. So an unlikely candidate as a leading character in a romantic comedy? Maybe so, but this is one of the things that sets this film apart from the average romantic comedy. Another is the performances. Not Oscar winning stuff maybe, but they all seem to be getting the most out of their roles. While the focus is on the relationship between Garcia and McDowell, the relationship between Garcia and his pal/father figure Benny underpins the film and ultimately is the catalyst which is the reason for the ending. Benny is ably played by Richard Bradford, at last being given a chance to stretch his wings outside of the corrupt coppers he is usually asked to play, and you would have to be a hard hearted person not to be touched by his portrayal. It is such a shame that so much of "Benny" ultimately ended up on the cutting room floor and so we are only given a glimpse of why Garcia takes him under his wing.

If you want your intellect stretched, look elsewhere. But if you want to curl up on the sofa armed with a box of Kleenex and a box of chocolates, you could do a lot worse than let this film into your living room.