Two Tickets to Paradise

Loved the movie. Got to view it for free over at my military base in Germany. I will see it again and have no problem paying to go see it next time around. The movie was funny, touching as well as relatable. I enjoyed the bond of the men in the movie. I felt connected to them. Each character had painful things going on in their lives, but the strength of friendship along with encouragement to do better and be better was especially nice to see. Too often we see others be encouraged to be hurtful and destructive. You didn't see it here. It was written well. The acting was fantastic. I felt like I was watching friends having a great time. Nothing looked forced.

Now that's it's 2008, who really has a care in the world about a guy like DB Sweeney, even back then he wasn't a big deal.

Two Tickets to Paradise is an outlined story that's well and true where three friends hit the road under each of their personal circumstances. Again, a proved plot. The problem with this film, other than it's 'so bad it's compelling' title, is the script.

Cliché after cliché three guys do the same things you've seen in every other road movie... and blow up vanna white's house.

John C. McGinley's acting job is superb, especially compared to that of the late DB Sweeney's. (His career is dead, hence the late. though i hear he's moving to TV, good for him). Also, John C likely has the least awful character in the film.

The score is so generic it actually feels like you're watching a third rate film from 1993, or Jeff Anderson's movie Now You Know (also set me back a few years, but at least that was more entertaining.) I mean, yah, i guess i enjoyed parts of it. But, the nerdy guy is annoying, DB tries to be this cool failed guitar player (with some rough influences, like some of the worst of classic rock) who has some strange relationship with a stripper, and John C is a gambler who's wife and kid leave him after the death of his father as well as a visit from one of his bookie's henchmen.

I keep thinking up ways to make this movie better. But i think burning the script would have been a healthy start.

But, as i've hinted this whole time, it's not the worst movie ever. And any chance i have to see McGinley in a starring role, i'll take it. Hopefully he starts getting some better projects.

3 men well into their adulthood and facing problems - ranging from an unfaithful wife to gambling debts - decide to take a road trip to the Superbowl after one of them unexpectedly wins tickets in a raffle. What results is a coming of age story with a certain twist.

Twist in that these men have already come of age - they are adults, working, tending the family, and all of life's problems. The coming of age comes in that they are men locked in their past, still reminiscing of the good old days when they were young and life was easy, fun, and there was little, if anything, to complain about. One was a star athlete, one a musician, one the class valedictorian. But then, somewhere down the line it just dissolved away and they are now working dead-end jobs, which they obviously don't like, and life is... bland. Completely unlike before.

Very well written, acted, and directed with a strong focus on the characters and often gut-bustingly funny the film presents one of life's most valuable, though not most obvious lessons: life will not live itself for you, you have to live your life.

Props to first time director D.B. Sweeney. 10/10

Not Rated as of yet, but has occasional profanity/crude dialog and some humorous drug use.

D.B. Sweeney co-wrote, produced, directed and co-starred in this coming-of-middle age dramedy about three childhood friends that set out on a road trip and in the process find the true meaning of friendship.

"Dirt Nap's" biggest strength is the performances delivered by John C. McGinley, Paul Hipp, and Sweeney. Each coming from pasts full of promise (all-star athlete McGinley, valedictorian Hipp, & Springsteenesque rocker Sweeney), but now find themselves regretting the chances they let slip away. All of the scenes that McGinley, Hipp, & Sweeney share are wonderfully written and acted, remaining loose and spontaneous, and you quickly get the sense that these three guys really have known each other their whole lives. Once they set out on the road they quickly fall back into their old High School identities, and this is when the film is at it's most enjoyable, full of witty dialogue and randomly hilarious moments (part of any road trip) that make us feel more like these guys are in High School or college than their early 40s. Almost makes you wonder, what changes us, age & time or the people that we're surrounded with?

Without throwing it in your face, "Dirt Nap" makes a very true statement about friendship. Real friends will make you laugh, they'll challenge you when you're out of line, and they know you better than you may know yourself. They'll also stand beside you for all of life's journeys, including the ones you take when you think you've failed.

So, if you've ever been on a road trip that you still talk about years later, or if you're still talking about the one you've never taken, go see "Dirt Nap" with a bunch of your buddies. Then, when it's done head to the bar, order some beers, and share some laughs about the past. I'm sure you'll be planning your next road trip in no time.

saw this film last night, such a refreshing change from slick, Hollywood blockbusters. it has so much heart! any guy who ever had a buddy (or two, or three) will love it, and any gal who loves her guy will feel tenderness toward this trio of lovable losers. the pacing is perfect, giving the actors their moments without trying to painfully wring out every last drop of drama. and the comedic timing is impeccable, as you'd expect from three accomplished, experienced actors.

great performances, laugh-out loud funny, chock full o'testosterone yet somehow, in its earnestness, very sweet. as a film, it's a winner. as DB Sweeney's first effort behind the camera, it's a sign of great things to come.