'Retreat to paradise' so perfectly imps the tone of a Hallmark romance that I didn't know it wasn't. It's unquestionably corny, but anyone stumbling across this already knows exactly what they're in for. I can't help myself - I really enjoy it.
Director Brian Brough includes plenty of establishing shots around Fiji to make sure we get eyefuls of greenery and beautiful landscapes, or the ocean. His vision regarding the narrative is notably less expansive, as his camerawork mirrors Warren Workman's editing in keeping the plot flowing very quickly. It goes so quickly that within the first 20 minutes there's a big splash as the physical therapist confronts her surly tennis star patient, and she then calls a friend for advice. Like Brittany Wiscombe's writing, Brough and Workman disallow actors room to truly embrace their roles as no scene lingers beyond the conclusion of dialogue.
And speaking of dialogue - Wiscombe's pen confers some extra personality onto her characters, though the often playful words themselves are direct to the point of unabashed cheesiness. So it is with the story she's written, though it's at least cohesive and whole - and mildly endearing. It's no great revelation - far from it - but even if 'Retreat to paradise' is clichéd in its bent (an air furthered by the very conventional rom-com soundtrack), it has a certain irrepressible charm.
As is commonly the case with pictures of this nature, I feel like the cast is fine, but tend to be restricted by the writing and direction. I'm not especially familiar with most of the actors here, but I trust they've skills that would be brought out in a more elastic feature. Meanwhile, I've seen star Melanie Stone in several films now, and I know she's quite capable. She carries a strong ease and charisma about her that makes her portrayal of protagonist Ellie enchanting in her determination, persistence, and openness.
Of course a requisite dramatic occurrence gives the plot a twist within the last fraction of the film. Even then, though, good work from wardrobe, hair, makeup, and set decoration lend to the pleasantness of what is generally just a feel-good movie.
Yes, it's hokey, in the way the vast majority of rom-coms are. But a viewer isn't going to be watching this if they're not receptive to the genre in the first place, so it's easy to engage with the picture on its level. There's no reason to go out of your way to find it, but 'Retreat to paradise' is a sweet, straightforward experience if you come across it.
