Just the Ticket

I was in a huge hurry and basically just grabbed this off the shelf for lack of seeing anything else that sparked my interest. I saw the trailer for this movie at the theater and thought that it looked incredibly stupid. I don't particularly like Andy Garcia or Andi McDowell, but I just watched on a whim and the next thing that I knew I was laughing (and crying). I was really surprised by how well I liked this film!

The plot was a tad silly, but the characters were so colorful and likeable (even the junky pregnant girl) that I got past the immaturity of the story line. It showed a small bit of the dark underbelly of NY ticket scalping, but the good intentions of everyone counteracted the negativity and the result was very optimistic. Andy Garcia was so good as the romantic lead, I particularly loved the scenes preparing for the big catering and the the kitchen destruction...too funny!

Bottom line, I think these two made a great on screen couple and I would recommend this to anyone who like me, enjoys these kinds of films, or to anyone who might need a little cheering up.

`Just The Ticket' This current trend of movies being announced for home video before, or during, a theatrical run is very heartbreaking. Good movies are lost in the stampede for the rental market, and I feel it cheapens the minor magic of seeing a film in the theater. `Another Day In Paradise', "Go", and `At First Sight' are recent examples of this. `Just The Ticket' is the latest. Appearing in the Phoenix area 6 weeks after its debut, it's also about 6 weeks before you can go to Blockbuster and rent it. Sad. What that means to me, and seemingly only me due to the reviews I have read, is that a very amiable and charming romantic-comedy-drama is going to fall below the radar with most people. Andy Garcia is an actor with an amazing dramatic charge that easily makes him one of the best actors we have. It's his choice of films that taint that assessment considerably.

I like him a lot, and `Ticket' gives Garcia that perfect opportunity to show off his range. His performance here as a ticket scalper ranks with his best work. He can take hold of the moment with the best of them, and he has an unbelievably funny scene involving the laserdisc of "Stargate". With Andie MacDowell, who I have always believed had the range of a half-empty box of Honey Nut Cherrios, Garcia creates believable chemistry. Their scenes of foreplay are truly enjoyable. The background story of `Ticket' is that they shot the New York street scenes without a permit, often having the citizens around them not aware that a movie was being made.

This aspect of the movie is its strongest asset. The dirty, low budget mentality makes the flick more enjoyable. The grainy film stock, passerby's looking into the camera, and Garcia actually seeming like he's having fun is such a breath of fresh air. It's like a student film with A list actors. Truth be told, the film falters when it reaches for more dramatically satisfying material. A drug addicted pregnant girl, a life-challenged mentor, and a rival scalper make for some weak moments. They threaten to crush the film. Somehow Garcia, with director Richard Wenk, make everything come together with a decent ending that doesn't feel forced. This isn't landmark material, but it is the rare film that isn't too forceful, and has complete faith in the power of its actors.------------- 8

Andy Garcia is one of my favorite actors and I sincerely believe that in "Just the Ticket" he is at his best. This movie is so spontaneous that everything seems real. I enjoyed "Just the Ticket" so much that wish to recommend it to you. Go and see it today.

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!