Two Tickets to Paradise

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.

If you're looking for big budget Hollywood, this movie's not for you. If you're looking for angst ridden sad ending for the sake of sad ending - ditto.

However, if you want something that's fun, endearing, a little off kilter and ultimately redemptive - you've found he right movie.

I enjoyed the lack of formula and some strong emotional performances, inserted artfully in this potentially formulaic "on the road" genre. I enjoyed it because when you watched, it really wasn't formulaic at all, and Two Tix was surprisingly poignant delivering the (non- preachy but clear) messages on friendship, and manhood, marriage and family.

Kudos to DB, and though we didn't see a whole lot of her or like her a lot in this film, Moira still has it.

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.

This movie was an all around uninspiring film. It was a non-moving story that definitely does not get you thinking anything other then where is all the strong moving material the other critics say about the film The 3 main actors are good, and there is a few laughs but once again it becomes another movie that you keep watching in hopes of it getting better and it just doesn't. I watched this movie last night and wished that we hadn't wasted our precious time (while baby is sleeping) watching this film.

I plan not to recommend this to my family and friends, as well as obviously anyone looking to rent it. I was pretty much non-impressed with everything about this film.

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.