Ticket to Heaven

I personally known people so-called "religious", false people, with a washed brain. They claim to serve God but, in fact, they want nothing but money. All the churches in the world which ask for money, do not serve God. Long story... The movie has a very good, real, real-life topic. It is very well played by all the actors, well directed, well filmed. I've seen Nick Mancuso, Saul Rubinek, Meg Foster, Kim Cattrall, in many other movies, but here I enjoyed their acting the most. I do not know to what extent, because of the generous scenario or because of their talent, probably from both causes.

Nick Mancuso throws his all into the part of David, a young man seeking some meaning from his messy life who ends up bound tight in the web of a quasi-religious cult group. But he's got some big competition from co-star Saul Rubinek.

In the early eighties there were a couple of films fascinated by ideas of brainwashing, religious cults and deprogramming. Split Image is a companion piece to this film, which will interest many simply because of Kim Catrall's appearance as the obsessessed Ruthie, but which is even more notable I think for the strong friendship between Saul Rubinek's stand-up comedian character and the troubled protagonist, David. The film builds a poignant, revealing portrait of these two friends whose bond is crucial in determining both their futures. Rubinek is one of those instantly familiar faces whose performances in films like The Contender, Nixon, True Romance, and Dick conceal him in that strange underclass of actors - the supporting player (as opposed to the more showy supporting "Actor" parts claimed by brilliant die-hards like Dennis Hopper and Dianne Wiest.)

In this film, however, he shines and deserves to be seen in an excellently performed role. Mancuso similarly hasn't had much chance to fire like he does here (admittedly he wasn't the greatest Marquis De Sade in the film of the same name a couple of years back). His transformation here though is painful to watch but compelling and easy to empathise with as he struggles with notions of identity and truth.

If this film has any problem it is that the film is kind of tailored-for-effect a little too neatly like a tv movie, but it still manages to provoke some suspense thanks to the intensely credible performers.

An interesting lost gem of the early eighties.

It's been years since I've seen this film, but its images are burned into my mind. This is such a powerful movie that I would offer a caution to potential viewers -- the material is both gripping and frightening, and you'll never view certain 'organizations' as harmless ever again.

Nick Mancuso and R. H. Thompson both give the performances of their careers in this film, especially Mancuso. Unlike the rest of his work, he seems completely without self-consciousness here. Saul Rubinek also shines brilliantly. The two best performances may be Kim Cattrall and Meg Foster's, who give two different aspects of people who have lost their souls and who more than anyone else convey the danger facing Mancuso's character. Scariest moment in the film: Mancuso in a 'prayer meeting', thrusting his arms upward, shouting and staring with blank rage. You may even see some parallels in today's world in that scene.

Recommended in the strongest terms. 10/10

TICKET TO HEAVEN is dramatically effective, sociologically interesting, and thoroughly engaging. It has one of my favorite endings,which leaves the viewer with an intense sense of catharsis and relief. Great performances, especially by R.H. Thomson as the "deprogrammer"- what a classic character! This is an unsung sleeper which lends much insight into the world of cults and their effect on families-- track it down on video if you can!

This 1981 film is supported by a great cast and film score. The careers of Rubinek, Cattrall and Mancuso were boosted by this excellent film. An anti-cult film, "Ticket To Heaven" (1981) shares a similar subject with "Split Image," released the following year. TTH, for me, is a much more entertaining and realistic film. Filled with dramatic moments and fine performances, it deals with the true story of a depressed young man drifting into the cult of Sun-Yung Moon. "Split Image" (1982) portrays the identity crisis of a young man seeking answers beyond the illusions of his own shallow life and those of his family and friends. His search leads him to a new-age cult, where he finds the leader and his goals to be more sinister and empty than the life he ran away from. Carried by the cast and a fine music score by Bill Conti, "Split Image" doesn't provide the realistic, powerful performances from the lead characters that make TTH the choice between the two. Both films communicate worthy messages and deserve a look. While many of life's questions can be answered by the Bible, proper spiritual guidance and direction is essential, particularly for those who are not mature enough to seek God on their own. At the time these films were released, cults were very active and predatory. Today's youth are more likely to drift into new-age or satanic cults than Christian ones or, perhaps more likely, choose a life that is without spiritual goals or substance. Both these films can help by providing some answers or by stimulating thought on subjects that might otherwise be avoided.