Journey to Paradise

"Journey To Paradise", the latest release from Salty Earth Pictures of Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, based upon the book "The Christmas Edition", by Robin Shope, and soundtrack provided by RGA Recording Artist Michael Schroeder's "Postcards from the road", illuminates clearly how truth can initially be hidden right in front of our eyes. Under Steve Zambo's direction, executive producer Elizabeth Zambo, and edited by Frank Datzer, "Journey To Paradise" is truly an experience that I did not hesitate to enjoy with my family. The reality lived each day by those close to and not-so-close-to family or a personal relationship with their Creator was adeptly captured by the cast and crew. The film brought me back to the days when Christmas and interactions with those around us were as they appeared, with no hidden agendas. Stacked against legitimate, heart-wrenching facts, "Journey To Paradise" creatively, and from a Christian perspective, showcases that the truth sometimes does wear a tuxedo. Into what may appear as insurmountable to the world and perhaps a lost cause, the film weaves honor, love, suspicion, comedy, and drama into a Christmas theme that does not forget the power of forgiveness. Tasteful, earthy, and destined to become a family-favorite each year when the air is crackling with a hint of frost and possibly a snowflake or two, "Journey To Paradise" needs no prompting to make it part of anyone's holiday viewing wish list; it's destined to be a classic already on-screen in my home for Christmas 2010.

I don't know how I got through the entire movie. Well I really didn't. Played an entertaining game on my phone all about ants. Some of the worst acting I have ever seen. Or was it the writing? Or both? Don't watch to find out. The movie fell so short on so many levels. Asusde from the acting/ poor writing it had an Unbelievable storyline. Dr Joe is insane to pull something like that to begin with. Are we sure he isn't a patient that escaped?!?!?!? The smartest one was the brother. And wasn't a bad actor. Would have rather watched a movie about how he and is friend investigated Joe. Would have been more entertaining.

A beautifully shot Christian film with a true Christian Heart. My daughter is home from College for the holidays and we sat down to watch it together. A great family movie with a sweet, sweet message. The location montage and song REASON FOR THE SEASON was our favorite. The two leads were intriguing to watch and were both very committed to their roles. It's amazing to me how much can be done and shot on an obviously modest budget. They certainly made good use of their surroundings and townsfolk which made it all the more quaint and special. Bravo Salty Earth Pictures! Bravo! You made me want to live in Paradise!

Suzanne LaRusch (Burbank, CA)

For a film with a limited budget and a cast of players I guarantee you never heard of this Christian film is not too bad and will find acceptance with more than church audiences.

Michael Koester arrives in the town of Paradise, Wisconsin as red state a small town as you'll find in the USA. Their local radio station is a family run affair and you would kind of wonder why that would even seek help from the outside as they do advertise themselves as the best station this side of heaven.

But a little help they need in the creative department and running an independent unaffiliated station isn't easy. So Koester comes from the outside and he's got some good ideas but also mysterious ways. But it's no mystery that he's falling for Hannah Fager daughter of the station owner.

It turns out he does have a connection of sorts to the family and his professional training isn't with the electronic media. For all of that you have to see the film.

I wouldn't be surprised if some bright person doesn't plagiarize the romantic portions of the story and eliminate the overtly religious and come up with a fine romantic comedy for general release. I could see a Ryan Reynolds in the lead, a Jennifer Aniston as the female lead.

Journey To Paradise will be on the Christian circuit and it will have success there.

After reading the reviews, we had such great hopes for this film. My friends and I usually enjoy films such as this, but because of extremely poor casting of the leads, this movie fell flat. It was painful to watch. There were ten of us here. Most wanted to shut it off before it was even over. None of us can account for the reviews from others. We all agree that this movie would have worked much better had other actors portrayed the characters. The male lead, sorry to say, should consider changing occupations. He was painful to watch. We feel uncomfortable writing this review, but feel the need to save others from the pain. This is the first time in our lives any of us has ever had difficulty finding much good about a movie. It was a painful waste of time.

If you're looking for an awesome movie, try something like Secrets in the Snow which is a perfect 10.