Deux billets pour le paradis

Another storyline from Hallmark I haven't seen before.

Also another Hallmark movie where I couldn't guess the ending. Watched till the end.

Great scenery-loved the location. Got the true island feel.

Ryan Paevey brought his usual natural approach to his character while Ashley Williams seemed a bit over the top in some scenes.

Chemistry had more a friend vibe than romantic.

Also enjoyed the scenes with the newly married gay couple. I'm friends with people like that couple. They're fun to be around. Thank you, Hallmark for including them.

And lastly, Hallmark has to give Ryan Paevey a sequel movie or show starring his character in this movie.

Say "Hallmark movie" and you almost immediately can guess the progression of the plot. That's not a criticism as it's always in the execution. And this particular show executes well with a man and a woman who meet after being jilted on their wedding day and end up at the same honeymoon hotel in Hawaii. Yeah, you can guess what happens. But Ashley Williams is so FUNNY and delightful that you almost forget this is a Hallmark movie. Whether it's weeping uncontrollably in a bathroom, freaking out at a Haunted Hawaii tour or estimating the risks associated with jumping off a waterfall (she's an actuary) Ashley is a lot of fun. Paevy has an easygoing charm as her romantic foil and, for those who may be interested, actually takes off his shirt a couple of times.

I enjoyed this movie. Ryan Paevey and Ashley Williams did a nice job with this Hallmark show.

They really didn't sizzle together, but were still fun.

There were a couple of miscast characters. Becca was decidedly boring and Hanna's mother looked younger than Ashley Williams.

Ryan Paevey was mighty easy on the eyes and was a shirtless treat. The story was a pleasant departure from the usual Romcom fare. Thank you Hallmark.

'Two Tickets to Paradise' (2022)

Opening thoughts: The 2022 Summer Nights block was a mixed bag. Was mixed to positive on 'Hidden Gems', liked 'Caribbean Summer' quite a lot, but didn't care for 'Moriah's Lighthouse'. 'Two Tickets to Paradise' sounded very appealing premise-wise, one of the year's more appealing ones from Hallmark because despite its predictability it sounded really charming. Have liked Ashley Williams and Ryan Paevey (both Hallmark regulars) in other things, though the filmographies for both are very up and down as are their performances.

Of the 2022 Summer Nights films, 'Two Tickets to Paradise' is the best, by far, and it really does live up to its quite adorable title (that is not too corny this time). While it is not quite perfect, this reviewer liked it very much, found it one of the best 2022 Hallmark films and a very good representation of both Williams and Paevey. Both giving performances that are among their best. The story may not be mind-blowing in 'Two Tickets to Paradise', but even that aspect has a significant amount of charm.

Bad things: Did find the ending rather rushed and too pat, though the final act doesn't frustrate anywhere near as much as others in the 2022 Hallmark batch.

Also found some of the dialogue rather cheesy.

Good things: So much comes over well though. Really liked both Williams and Paevey in their roles. Williams brings a lot of perky energy to hers and it didn't come over as over the top, and while Paevey is more subtle he is very likeable and natural. Their chemistry is very at ease and sweet, with nothing forced, even if it does not quite scintillate. The supporting cast are all solid and the characters were all things worth connecting with, none annoying or boring me.

It is a very attractively photographed film with stunning scenery. Also pleasant is the music, which has presence without coming over as over-bearing or too constant. The direction shows a good deal of confidence and a sense that they knew what they were doing and trying to achieve. The script flows well on the whole and is light hearted while not coming over as too sappy. Even though rather typical, there is at least a story and it is one with charm and heart and is lively in pace.

Closing thoughts: Concluding, very well done.

8/10.

Hannah Holt (Ashley Williams) and Josh Wyatt (Ryan Paevey) are both dumped on their wedding days. They happen to meet soon after and are thrust together by coincidences time and again until they coincidentally find themselves staying at the same Hawaiian hotel. Having shared the same fate, they commiserate. The chemistry between these two is good, and individually the two characters are very likable.

Since this is a Hallmark romance, the eventual ending is no surprise, but the journey getting there is filled with spectacular Hawaiian scenery and lighthearted fun.

Watch for Kimee Balmilero who plays the part of the spunky hotel employee, Kailani, adding energy to her scenes and serving as an unofficial Hawaiian ambassador. The island of Oahu looks so inviting. Anyone for shave ice?