'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.

Fun Summer Nights movie with a great cast dynamic -definitely thought Ashley and Ryan had a fun and enjoyable chemistry. I wouldn't mind seeing both of them together again in future Hallmark movies.

It's kinda funny, but sad too, that we're so polarized these days, and that people will waste their time review-bombing a tv-movie because they're so afraid of reality.

They're mad that after years, even decades of bland, by-the-numbers, dated storylines, Hallmark is finally embracing reality and including gay characters in their movies.

And what's so funny -- and ironic -- is these terrified folks have no idea how many of Hallmark's (and any other soap opera-type channel's) LEADING MEN are in fact gay, including some of their most popular. On top of that, some are publicly out -- like Peter Porte, Luke MacFarlane and Jonathan Bennett -- and not ashamed or afraid of what anyone thinks of their orientation.

Having said that, it's indeed sad that there are still people out there who have been taught to condemn, shame, and even disown their own children, simply for loving someone of their own sex. They didn't choose to be gay, it's not a "lifestyle choice"...yet they're cast out because they're different. But that too is changing big time. Fewer and fewer people every year are going to these evangelical churches and believing all the bigotry and hate.

So go ahead, downvote all you like. That won't change the FACT that the overwhelming majority of the public is not only not afraid of gay people, they have gay friends and acquaintences they love -- and enjoy movies like this one where Hallmark is starting to embrace what has always been a small percentage of the population.

Thank you Hallmark for making an effort with movies like this, to include characters that represent everyone. And also for hiring gay actors who aren't ashamed of their orientation. This movie was pretty damn good, especially compared to all the cheesy Christmas fluff.