Julia Roberts and George Clooney join forces to deliver a new tropical, breezy rom-com “Ticket to Paradise” from director Ol Parker, known for writing and directing films like “Mama Mia! Here We Go Again” (2018) and “Imagine Me & You” (2005).

The two leads play divorced duo Georgia and David, who are painfully reunited for their daughter Lily’s college graduation. Constantly bickering and bantering, they can only agree on one thing: their daughter’s happiness. So when Lily finds love and a fiancé on a post-grad trip to Bali, Georgia and David make plans to sabotage the wedding because they believe it’s what’s best for her. This reunion has begun to rekindle some feelings between the split couple.

The studio rom-com has been on the decline for quite some time, but there have been recent attempts to bring it back to theaters. “Bros”, “The Lost City” and “Marry Me” were all released theatrically in the past year, bringing in low to modest box office numbers. 

Romantic comedies have primarily moved to dominate streaming services with young actors and actresses while the theatrical rom-com often features older actors. Aging actresses, in particular, are featured less and less in this genre of film, which is why “The Lost City” starring Sandra Bullock and this film starring Julia Roberts are so notable.

One of the reasons “Ticket to Paradise” works so well is because of the star power that Roberts and Clooney bring to the screen. All of the film’s best scenes are obviously because of them. They are some of the most beloved actors in Hollywood and their combined presence elevates the film immensely. The two celebrities clearly know each other off-screen so their chemistry is clear to the audience even when their characters are clashing; the wit and comedy they have each perfected throughout their careers shine through this film.

To my surprise, the supporting cast holds up fairly well against the veteran stars. Kaitlyn Dever (“Booksmart”) who brings Lily to life, has grown to be a promising young actress and plays this role earnestly. She is joined by Billie Lourd acting as the comedic side character and Lily’s best friend Wren, who steals a number of laughs.

A common criticism is how the film flaunts people’s privilege, which is certainly something to take into consideration. Not many people could plan a spontaneous trip to a foreign country, decide to get married, move there permanently and abandon their careers. 

But Lily is a part of a very well-off family that allows her to do these things, and even if her parents are hesitant, she does have the financial means to do so. Even when Georgia and David are in Bali they are staying at a luxurious resort which is in direct contrast to the small family-oriented villages of Lily’s fiancé. “Ticket to Paradise” is essentially just about rich people swimming in their many privileges.

By no means is “Ticket to Paradise” a perfect movie; it suffers from some muddled plot details and the occasional annoying rich person, but it is still an obnoxiously fun night out at the theater. It is important to have simple fun movies like this to bring audiences back to theaters again. Go see it with your friends and get sucked into Julia Roberts and George Clooney’s charisma.

Watch “Ticket to Paradise” in theaters now.