Journey to Paradise (2010) Reviews

• We usually love this type of movie, but this fell short. Casting failures made it painful to watch.

  DreamyOneNumber12016-11-27

  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.

• The truth sometimes wears a tuxedo

  iaminthevineyard2010-12-11

  "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.

• Great potential but fell short

  luludollygirl2011-01-07

  I am one of those freaky people who love to read the book and watch the movie. I saw the movie with a friend and then went and got the book. I want to say to Salty Earth that your heart is truly in the right place and there is great potential in your company. As a Christian, I pray for what you are doing. Journey to Paradise fell short though. I will definitely watch it again but this is one case where they should have stayed closer to the book (which is funny because I don't usually say that). I enjoyed the performances of the father, the hero and the brother. The women weren't quite as real. The foundational plot was good but some of the lapses in sequencing were really tough for the viewer. The biggest difference between the book and the movie was that it involved a newspaper as opposed to a TV station and as a girl who grew up in the kind of town where this was set, sorry the TV station didn't fly. It should have stayed a newspaper. The sound track was amazing!!! I am not sure on the artist (I need to check that out) but that was a real treasure and the scene of them walking that was set to music was exquisite. (not sure if that was a spoiler so that is why I checked the box.) Truly a romantic Christmas scene that any girl dreams of. Again, Salty Earth you have great potential - keep going and keep improving. You have a gift and this is a market that needs people like you to forge forward. Good luck and you will be in my prayers.

• Just finished watching this film

  sunshinetalent2010-12-12

  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)

• A great family movie centered on clean fun and Christian values.

  mmwent602010-12-06

  Why would a God who wants everyone to have an eternal home in Paradise make it hard for anyone to get there? He doesn't—which we all get to see through the journey of Lucy and Joe... Joe and Lucy feel an immediate attraction, but their budding romance, and ultimately their faith, is tested by suspicions, secrets and guilt. After seeking the answers from the only Source they can be found, they discover redemption, purpose and true Love. Not only is the movie focused on the two lead characters of Joe and Lucy, but the supporting cast of family and friends with their comedic relief and unwavering loyalties keeps the plot building all the way up to the surprise ending. A word must also be made on the music sound track-—inspirational!