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Paradise City Blu-ray Review

Don’t take me down to “Paradise City.”  

Directed by veteran Chuck Russell (best known for “The Mask,” “Eraser,” “The Scorpion King” and “A Nightmare On Elm Street 3: Dream Warriors”), “Paradise City” is a Hawaii set thriller that begins with a bounty hunter (Ian) allegedly being killed after going after a dangerous wanted criminal. Ian’s son Ryan wants to know how his father died so he teams up with Ian’s ex-partner Robbie…until Robbie becomes kidnapped. Ryan then teams up with a local cop (Savannah) to try and save Robbie and discover what happened to his father. The two discover that a shady but powerful man named Arlene may be connected to the events that are transpiring.

There may be a lot of talent involved in this project with director Chuck Russell and cast members Bruce Willis, John Travolta and Stephen Dorff but that doesn’t equal a good movie. This is yet another slapped together alleged thriller made for the home video market. Everything about the Corey Large, Edward Drake and Chuck Russell scripted story is generic. There are no thrills to be had here and you can even spot the “twists” coming a mile away. In many ways it feels like a rejected script to one of the many CBS shows that film in Hawaii. 

As mentioned above the movie does boast a big cast. Bruce Willis has little to do here and isn’t in the movie as much one might think. John Travolta is serviceable as the film’s villain. Truth be told, it’s a little puzzling as to why Stephen Dorff is in this movie given his recent career resurgence. Regardless, he is far and away the best part of the movie. Blake Jenner and Praya Lundberg are pretty faces that tke up most of the screentime, but neither can act.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.39:1 1080p. Grade: B+

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: B+

Extras:
* Digital copy
* Commentary by director Chuck Russell and actor Blake Jenner.
* “The Road To Paradise City: A Conversation With Praya Lundberg and Chuck Russell”
* “My Time In Paradise: Chuck Russell’s Adventures In Hollywood”- The director talks about the movie business and his career in this 18 minute extra.
 

December 22, 2022 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Blake Jenner, Bruce Willis, John Travolta, Paradise City Blu-ray Review, Paradise City Movie, Stephen Dorff