The second half of this movie, shot in Malaysia, saves a mediocre production from the noose. It examines the faith and sympathy of a single loved one stranded in turmoil, and the sacrificial ending gives out the real truth for choosing one way over another. Yet, that one scene alone doesn't always render the movie harmless. What hurts RETURN TO PARADISE is the way it presents in a soap opera style. There's plenty of talk and useless lovemaking, making me wonder what kind of stirring impact the entire movie has in mind. Anne Heche proves that there's always a leading lady to hang around in Hollywood films, and here, she appears to be stealing time. Not surprisingly, it does offer some will and testament of conflicting battles between good and evil in a progressively modern state. More storytelling and less strays would have made this one better.
Review of Return to Paradise
Return to Paradise
(1998)
Poor writing flounders an otherwise thoughtfully emotional experience.
28 March 1999