Paradise City offers a straightforward, albeit familiar, narrative of revenge and redemption, notable primarily for reuniting action veterans Bruce Willis and John Travolta on screen for the first time in 27 years, since the Oscar-winning Quentin Tarantino movie Pulp Fiction.
The story centers on Ian Swan (Willis), a bounty hunter operating in Hawaii, who is presumed dead after a dangerous mission. His son, Ryan Swan (Blake Jenner), a former soldier, travels to Maui to investigate. He soon discovers that Ian was involved in a complex and dangerous operation against a powerful crime lord Buckley (Travolta) As Ryan delves deeper, he finds himself crossing paths with a figure from his father’s past.
Ryan must navigate a treacherous underworld, evade dangerous assassins, and uncover the truth behind his father’s disappearance, leading to a climactic confrontation where loyalties are tested and old scores are settled.
Willis, in one of his later roles, brings his signature stoic presence to Ian Swan, embodying the grizzled, world-weary operative and Travolta, as Buckley, delivers a more flamboyant and menacing performance, relishing his role as the primary antagonist.
The film attempts to capitalize on their reunion, and their limited shared scenes do offer a nostalgic spark for fans of their earlier collaborations.
Stephen Dorff provides a solid turn as Robbie Cole, a bounty hunter and former protege of Ian Swan.
Jenner carries much of the film’s action as Ryan Swan, portraying the determined son seeking answers.
Praya Lundberg adds a strong presence as a cop who teams up with Ryan.
Director Chuck Russell (Eraser) orchestrates the action sequences with a functional approach, delivering competent shootouts and chases that move the plot along. The film’s Hawaiian setting provides a visually appealing backdrop, even if it’s not always fully integrated into the narrative.
The screenplay, while adhering to standard action-thriller conventions, focuses on the themes of family, loyalty, and revenge. It’s a no-frills action flick that prioritizes straightforward plotting and a steady stream of confrontations over intricate character development or surprising twists.
Bruce Willis in Paradise City (Photo/Saban Films)
Reception for Paradise City
Paradise City was released in limited theaters and VOD on November 11, 2022.
Owen Gleiberman in his review for Variety, said “I’m not sure if what Willis, Travolta, and Dorff do here rises to what you’d call integrity, but all three seem to be enjoying themselves. They slum with style.”
Glenn Kenny gave the film a negative review in The New York Times, saying it “sounds like one of those fake movies joked about on Seinfeld or 30 Rock. And yet Paradise City is a reality of sorts, albeit an uncomfortable reality.”
Legacy
Paradise City is a serviceable action thriller that will likely appeal most to fans of its lead stars, particularly those curious to see Willis and Travolta share the screen again. While it doesn’t break new ground in the genre, it delivers enough action and a clear-cut narrative to satisfy an audience looking for a straightforward, undemanding watch. It’s a film that promises familiar thrills and largely delivers on that promise.
Paradise City is one of the last films to star Willis, who retired from acting because he was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
