Return to Paradise
Return to Paradise
R | 10 August 1998 (USA)
Return to Paradise Trailers

Lewis, Sheriff and Tony are three friends vacationing in Malaysia. Sheriff and Tony eventually leave to pursue careers in New York, but Lewis stays behind to work with orangutans. Two years later, Sheriff and Tony learn that, because of their past actions, Lewis has been arrested for drug possession. With Lewis facing a death sentence, the friends are left with a difficult decision: return to Malaysia and split Lewis' sentence, or let him die.

Reviews
TrueJoshNight Truly Dreadful Film
SparkMore n my opinion it was a great movie with some interesting elements, even though having some plot holes and the ending probably was just too messy and crammed together, but still fun to watch and not your casual movie that is similar to all other ones.
Numerootno A story that's too fascinating to pass by...
Justina The film never slows down or bores, plunging from one harrowing sequence to the next.
mjacksongta every time I watch this movie 2 things come to mind. 1 why to a get teary eyed every time I watch it even when I now know every square inch of the movie. and 2 how in the hell did this movie not even get so much as a nomination.this movie is GREAT and it's a shame to see so many haters on IMDb ruin its score.all actors in it deliver some of the best performances of their careers and mixed in with great directing and best of all a strong plot.you leave return to paradise asking your self repeatedly would i go back? you even discuss it with your friends but you don't want to ruin it for them so you tell them to watch it just so that you can talk about it.one of my favorite movies in any category 10/10
dgar1948 I watched this movie and it made me realize that Americans aren't looked up to with awe and wonder anymore like in past years. The "I'm an American" doesn't wash anymore, especially when drugs are concerned. Like the kid who was imprisoned in Turkey years ago and managed to escape. And the woman who got 33 years in Thailand back in 1980 who only had to deliver a package of some drug and get the next flight home and she would have gotten $50,000 if my memory serves me right. It doesn't pay to break the law in another country obviously, especially if you're American. Those judges aren't very sympathetic as shown in this movie. Their version of justice is far different than ours. I did not like the character of Jada Pinkett, the nosy reporter, who I think was outright responsible for the hanging. The movie should have included a scene where Anne Heche goes back to N.Y. and kills her or at the very least gives her the beating of her life, I mean a serious beating that would have left her brain damaged. She would have deserved it. Except for that missing part it was a pretty good movie.
Justafilmwatcher The premise of _RtP_ is excellent, but it got into the mud at some point in its development.Much of the film's failure rests on, yet again, REDUCED CHARACTERS. We watch our Innocent Childlike Victim take the blame for his Aloof Friends comprised of an unfeeling Don Juan and an unfeeling Man With A Future. Desperate (blonde) Victim's Sister and Hungry (black female) Reporter arrive in order to push the plot ahead. All, save Mr. Innocent, are stylishly dressed urbanites. Setting is a Faceless Asian Country Highly Critical of America.Throw in two absolutely unnecessary sex scenes and far too much will-he-won't-he back-and-forth 'suspense' and we got a movie, baby! (The twist at the ending, too, feels Test Audience Approved.) Had _RtP_ been done by a daring director, a hard-boiled writer, and more serious actors, what a film this could have been. As it stands, even the dumb mood music gets in the way. Three out of ten for yet another good idea shot to bits.
softee2003 This was 'my' first Vince Vaughn experience and made me a fan of his. I thoroughly enjoyed the chemistry and non-chemistry between he and Ann Heche; Joachim Phoenix was extremely well cast and did a great job. This was a well-written story which has been a favorite of mine since it's release. The roles are thoroughly believable and well-acted; not overdone. Although I thought the character changeover at the end was a bit improbable, it did not at all change affect my affection for this film. A stellar performance from all involved.This movie is #4 on my A list behind Shawshank, Steele Magnolias, Road to Perdition and ranks high among my 'emos' (emotional flicks) I like to cry to on occasion. I would recommend this to male and female lovers of drama.