Coming to select theaters today is the new film Paradise staring Julianne Hough (Safe Haven), Russell Brand (Hop) and Octavia Spencer (The Help).
Screenwriter Diablo Cody (Juno) makes her directorial debut with this film.
Paradise is the story of Lamb Mannerhein (Hough), a young Montana native who had a very religious upbringing who managed to survive a plane crash. The crash left her burned and scared on parts of her body and she was required to take medication (assuming it’s to help with the pain).
One day Lamb was asked to speak at her church about her experience. Instead of inspiring the congregation with her spirit and determination she instead went off the deep end and started to rant and rave about how life it too short and if there was really a God why would he disfigure her like he did.
Lamb was awarded a large sum of money from her accident. Against her parents wishes she decides to leave her small town behind and go out and experience real life. She packs her bags and heads off to “Sin City” (Las Vegas).
Lamb has lead a sheltered life up until now. She’s the quintessential “good girl” in every way.
Once in Vegas Lamb meets a club singer name Loray (Spencer) and a bartender name William (Brand). With their help Lamb gets to experience life in a whole new way. Not only do her experiences change her life, she also makes it a point to change the lives of those around her too.
This is a sweet movie. Julianne Hough does a wonderful job playing the sweet, innocent Lamb. Even Russell Brand impressed me. Usually I see him playing characters that are a bit crude and crass. He was the polar opposite in this film. He was actually kind, caring and sensitive.
Octavia Spencer always pulls off whatever role she is playing and this film was no exception. Octavia is someone I would love to hang out with, even on the streets of Vegas. She seems like a fun person in real life just as much as she is on the big screen.
This film is not filled with special effects, music (although Julianne does sing a wee bit in the film) or violence. Instead it replies souly on the storyline about a young innocent girl learning to appreciate life outside of her tiny town. The wonderful acting from the entire cast only adds to the film. It’s also filled with a lot of humor. I especially like it when William and Loray take Lamb to fulfill the “sins” on her “sin list” including getting a tattoo (which ends up being a teeny, tiny dog on her back).
This isn’t a film that is going to have you leaving theaters in a pumped up, energetic way (like you might feel after seeing a bang-bang-shot-’em-up action film) but rather your heart will smile and you will hopefully feel happy, joyful and maybe even a bit more appreciative of the life that you lead.
Look for Paradise in a theater near you.
Here is the film’s trailer for your enjoyment.
Kimberly
*I received a free screener of the film for this review. There was no compensation. The opinions expressed are my own and not influcned in any way.
Tammy S says
Wow this actually sounds good. I haven’t even heard of this movie until now. I think it could be a good story. Plus I love Russell Brand.
Deb E says
I think Russell Brand is so hilarious and haven’t seen him in a while.I like Juliannne too Must catch this and thanks for the review.
Heather says
I did not know about this movie but I think I will see I love Russell Brand he cracks me up. I LOVED him in Get Him To The Greek! Thanks for sharing this one and have a nice day.
Natasha says
I have not heard of this movie but I like Russell Brand so I may check it out!
Amy Orvin says
I like Julianne Hough. She was great in Safe Haven. This looks like it will be a good movie too!
Desiree H says
Looks like a funny movie. Those are good characters! Thanks for telling me about the movie, I didnt know it was out in theater’s already!
Denise Taylor-Dennis says
This sounds like a great movie, I will have to see this one. Russell Brand is such a great actor.
M.Clark says
This sounds like a nice movie. Nit something I’d see in theaters, but something I’d watch on DVD. Thank you for this review.