"It's fun to work with friends," declares George Clooney as he and Julia Roberts, friends for over two decades, embark on their fifth collaboration, "Journey to Paradise."
The bond between them extends beyond the screen, with Roberts being affectionately called "Aunt Juju" by Clooney's children. In an era where romantic comedies are waning, this dynamic duo brings charisma and proven chemistry to revive the genre.
Both Clooney and Roberts, heavyweight actors in their own right, were icons of the romantic comedy genre during its heyday. Clooney's last romantic comedy was in 2003, while Roberts made her mark in the genre with hits like "Runaway Bride" and "Notting Hill" in 1999. The genre, once dominant, has seen a decline in recent years, overshadowed by the popularity of superhero epics.
"Journey to Paradise" doesn't aim to reinvent the romantic comedy; instead, it aspires to make a mark at the box office. The film leverages the undeniable charisma and chemistry of Clooney and Roberts, who have shared the screen in five films over the past two decades. Roberts, known as America's sweetheart, effortlessly plays the role of the ex-wife in this film, echoing their earlier collaboration in "Ocean's Eleven" (2001).
In their virtual press conference, the banter between Clooney and Roberts mirrors the playful tone of their on-screen characters. The two engage in witty dialogue, taunts, and playful insults, reflecting the camaraderie of confident friends or divorced characters in a movie. Their real-life friendship adds authenticity to their on-screen chemistry.
During the virtual interaction, Clooney, donned in a blue polo shirt, exudes a relaxed demeanor, akin to someone returning from a vacation at his Lake Como mansion with his family. Roberts, clad in a white dress and oversized jacket, adds a touch of elegance, her trademark smile illuminating the room. Their friendship takes center stage as they playfully respond to questions about their bond.
The backdrop of the film's paradise, Bali, contrasts with the reality of its filming in Australia, a country with stringent COVID-19 confinement measures. While Clooney was accompanied by his family, Roberts, alone during the shoot, found solace in the Clooney household. The actor's children even affectionately named her "Aunt Juju," showcasing the genuine connection forged during challenging times.
Their friendship traces back to the filming of "Ocean's Eleven," where they first met. Sharing hamburgers on a hotel floor, joking for hours, they formed an instant connection that transcended the screen. Their on-screen chemistry translated seamlessly into real life, and the camaraderie has endured since. According to them, their familiarity is so profound that rehearsing scenes together is unnecessary.
Director Ol Parker recognized the potential of their chemistry in driving a romantic comedy, a genre where both had excelled individually. In "Journey to Paradise," they bring their ease with the genre to a collaborative project for the first time. The film, while not aiming to revolutionize romantic comedies, stands as a testament to the enduring friendship and cinematic legacy of George Clooney and Julia Roberts.
