Trapped In Paradise MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +2 1/2 Content: -2

TRAPPED IN PARADISE is being compared to Frank Capra's 1946 film, IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE. It does have a generous small town banker, Clifford Anderson (Donald Moffat), and a tall, sensitive leading man, Bill Firpo, played by Nicolas Cage, a James Stewart type. And it does have some picturesque snowy Christmas scenes and lots of friendly, genuine townspeople. But Bill Firpo is a bank robber, although a reluctant one, who is assisted by his two wacky brothers, Dave and Alvin (Jon Lovitz and Dana Carvey). After the Firpo brothers have successfully robbed the bank in Paradise, Pennsylvania, they can't seem to get out of town. The townspeople don't know what they have done and are very kind and generous to them. So much so, the Firpos start feeling sorry they robbed their bank. Still, they make various comical attempts to exit the town only to eventually return and make amends for their misdeeds. Although not hilarious, TRAPPED IN PARADISE is a fun film with lots of action and gags provided primarily by comedians Carvey and Lovitz.

Dave Firpo is an incurable liar and Alvin a kleptomaniac. After being paroled from prison, they persuade Bill to help them rob the bank in Paradise. Bill knows better, but succumbs. Ironically, the Firpos end up visiting the home of Clifford Anderson, whose bank they robbed. He treats them to a fine dinner and Christmas presents. The generosity and friendliness of the people is overwhelming. Even the ticket agent at the bus station gives Bill some of her own money to buy a bus ticket. All this kindness transforms Bill, and his conscience forces him to do what is right. During his escapades in Paradise, Bill falls in love with the adopted daughter of Anderson, but they do not become sexually involved. Violence is confined to some comical, mostly harmless, chase and shooting threats. However, the film is virtually destroyed by many obscenities and profanities which thoroughly pollute the dialogue. This film is a prime example of the way movies have changed since 1946 when Jimmy Stewart was inspiring audiences in IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: 20th Century Fox, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035