Trapped in Paradise

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Trapped in Paradise

PG-13

Released Dec 2, 1994

1h 52m

Holiday

Comedy

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Popcornmeter

10%

Tomatometer

20 Reviews

42%

Popcornmeter

10,000+ Ratings

Fresh out of prison, Alvin (Dana Carvey) and Dave Firpo (Jon Lovitz) pull their brother Bill (Nicolas Cage) back into a life of crime. But the siblings' foolproof bank heist takes a tailspin when Alvin gets lost in the getaway car. That's how the criminal nitwits wind up trapped in the snowbound burg of Paradise, Pa., on Christmas Eve with a bag full of stolen cash. With suspicious police on one side and hospitable townsfolk on the other, could a change of heart be far away?

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Critics Consensus

Loaded with talent but borderline unwatchable, Trapped in Paradise will leave viewers feeling the first part of the title and pining for the last.

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Todd McCarthy

Variety

Has enough in the way of sentiment and goofy situational predicaments to put it over as a serviceable family holiday attraction.

Sep 16, 2008

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Jonathan Rosenbaum

Chicago Reader

Even the weather seems tailored to the script's shifting needs.

Sep 16, 2008

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Wally Hammond

Time Out

Cage looks cold most of the time, and has retractable stubble. The rest of the cast look like they're waiting for summer.

Jun 24, 2006

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

...a just-barely watchable endeavor that receives plenty of mileage out of the charming efforts of its various performers...

Rated: 2.5/4

Dec 11, 2022

Full Review

TV Guide

This silly action comedy mixes brilliant production design -- it looks like a Norman Rockwell painting come to life -- and cloying sentimentality to no good effect.

Rated: 2/4

Sep 16, 2008

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Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 2/5

Jul 31, 2005

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Liz A

My family's favorite Christmas movie. A must watch for the holidays.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

06/23/25

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Sean A

Absolutely over the top. This is a fun romp with loads of memorable characters and wild story. Yes - suspend reality and have a little fun - it's a Christmas movie.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/16/24

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Glorbo J

I don't know who decided to put the master of disguise in a movie with Nicholas Cage but I DO know why it never happened again because this movie misses pretty much every mark it attempted to hit. Definitely a silly, weird and off the mark film. Still had a few genuinely funny moments even if just for the adsurdity of it, like what even is happening. Probably something to watch with the family at Christmas.

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

12/07/24

Full Review

Jamey F

Legit one of our faves! Also, everyone I introduce to this movie loves it. We quote this movie year round…it’s a classic! Ignore the bad reviews-it’s a conspiracy!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/17/24

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sammy s

This movie is so underrated! I watch it every Christmas!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

09/23/24

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Zach W

CLASSIC! FUNNY & INCREDIBLE MOVIE!!!! 100%

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

12/29/23

Full Review

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George Gallo

Director

Nicolas Cage

Bill Firpo

Jon Lovitz

Dave Firpo

Dana Carvey

Alvin Firpo

John Ashton

Ed Dawson

Mädchen Amick

Sarah Collins

Mixed Nuts

16%

47%

Mixed Nuts

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Synopsis

Fresh out of prison, Alvin (Dana Carvey) and Dave Firpo (Jon Lovitz) pull their brother Bill (Nicolas Cage) back into a life of crime. But the siblings' foolproof bank heist takes a tailspin when Alvin gets lost in the getaway car. That's how the criminal nitwits wind up trapped in the snowbound burg of Paradise, Pa., on Christmas Eve with a bag full of stolen cash. With suspicious police on one side and hospitable townsfolk on the other, could a change of heart be far away?

Director: George Gallo
Producer: Jon Davison, George Gallo
Screenwriter: George Gallo
Distributor: 20th Century Fox
Production Co: 20th Century Fox
Rating: PG-13
Genre: Holiday, Comedy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Dec 2, 1994, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Mar 1, 2013
Box Office (Gross USA): $5.8M
Runtime: 1h 52m
Sound Mix: Surround, Dolby Digital

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