Paradise City was released by
Saban Films in limited theaters and
VOD on November 11, 2022, followed by its release on
DVD and
Blu-ray on December 20, 2022.
Box office As of March 2, 2023,
Paradise City grossed $93,526 in Russia, Lithuania, and the United Arab Emirates. Noel Murray, of the
Los Angeles Times, gave the film a negative review, commenting on the film's "TV-cop-show-level stuff, shot in some of Hawaii's least scenic locations. The stars can't save it." Todd Jorgenson, of
Cinemalogue, also gave a negative review, highlighting that "despite its capable cast, the film never generates much suspense amid a parade of cliched genre twists." Robert Kojder, of
Flickering Myth, gave the film a 1.5/5 rating, writing "audiences will be begging, "oh, won't you please take me home."" Casey Chong, of ''Casey's Movie Mania
, gave a 1/5 rating, summarizing the film as "painful, tedious and worst of all, relies heavily on expository-heavy scenarios to drive the movie forward." Leo Brady, of A Movie Guy
, also gave a one star rating, explaining that the film "has a capable cast working with a script that was concocted overnight. At best it feels like a free paid trip to Hawaii for everyone involved." Brian Orndorf, of Blu-ray.com
, rated the film 2 out of 5 stars, saying "the stars are here to enjoy a Hawaiian vacation and trade a few lines of dialogue. Screen intensity is not encouraged." Jeffrey M. Anderson, of Common Sense Media'', also gave a 2 star rating, concluding that "beautiful Hawaiian locations, a veteran genre director, and nostalgic stunt casting can't overcome the general low energy level and lazy attitude that permeate this crime drama from start to finish." In a rare positive review,
Owen Gleiberman of
Variety wrote, "I'm not sure if what Willis, Travolta, and Dorff do here rises to what you'd call integrity, but all three seem to be enjoying themselves. They slum with style." Brittany Witherspoon, of
Screen Rant, wrote in a mixed review, "the film contains entertaining components, but these elements quickly run their course thanks to a predictable script, wonky dialogue & pacing issues." Mark Hanson, of
Slant Magazine, praised John Travolta's performance, but otherwise criticized the film for not "living up to its title." Josh Bell, of
Crooked Marquee, gave the film a "C-", saying, "the occasional flashes of competence only make the rest of
Paradise City more disheartening, though, and just because it's slightly less of a slog than Willis' other recent work doesn't mean it's worth watching." ==References==