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Stealing Paradise is a dramatic thriller movie released in 2011, directed by Tristan Dubois and starring Rachael Leigh Cook, Graham Abbey, and Paula Jean Hixson. The film follows the story of Amanda (Rachael Leigh Cook), a young reporter, and her investigations into the mysterious disappearance of two environmental activists in a Caribbean island paradise.

The movie begins with Amanda arriving on the island to cover a story about a local resort's expansion project that threatens the island's natural beauty and wildlife. She soon discovers that two eco-activists who were protesting the development, Rebecca and Michael, have gone missing. Despite no-one else taking their disappearance seriously, Amanda is determined to uncover the truth.

As Amanda delves deeper into her investigation, she uncovers a web of corruption and deceit that involves the resort owners, local officials, and possibly even the police. She meets several people who could help, including a sympathetic local newspaper editor, a French environmentalist, and a lawyer who represents a group of activists, but every new piece of evidence leads her in a different direction.

During her quest for the truth, Amanda faces several obstacles, including death threats, physical attacks, and a growing sense of paranoia. Despite being warned to drop the story and leave the island, she continues her investigation, which ultimately puts her in danger.

Throughout the movie, Rachael Leigh Cook delivers an impressive performance as Amanda, portraying her as a tenacious, fearless journalist who is determined to uncover the truth, no matter what the cost. Graham Abbey, as the lawyer Max, also gives a noteworthy performance as a knowledgeable ally who offers Amanda guidance and support. Paula Jean Hixson, who plays the missing Rebecca, is seen mostly in flashbacks and video tapes, but her presence is felt throughout the movie, her character representing the motivation for Amanda's quest for truth.

One of the strongest elements of Stealing Paradise is the way it captures the beauty of the Caribbean island while simultaneously highlighting the dire ecological plight that locals and activists alike are fighting against. The director uses the local music, the vibrant colors of the landscape, and the culture of the people to create a vivid and authentic atmosphere.

The film is tense and suspenseful, and it does an excellent job of keeping the audience engaged throughout the entire runtime. There are several twists and turns as Amanda uncovers clues and meets new characters, but the movie never loses its focus on the story's core.

In conclusion, Stealing Paradise is a riveting and thought-provoking movie that combines great performances, breathtaking locations, and a compelling narrative. It tells a story of corruption and deceit, of fighting against injustice and powerful interests, and of the fundamental need for truth and transparency in society. Fans of crime dramas and investigative journalism will appreciate the movie's gripping plot and vivid characters.

Stealing Paradise is a 2012 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 23 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.7.