Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints

With a spectacular & melodic, foot-tappin' country-bluegrass soundtrack of original music by CLIFF WAGNER, the new musical comedy 'PARADISE: A Town of Sinners & Saints' (2024) written by National Lampoon alumni, BILL ROBERTSON & TOM SAGE, is a small town celebration of all things right, wrong & a little bit of everything in-between. In a refreshing twist, we finally have a current & hilarious non-PC script poking fun at blind obedience to authoritarians and religious cult leaders. JON ROOT is absolutely fabulous as 'John Cyrus Mountain' who spellbounds the townfolk with his used-car salesman razzmatazz. Filmed as a live performance sans audience, viewers get to fill-in the unforced bawdy laughs from beginning to end. Even if you're not particularly a fan of musicals, THIS is the type of show you can share with your dry, curmudgeonly family & friends. And believe me, as one who rarely writes-up these types of reviews, you really WILL be singing half of these head-bobbin' tunes for days afterwards. BRAVO to the entire cast & crew for this lighthearted, feel-good affair for ANYONE looking for a temporary escape...to PARADISE, that is!

This came out of nowhere. I saw it on a whim (liked the poster to be honest), and loved it. I am not a blue grass music fan, nor a musical fan, and barely like comedies. But this one had me singing, tapping my foot and laughing for 2 hours. What the heck did I just watch? What was that cave scene anyway? Who are these people, and why isn't this a cult classic already? I have so many questions... I also think the lyrics are the best jokes in the movie. The animation, opening credits sequence was phenomenal. Really set the stage. (All puns intended)! These actors all have incredible voices, great comic timing, and the direction is top notch! Loved the lighting and sound, and camera work. Overall, it just leaves you with a good feeling and a smile.

This film is so fun, unpredictable, and the music's terrific! I mean really phenomenal. I want the album! I have never heard of a Blue Grass Musical, so it has to be some kind of first (but don't quote me on that! It certainly was my first, and I LOVED IT). I adored the small town set, the lighting is colorful and vibrant and the incessant cicadas and immersive sound took me straight down to the South. This movie is like a play, mixed with a reality show and a beautiful rom-com all in one, with a lovely romance (and some weird cave action that will blow your mind, creep you out, and is really cinematic). It's clearly a low budget, but feels like a million bucks! The stellar cast brings these unique and bizarre characters to life, and none of them are as they seem. I was rooting for LouAnne the whole time. Mary Sarah's voice is incredible! I recognize Raquel Castro from "Jersey Girl" and "Empire" which was fun and she can dance!, The woman who plays Cyndi is in everything from Disney to Netflix, and her show-stopper song, "Light a bag of $h*t" on fire is FIRE! This movie, play, musical, reality show, film, or whatever genre or medium it is, is so strange that it's intoxicating! Also, I may or may not have a crush on the preacher...

"Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints" is a bluegrass musical comedy that revitalizes the genre. Set in a dried-up coal mining town, it hilariously pits good against evil in a battle for the town's soul.

The actors' chemistry is electric, making each performance engaging and convincing. The writing is sharp and witty, with humor that's delightfully satirical. The choreography is full of energy and creativity, making the dance numbers a joy to watch and infectious fun.

The music blends traditional bluegrass with clever, humorous lyrics, enhancing the story and characters. Even if you usually avoid musicals, the film's charm and wit might just change your mind.

In summary, "Paradise" is a must-see for its hilarious satire, energetic performances, and irresistible music. Whether you're a musical fan or skeptic, this film is bound to win you over. Don't miss it!

I had the pleasure of watching this movie on Xumo Play, and wow, what an experience! "Paradise" is a rollercoaster of emotions, brilliantly weaving humor with thought-provoking themes that keep you engaged from start to finish. The cinematography alone is a feast for the eyes, presenting a visually dazzling spectacle that complements the storyline beautifully.

The musical numbers are absolutely infectious, with melodies that stick with you long after the credits roll. Each song brings its own flair to the narrative, enhancing the unfolding drama and comedy within the quaint town of Paradise.

The cast is phenomenal. They fully embody their quirky roles and clearly have a blast doing so. A special shoutout is deserved for Raquel Castro, who, as Chastity Jones, delivers a standout performance that is both heartfelt and hilariously sharp.

For anyone who has a soft spot for musicals, "Paradise: A Town of Sinners & Saints" is a must-watch. It's not just entertainment; it's a celebration of what musicals can be-fun, insightful, and visually stunning.

Highly recommend!