Paradise: A Town of Sinners and Saints

I watched this movie with my girlfriend last night. She loves musicals. I don't. So we compromise, we watch movies I like then what she likes, but I digress. This was such a pleaseent surprise. We were crying with laughter, then she was actually, really crying by the end. Some great one-liners, witty banter, cringe romance followed by meta moments and then it hits you hard when you least expect it with actual romance, and you realize there is a Rom-Com within this bizarre, visually insane, musical, madhatter movie! We were singing the damn songs this morning. Exceptional bluegrass music, fun premise, irreverent jokes, wacky visuals and stellar lighting. We can't recommend it enough. It breaks the stereotypical movie traditional structure and leaves you humming bluegrass!

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!

If you want a good laugh and love good music, this is the movie for you! I don't want to do a plot summary, (BORING!) because it won't do this satirical masterpiece justice (I am being sarcastic, I don't think it's really a masterpiece, but it sure is 2 hours of fun, with great bluegrass music, hilarious lyrics, witty and offbeat jokes, wacky characters that you come to love, a romance with heart and a strange meet-cute, and a devil and a stripper trying to convince a town to do a reality show and fail miserably)! If you don't want formula, like out of the box indie films (not your dark and brooding, moody kind, but the ones that break the rules, for real), than this just might be your blue grass musical comedy poison.

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!

"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!