Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival

Part 2 of the epic musical/rock opera takes the story to new heights. The longer runtime doesn't always work in the film's favor. There are some great sequences but overall it seems all over the place and by the end, it still doesn't come to a satisfying conclusion (there is yet more to come, eventually). The visual and makeup fx are excellent and a lot was put into the production design and cinematography but it doesn't satisfy as a complete film (you have to have seen the first part to truly get into and enjoy this film). Despite the film's faults, it's a compelling concept that keeps you engaged because there are so few other films like it out there.

A feature-length sequel to a 50-minute short, I had no idea what to expect walking into this film. It completely blew my mind at every turn - it's like an acid trip art film, yet it has EVERY ELEMENT of the classic golden-age-of-Hollywood films of legend. Old-timey color filters, silent-movie setting titles, period slang, capes on suits, catchy tunes, swing dancing, police brutality, Schutzstaffel armbands, and Adam Pascal in a dog collar.

....Okay, maybe a couple of those were left out of the old classics. My point is, this film is like no other. It's Gentlemen Prefer Blondes meets Fight Club. You can't dream this shiz up. Unless you're Terrance Zdunich, of course. Then, I'd imagine, it'd be all you ever thought about.

Oh that's right Folks. Be Prepared...

After you take the fall. Once Again!!! You can't help but fall for this over the top, Musical Madness. I'm a huge sucker for whats new. But, this is something all us Carnies have been waiting for.

Its been quite some time since we all have " Slithered in the Mudd." Its that wonderful music that has brought us all together once again. Alleluia is filled with new characters, and some of our old favorite ones. But don't be fooled, this story has more that we could have ever asked for.

Our Dark Lord has a plan. And his carnies are preparing for the Word, since we last heard, "The Rules are Changing, We are going to War." Heaven, God, and his agents are getting ready as well.

Alleluia will lift your dark little soul, and keep you coming back for more. The talent that is pulled together, to make this AWESOME project come to life, is more than we, or I, the fan. Could ever ask for. I LOVE THIS MOVIE!!!! I LOVE THIS SOUNDTRACK!!!!! AND I DON'T WANT TO MISS ONE STOP!!!! The feeling of going back to the Carnival once again is a feeling i cannot describe. I'm just so happy that's its back.

So, when it comes to your town. Please, just come check out this peace of Alleluia AWESOMNESS...

Darren & Terrance and all The Members of The Devils Carnival. Congratulations. You've done it Again... That's how a Carnival Grows my son 3:)

In the interest of full disclosure, let me state right off the bat that I worked on this film.

However...

I've worked on other projects that I maybe didn't like all that much. This one is different.

I've always been a huge fan of musical theater, having grown up working crew for various productions throughout my early years. Then I got swept away by the music industry, and all my focus rested there - until I somehow found myself watching 'The Devil's Carnival' and working on that film's social media. It brought me right back to my roots, and I've jumped at every chance to further that project and this, its sequel, ever since.

When we were filming this one, 'Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival,' it became clear to me that what we were making went beyond the staid formula for musicals and indie films. We were pushing ourselves to create art that would transcend genre boundaries.

After watching the film at the premiere the other night, I feel as though we succeeded. The music, of course, is absolutely wonderful - catchy songs, with vocals that fit perfectly with the vision set forth by the creators of this topsy-turvy universe. Visually, the film is stunning: the wardrobe and art departments completely blew my mind with their pieces, the makeup and prosthetics were truly fantastic, and the cinematography and lighting make everything come to life even more.

I can't possibly say enough about the actors, from legends like Paul Sorvino and Ted Neeley and Adam Pascal (that voice!) to music icons like Emilie Autumn and Tech N9ne and Oghr, and all the other actors who you'd probably recognize from more mainstream projects (including super gorgeous humans Lyndon Smith and Briana Evigan and Kristina Klebe, to name a few). Each one brings something special to their character, a magic that you just can't write - it comes from within.

I'm eternally grateful to have been part of this maddening, chaotic, wondrous world...and hope that everyone who watches this film enjoys it as much as I did.

I've been looking forward to this ever since I saw the first movie. It was definitely good, I thoroughly enjoyed the story (which was actually more of a prequel) and it was nicely done with sets, costumes, lighting, special effects, etc. I think it wasn't made quite as clear as it should have that most of the movie was a flashback, I got the impression that the flashback parts were just a parallel story line until near the end when it became obvious what the backstory was, although I won't go into more detail on that because it would be a spoiler. My main issue with this movie was that the music just didn't get to me. The first movie had some really catchy tunes ("Grief", "Beautiful Stranger", "Grace for Sale", etc.), as did Repo! by the same creators, but the songs in this one felt a little too... Staggered, for a lack of better words. They just didn't stand out. The only one that really appealed to me was "Hoof and Lap". Aside from that, this was interesting and I do hope they make a third one, because this really leaves you wanting more!