Alleluia! The Devil's Carnival

I will admit, I wasn't sure where this one was going to go, but the creators delivered! The film has a longer running time, but still paces like the first, which helps diminish the 3 year gap between the two films. I was excitedly tapping (or stomping) my feet to the songs as the musical numbers came up. Like the first, I loved the characters and loved the story. If you are a fan of any of the performers and crew involved, or you loved musicals, this movie is for you, ESPECIALLY if you loved the first episode. Can't wait to see it again and again! Correction, can't wait to EXPERIENCE it again and again! Reviewing the movie here almost seems unfair. TDC was created to be experienced and consumed, not just watched!

One has to wonder with all these 10 star reviews wether this could be a hidden gem. However it's something you'd prefer to stay hidden. The acting is soso, the props are decent, the script is abysmal. You will want to stab yourself in the eyes while watching it to lessen the pain.

My advice is to skip it. If you still want to watch it, put in earplugs and blindfold yourself, it's the only way to "enjoy" this "movie".

I found the movie to not be that great. Would it come close to winning an Oscar or even have a trailer on TV? Most likely not. It's really one of those movies where either you like the culture or you don't. I also am not a very big fan of Bousman. I've tried to be but I found the SAW movies that he did directed were the weaker movies of the series. Also his type of movies are not for those who are believers in God. Specifically in this movie he at times mocks God and religion in general.

I also personally found it to really be a mess of a movie. The plot was hard to understand and I was left thinking if there even was a plot to it all. In fact the movie reminded me of the book series "Cirque du Freak" which was pathetically made into a movie called "The Vampire's Assistant." That's the culture this movie is for, those who like reading the Cirque du Freak series.

Maybe this movie would be better as a live show?

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.

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.