Reviews

After enjoying the film American Satan, seemingly this follow up or spinoff had some anticipation. Paradise City doesn't explain much after it left off from the film so for those who have not watched American Satan may be confused at certain things and the characters. The lead of Johnny Faust is the same actor but the major change is the character of Lily (now portrayed by Bella Thorne- the character almost feels entirely different). Perhaps they could have cast an unknown actress for the role of Lily.

A main problem with the show is it feels somewhat cluttered with many different subplots and an overload of characters. The first few episodes these characters were seemingly unconnected but eventually within the final three episodes we start getting a sense of connection and the reason as to why they were heavily featured. Mainly referring to Cameron Boyce's character. It was very clear in the final episode they had major plans for him in the follow up season but due to his real life death we doubt there will a second season.

Also there were many short scenes which jumps very quickly from scene to scene. They try to cram in everything into one episode. Perhaps they could have made each episode about an hour opposed to its 35 - 40 minute runtime. The final two episodes were very good but the finale felt like there were things unanswered, and it looked obvious they were going to explain things for the next season but it's been over three years and still no second season.

At times it felt like Johnny or his wife Gretchen were supporting roles though their storylines were the most prominent. Some unnecessary characters which dragged episodes down such as the other bands (Over it all) along with the other struggling rap artist Fritz. Also the band members besides Johnny and Lily were unlikeable and didn't exactly have much to do except be there and nag on Johnny. The trio of them weren't great, specifically the two British acts.

For instance it wasn't too clear who exactly were the characters of Gabriel and Capricorn. Were we to believe Gabriel was a guardian angel figure (good person) while Capricorn was more so Satan (bad person). We wonder as to why none of the main characters in the end questioned as to who they were and why they were seemingly everywhere. Assumed Gretchen was going to do so but nothing happened. The very last scene showed her (Capricorn) taking the photograph of the entire group with a very strange grin.

Overall this tv series should be viewed after watching the film American Satan. The film is a lot more raw, supernatural, unhinged and doesn't exactly hold back. It's better because there's more focus on the main plot and it isn't cluttered with supporting characters. Paradise City is solid but definitely feels quite tamer, more drama based realistic which was expected. Somewhat disappointing but given it's only 8 episodes it is relatively quick to binge the entire season all at once.

Now the main selling point of this film would appear to be its stunning visuals and overall atmosphere and tone of the film. The plot deals with two siblings whom wander their way into a destructive abandon building and find a strange older man. Most of the film is quite disturbing showing strong explicit scenes with bright colors, cannibalism type doings and other sorts of content.

The strange man is entertainingly disturbing and creepy while the lead actress is the highlight and steals her scenes (resembles a little of Ana de Armas). The first act is at its best where the shock value explicit scenes (33:20, 36:00, 42:50) are present. Things just go from weird to weirder and the second half is where the red, orange, black and bright color gradients are present. The film somewhat goes downhill once the strange man is seemingly brought back from being dead. A lot more randomness but still fun to watch.

The last 30 minutes feels like nothing really happens and we aren't sure whether what occurs on screen is a dream like sequence or real. Including a more hyper three some explicit scene at 1:09:20. Later random people appear out of nowhere. The very ending with an unknown person waking up and going in a normal looking city is entirely confusing. What did this mean or represent? Was everything a dream?

This film is most definitely better than its current 4.7 IMDB. Perhaps it's just too "pretentious", disturbing and arthouse for most.

Although the plot description made this film seem more like the typical web cam voyeur film, there was more to it than it was presumed. It is quite an intriguing and at many times suspenseful slow burner paced drama.

The overall color scheme and look of the film is very nicely done. The opening colors stand out as the beginning scene shows the lead actor Oliver on a train apparently speaking to someone conducting an interview of sorts. It's noted he is speaking in English. After a couple more minutes we see the title screen then the film truly begins and it's no longer in English (English subtitles are present).

What's intriguing about the film is both characters and the acting from the leads. Aurora, lead actress is captivating once we first see her on screen. Oliver looks noticeably older than Aurora and possibly more passable as her father than her brother but it's made clear they are only half siblings which would justify the age gap.

Some scenes may come off as predictable but enjoyable for the most part. Some certain instances which occur were questionable, such as why would Oliver confront and tell Aurora (his half-sister) he set up a camera and was spying on her? We don't exactly see when he set up the camera but it's made clear in one scene when we see Oliver looking at a red mask hanging up in the corner above a book shelf (when Aurora gets called outside by her mother). We are to assume this is when he placed the device? Then once she notices the camera, she doesn't bother removing it, which makes it seem like she was simply teasing him by allowing him to continue to spy on her.

A pivotal and foolish moment occurs later in the film when Oliver, Aurora, her friend and their boyfriends are picnicking in the woods, then Aurora goes to take a leak. Naturally Oliver follows her then once he sees her, he starts the fondling. They begin to further make out and suddenly her boyfriends quietly approaches them and spots them in action. Both Aurora and Oliver were unaware of him seeing them, and this is where things spiral further for both heads. Quite a brief explicit scene with them in the car after around 1:02:50.

Following these scenes, it's made clear that the boyfriend told Aurora's mother and her friend about what he saw in the woods. Next scene shows Aurora coming home with her mother dragging her down- which makes it clear that the boyfriend told her. Also then we see the boyfriend stalk Oliver to his house coming in with a bat and taking action.

Couple scenes later it seemingly fast forwards to Aurora sitting with a therapist, mentioning she's no longer with the boyfriend. Fast forward to the very ending. Oliver received a small envelope, he opens it up and it appears to be "hair". He gets a disturbed look on his face then starts washing his hands heavily. Scene and film abruptly ends.

Overall this film tells an intriguing yet slightly disturbing story, not for the casual mainstream audiences but with the writing, acting and characters it's thoughtfully entertaining and keeps you guessing.

Apparently there were several edits and cuts to this film to cut the runtime down by a lot. The end result of the film doesn't feel as fully fleshed out or developed as it could have. The ending was disappointing and there were questions left unanswered. Such as why did her husband leave? Was it only due to the texts she received? Where does Charlotte and her half-brother Henrik leave off? What about Charlotte's mother and Charlotte. Did she ever find out?

With a film with several explicit but brief scenes throughout it does seem like those scenes were cut short. The film is filmed nicely, the acting is good. The story is solid but it somewhat drags along in the end. And the ending feels slightly rushed.