This film is in my top 10 of favourite films. As much as the first film is quirky and fun, it's Alleluia that stole my heart. There's more given to the overall lore, plot, and character backgrounds.
The concepts behind how Heaven and Hell run are more intriguing than I'd expect. I jokingly refer to heaven as "Jazz-age America running under a North Korean style dictatorship". It certainly shows in both hidden and blatant mannerisms of the denizens of Heaven. When it comes to Hell, there's a bigger complexity than simply "punish wicked souls". There's certainly a difference between those that fell WITH Lucifer, and the young blood not understanding what's at stake against Heaven. It didn't really hit me until the final scene between Lucifer and the Ticket Keeper - I scene I enjoyed so much that I've used it in a successful audition piece. The dynamics between those two characters, compared to God and the Agent, are worth a respect in a seemingly all-campy musical.
Speaking of music, it's the best part of the film. There are times where I'll go on the composer's soundcloud just to hear the instrumental tracks. This may be biased, but I feel like the music drives the emotions and atmosphere more than the sets and actors. Seriously, give tracks like Enemy and Woe a listen to, they're fantastic! Even during sung numbers, notably After The Fall, I find myself listen to the instruments more than the vocals and lyrics.
Should ever the series continues, I will happily keep watching. If not, I am content to at least have this lovely film in my collection.
Always, Alleluia!
The concepts behind how Heaven and Hell run are more intriguing than I'd expect. I jokingly refer to heaven as "Jazz-age America running under a North Korean style dictatorship". It certainly shows in both hidden and blatant mannerisms of the denizens of Heaven. When it comes to Hell, there's a bigger complexity than simply "punish wicked souls". There's certainly a difference between those that fell WITH Lucifer, and the young blood not understanding what's at stake against Heaven. It didn't really hit me until the final scene between Lucifer and the Ticket Keeper - I scene I enjoyed so much that I've used it in a successful audition piece. The dynamics between those two characters, compared to God and the Agent, are worth a respect in a seemingly all-campy musical.
Speaking of music, it's the best part of the film. There are times where I'll go on the composer's soundcloud just to hear the instrumental tracks. This may be biased, but I feel like the music drives the emotions and atmosphere more than the sets and actors. Seriously, give tracks like Enemy and Woe a listen to, they're fantastic! Even during sung numbers, notably After The Fall, I find myself listen to the instruments more than the vocals and lyrics.
Should ever the series continues, I will happily keep watching. If not, I am content to at least have this lovely film in my collection.
Always, Alleluia!