Movielogr
Paradise Hills (2019)
Directed by Alice Waddington
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A young woman is sent to Paradise Hills to be reformed, only to learn that the high-class facility’s beautiful facade hides a sinister secret.
Rated NR | Length 95 minutes
Actors
Emma Roberts | Eiza González | Milla Jovovich | Danielle Macdonald | Awkwafina | Jeremy Irvine | Arnaud Valois | Hunter Tremayne | Johnny Melville | Liliana Cabal | Karina Kolokolchykova | Daniel Horvath | Matthew Mills | Lesley Grant | Oliver Ritchie | Candela May | Joey Sordyl | Nick Dutton
Viewing History (seen 1 time)
| Date Viewed | Device | Format | Source | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 03/29/2020 | TV | Streaming | Video on Demand | 6 stars |
| (Average) 6 stars |
Viewing Notes
This has a lot of things going for it (the cast is a big plus!) but ultimately lacks the umph to really deliver on the premise and be a great film. I do love the look and feel—very nice set design and costuming—but this plays more like a pilot for a tv series. And oddly it’s shot that way. I do think it’s p cool that Alice Waddington was given the reins to make this movie (based on her story and a screenplay by Nacho Vigalondo). I really like her short film Disco Inferno, which I plan to revisit soon.
The premise has plenty of familiar beats and often gives them a pleasant refresh. Where it seems to languish is in the performances. For example, why cast Awkwafina then have her do really nothing that Awkwafina is known for (sarcasm / humor). Honestly could’ve been anyone in that role. Even Milla Jovovich is rather flat in what should be a deliciously evil role for her. And as much as I love Eiza González she doesn’t get a chance to shine.
Not sure what happened with the release of this film b/c I don’t recall it getting a theatrical opening. Nor do I recall any VOD spot. I only became aware of it after seeing BLOODSHOT and seeing it listed under Eiza’s other film work. Didn’t stir any interest until I watched RESIDENT EVIL again and saw the title under Milla’s name. Then I was very curious. Fortunate to find it on Kanopy.
But there is enough here that I would revisit mainly b/c I love the cast.
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