Anděl Páně 2

I got exactly what I expected; a beautiful Czech fairytale filmed in the picturesque locations of Český Krumlov. And I didn’t even mind that the story kept happening in the same streets over and over. Cities used to be a never-ending web of little alleys where even the most experienced cartographer could get lost. Anyhow, it’s still a shame that a fairytale this gorgeous with an incredible storytelling and great lines for both kids and adults can be ruined by Lucie Bílá, who should have made this international, but I’d definitely manage without her. Along with her, the otherwise good festive atmosphere was ruined by the final shot of Heaven. Somehow, I just didn’t get why she paid a visit to this fairytale and I can’t see anybody appreciating it. But whatever, I’ll manage. The fairytale isn’t about Lucie Bílá, it’s about everything else happening throughout the movie. That’s why I’m giving it four stars and I’m happy that Czech fairytales can still be pleasant and original. (15.12.2016)

I will give it three stars so that I won't be seen as a faultfinder, but I'm not all that convinced about it. Incomparably better films can often be found in the blue section on FilmBooster. Certainly, within the Czech film production, the film is above average, but let's face it, most of us don't really have illusions about its quality. What works is the chemistry between the two main characters, very solidly portrayed by Ivan Trojan and Jiří Dvořák, and the part with the jokes making fun of Christianity. However, this film is an example of the decline of post-Communist film production. There is an evident lack of budget here, and although I'm not a perfectionist, in terms of grandiosity and cinematography, it's far from as good as other Czech films. The scenery of Český Krumlov does a lot for the film, but otherwise, Angel of the Lord 2 is basically a TV film. The screenplay is only average and it doesn't know how to utilize its characters and all the motifs it introduces. Some of the jokes sound forced, and the trio of thieves is rather awkward, just as it is awkward that the representatives of heaven and hell cannot face them and repeatedly resort to escape. I don't like the presence of celebrities in cameo roles and other things. If you compare Strach's film with the pitiful production of fairy tales on Czech TV of the last decade, it may seem good, but the more I think about it, the less I am able to defend that third star. Overall impression: 50%. Perhaps Strach is owed that third star due to the fact that I was expecting it to be much worse... (01.01.2018)

Der Film hat mir gefallen, es ist eine ziemlich würdige Fortsetzung des (besseren) ersten Teils. Ivan Trojan und Jiří Dvořák sind ein ausgezeichnetes Duo, der ganze Film gehört praktisch ihnen. Die talentierte Anna Čtvrtníčková setzt sich neben ihnen aber auch durch. Auf den ganzen himmlisch höllischen Teil mit dem Verführen von Vica Kerekes könnte ich aber verzichten, er war sowieso nicht besonders witzig. (24.12.2017)

Die Rezensionen täuschten nicht, der zweite Teil gefiel mir tatsächlich besser als der erste, was recht ungewöhnlich ist, denn nicht nur im Film kennt man die uralte Regel, dass es nicht so schwer ist, irgendeinen Erfolg zu erringen, dafür umso schwerer, diesen Erfolg zu bestätigen. Und Jirka Stach ist das gelungen, wenn auch mit einem größeren zeitlichen Abstand. Zum wiederholten Male setzte er auf das bewährte Duo Trojan-Dvořák, setzte die Universalschauspielerin Vica, die ein Luder genauso überzeugend spielen kann wie eine Heilige, und den hervorragenden Polívka hinzu. Und natürlich darf die konkurrenzlose Jungfrau Maria Klára Issová nicht fehlen, die alle Sinne anspricht. Ich werte positiv, dass nicht nur Kinder, sondern auch Erwachsene auf ihre Kosten kommen, amüsiert haben mich die vielen gelungenen Witze. Und das Sahnehäubchen auf der Torte waren die wunderschönen Außenaufnahmen von Český Krumlov. Ich verstehe die Zurückhaltung, aber ich denke, dass sich viele Kinder und Erwachsene einen dritten Teil wirklich wünschen. (27.04.2017)

I was worried that the second installment would be significantly worse than the first one. Luckily, I was wrong. Yet again, I enjoyed the fairy tale and I would gladly watch it again. Just like in the first film, I found the scenes in heaven to be the weakest. Hana Zaňáková's part was downright cringeworthy and pointless. On the other hand, the Trojan/Dvořák duo was fantastic again. It was one great line after another, and I surprisingly liked even the bad guy played by Bolek Polívka. St Nicolas’s gangs were hilarious. I just wonder if Vica Kerekes helped Vojtěch Dyk build a fast-food chain. (12.06.2017)

Maybe a little surprising hit, but maybe not so much. It is a combination of good and clever humor, great Czech actors, and a fairy tale story that can captivate you without being unnecessarily cliché, and you don't mind the happy ending at all. Definitely a film that can please the audience in the cinema. (17.04.2017)