The world of film is filled with sequels, some that soar to new heights and others that, unfortunately, stumble. After enjoying The Trouble with Angels, starring the iconic Rosalind Russell, I was intrigued to discover its sequel, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows. Having missed this film initially, I decided to watch and review it as a follow-up to the original. The premise hinted at a different direction, which piqued my interest. Could Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows capture the charm of its predecessor, or would it fall into the trap of sequelitis? Let’s delve into this cinematic journey to find out if trouble truly follows where angels go.
Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows poster
What Worked in “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows”
Despite its shortcomings, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows does have a few redeeming qualities.
Strong Performances and Familiar Faces
One of the film’s strengths lies in its acting. Rosalind Russell once again shines as Mother Superior, delivering a performance consistent with her portrayal in The Trouble with Angels. Her ability to embody the character with both authority and warmth is commendable. Furthermore, the return of several actresses from the original film as nuns provides a welcome sense of continuity. This familiarity helps to ground the sequel in the established world of St. Francis Academy and offers a comfortable backdrop for the new narrative.
The Dynamic Introduction of Sister George
A notable addition to the cast is Stella Stevens as Sister George. Stepping into the void left by Mary Clancy’s graduation, Sister George serves as a compelling counterpoint to Mother Superior. The dynamic between Russell and Stevens is a highlight of the film. Both actresses deliver strong performances, creating an engaging on-screen tension and allowing their characters’ contrasting viewpoints to clash and evolve. This interplay between Mother Superior and Sister George provides the most intellectually stimulating aspect of Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows. Their character progression and evolving relationship are arguably the strongest narrative threads in the movie.
Scenic Backdrops on the Road Trip
Visually, the film offers some appealing moments, particularly in its outdoor scenes. While the setting of St. Francis Academy from The Trouble with Angels makes a brief reappearance, the sequel largely unfolds during a cross-country field trip. This plot device allows the filmmakers to showcase diverse American landscapes. The journey to a peace rally in California becomes an excuse for incorporating numerous scenes filled with natural scenery. These scenic interludes, capturing the varied beauty of the states the characters traverse, are genuinely memorable and provide a welcome visual break from the weaker plot elements.
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Where “Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows” Falters
Unfortunately, the positive aspects are overshadowed by significant weaknesses in the film’s core elements.
A Disjointed and Weak Plot
The central narrative of Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows is undeniably weak. The premise of nuns and students traveling to a peace rally holds potential, but the execution is lacking. Beyond the interpersonal conflict between Sister George and Mother Superior, the overarching plot feels flimsy and underdeveloped. Instead of a cohesive story, the film devolves into a series of loosely connected vignettes. These short, often uninteresting episodes strung together create a sense of aimlessness, padding the runtime without meaningfully advancing the narrative or engaging the viewer. The journey itself becomes the plot, rather than serving a larger purpose.
Pacing Issues and Overextended Scenes
Compounding the weak plot are noticeable pacing problems. Several scenes in Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows drag on far too long, failing to justify their extended duration. A prime example is the party scene at the all-boys school, which feels like an unnecessary and lengthy music video interlude. Such scenes contribute little to plot progression or character development. The excessive length of these sequences appears to be a misguided attempt to compensate for the thinness of the overarching storyline, ultimately disrupting the film’s rhythm and testing the audience’s patience.
Unmemorable and Bland New Characters
With the departure of Rachel and Mary from the first film, Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows introduces Marvel Ann and Rosabelle as their replacements. While actresses Barbara Hunter and Susan Saint James do their best with the material, these new characters fail to capture the charisma and charm of their predecessors. Marvel Ann and Rosabelle lack the engaging personalities that made Rachel and Mary so appealing in The Trouble with Angels. This absence of charisma renders the new characters somewhat unlikeable and makes it difficult for the audience to invest in their stories or care about their experiences throughout the film.
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Final Verdict: Trouble Indeed Follows
Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows is ultimately a disappointing sequel. While it presents interesting ideas and benefits from strong performances, particularly from Rosalind Russell and Stella Stevens, these elements are squandered by poor execution. The film struggles with a weak, disjointed plot, suffers from pacing issues with overly long scenes, and introduces new characters who lack the appeal of the originals. While some viewers might appreciate the scenic visuals and the dynamic between Mother Superior and Sister George, the film as a whole requires a significant suspension of disbelief that it doesn’t quite earn. If you enjoyed The Trouble with Angels, it’s advisable to manage expectations when approaching Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows. While the original film is recommendable, its sequel is best considered an optional viewing experience.
Overall Score: 5.8 out of 10
Have you seen Where Angels Go, Trouble Follows or other films starring Rosalind Russell? What are your thoughts on disappointing movie sequels? Share your opinions in the comments below!
