Sister Act
by Emile Ardolino
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Kathy Najimy, Maggie Smith, Mary Wickes, Wendy Makkena, Whoopi GoldbergDirector: Emile Ardolino
Brand: Disney
Cinematographer: Adam Greenberg
Editor: Colleen Halsey
Producer: Cindy Gilmore
Producer: Mario Iscovich
Producer: Scott Rudin
Producer: Teri Schwartz
Writer: Joseph Howard
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language); French (Original Language)
Format: Closed-captioned, Color, DVD, NTSC, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.85:1
Running Time: 100 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-11-06
Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Studio: Touchstone / Disney
Movie Reviews of Sister Act
Movie Review: An endearing film...
Summary: 5 Stars
I grew up watching Sister Act in the 1990s. Although that time has passed, I still get drawn into it. It hasn't faded. Sister Act has an irresistible charm that is seemingly inescapable.
Why, you ask? After all, the storyline seems so simple - Whoopi Goldberg is Deloras van Cartier, a struggling Vegas lounge singer. One night she witnesses her boyfriend Vince and his men commit a murder. She escapes and heads to the police, who inform her that Vince is a mob boss they've been trying to put away for some time. But, any witness they have "disappears" (aka dies) before they can testify. Deloras, who was unaware of this fact, realizes that Vince will kill her if he has to, to prevent her from testifying. But Detective Eddie Souther (Bill Nunn) has another plan, hide Deloras in the one place Vince won't look: a convent. Deloras must pose as a nun in order to avoid being killed and while she's there, many changes take place.
What lies the key to this movie's success first off is the casting. Whoopi accurately combines comedy and drama here. She can be downright hilarious at times, such as when she's first put into the nun's robes. But she can also be emotional. For instance, during one of her many talks with the Reverand Mother (Maggie Smith) she tries to explain what they could do to make Mass more lively. Maggie Smith is perfectly cast. She counterbalances Deloras' antics as the head of the order. Initially she's apprehensive and irritated with Deloras'; but that begins to change. Kathy Najimy plays Sister Mary Patrick (the Happy Nun) and makes her character shine. Other notables are shy Sister Mary Roberts and the sarcastic Sister Mary Lazarus, who are both played by Wendy Makkena and Mary Wickes respectfully.
Another great thing about this film are how the characters progress. Deloras steadily influences the Church and in turn the Sisters influence her as well. Watching this is what makes it memorable. Seeing Deloras help the nuns with their failing choir and succeed always brings a smile to my face. Their performances at Mass are wonderful - all the women did a lovely job singing. (Aside from Makkena, who's vocals were sung by Andrea Robinson). But the pinnacle is the grand finale "I Will Follow Him" that the choir sings for the Pope. There's so much emotion in their voices. It makes for a performance that is unforgettable.
Deloras' dramatic conversation with the Reverand Mother is another such moment. The Reverand Mother was intially afraid of sending the Sisters outside the Church walls as the neighbourhood had become too dangerous. But, in doing this, she had forgotten her promise as a nun: to help others that were in need, even if they weren't of the Faith. Initially, she is sceptical of Deloras' "radical" ideas. But, she soon realizes that they're helping others by fixing up the neighbourhood and showing generosity - instead of being shut away from the world.
In turn Deloras is changed as well - she grows to respect the Sisters and how they live their lives. In the end she's shown as a much calmer person, who isn't afraid of anything that Vince may do to her. This is in stark contrast to the beginning where she's scared for her life.
The comedic moments give lots of laughs: especially when you see a bunch of nuns in a casino trying to "blend in" (trust me it will make sense when you see it) or when Deloras tries to say Grace and messes up.
In short, there are so many great moments that I can scarce write them all down. You'd better check this one out for yourself. Enjoy.
Summary of Sister Act
Relive all the fun, laughter, and irresistible music of SISTER ACT -- the inspired comedy hit that packed pews everywhere! Whoopi Goldberg stars as a sassy, low-rent lounge singer forced to hide out from the mob in the last place on earth anyone would look for her -- a convent. While she's there, her irreverent behavior attracts a flock of faithful followers and turns the nuns' tone-deaf choir into a soulful chorus of swingin', singin' sisters. But when the group earns rave reviews, her sudden celebrity jeopardizes her hidden identity. Harvey Keitel and Kathy Najimy join a heavenly cast in this habit-forming comedy bursting with '60s Motown hits.Whoopi Goldberg plays a Reno lounge singer who hides out as a nun when her villainous boyfriend (Harvey Keitel) goes gunning for her. Maggie Smith is the mother superior who has to cope with Whoopi's unorthodox behavior, but the cute script turns the tables and shows how the latter energizes the stodgy convent with song and attitude. A real crowd-pleaser and a perfect vehicle for Goldberg, this is a happy experience all around. --Tom Keogh
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