Sister Act

Plot synopsis:
The film opens in 1968 at St. Anne's Academy, a California Roman Catholic school, where a young girl named Deloris Wilson is scolded by Sister Immaculata (Lois de Banzie) for wisecracking and disobedience. The setting then changes to the present day, where Deloris (now going by the surname Van Cartier) is a lounge singer in a 1960s-themed act called The Ronelles (a parody of The Ronettes), who sing at The Moonlite Lounge of the Nevada Club in Reno, Nevada, run by her boyfriend, the mobster Vince LaRocca. After Deloris walks in on Vince having his chauffeur Ernie executed for betrayal, Vince orders his two henchmen Joey and Willy to kill her as well. Deloris flees Vince's casino to the local police station where Lieutenant Eddie Souther suggests she testify against Vince if he can be arrested and tried, but for now, she should go into witness protection until the time comes.
Deloris is taken to St. Katherine's Parish in a seedy, run-down neighborhood of San Francisco, where Souther suggests she take refuge in the attached convent. Both Deloris and the stoic Reverend Mother object, but are convinced by Souther and Monsignor O'Hara to go ahead with it. Deloris 'becomes' a nun – habit and all – under the hand of Reverend Mother, who gives her the religious name 'Sister Mary Clarence' to complete the disguise. Mary Clarence objects to following the strictures and simple life of the convent, but comes to befriend several of the nuns, including the forever jolly Sister Mary Patrick, quiet and meek Sister Mary Robert, and the elderly deadpan Sister Mary Lazarus. After sneaking into a nearby bar, Mary Clarence is chastised by Reverend Mother and put into the choir, which she has seen to be dreadful. The choir nuns, learning that Mary Clarence has a background in music, elect her to take over as choir director, which she accepts, and she rearranges them to make them better singers. At Mass one Sunday, the choir sings the "Hail Holy Queen" in the traditional manner beautifully before shifting into a gospel and rock-and-roll-infused performance of the hymn.
Reverend Mother is infuriated with Mary Clarence about the performance, and orders that Mary Lazarus once again become the director of the choir, but Monsignor O'Hara is thrilled with the performance as the unorthodox music brought people, including teenagers, in off the streets. Deloris convinces Monsignor O'Hara that the nuns should be going out to clean up the neighborhood. This they do, and the choir wows church visitors with their music, with Souther eventually attending a performance of "My Guy" (appropriately rewritten as "My God"). Eventually, O'Hara announces to the choir that Pope John Paul II is to visit the church to see the choir himself. Reverend Mother decides to hand in her resignation since her authority has been unintentionally undermined, but Mary Clarence offers to leave in her stead, to which the Reverend Mother disagrees.
Detective Tate, a police officer on Vince's payroll, finds out where Deloris is and contacts Vince, who sends Joey and Willy out to grab her. Souther confronts Tate, gets him arrested, and flies to San Francisco to try and warn Mary Clarence, but Vince's men abduct her.
The nuns, led by the Reverend Mother, risk their lives by going to Reno to save Mary Clarence. Meanwhile, she flees Vince and his men, leading to a chase around the casino until the nuns find her and try to sneak out. Vince, Joey and Willy confront the nuns, but they cannot bring themselves to shoot Deloris while she is in a nun's habit, and Reverend Mother proclaims Deloris is indeed a nun, to convince Vince. As Vince works up the courage to shoot her anyway, Souther bursts in and shoots him in the arm, and has the men arrested. Reverend Mother then thanks Deloris for everything she has done for them and agrees to remain at the convent.
The film ends with the choir, led by Deloris, singing "I Will Follow Him" before the Pope and a packed and refurbished St. Katherine's, earning a loud standing ovation from the audience, the Pope, Reverend Mother, Monsignor O'Hara and Lt. Souther. The end credits reveals that Deloris' secret life as a nun was sold to the media and has become a sensation. The ending of Deloris' "career" as a choir leader is revealed through magazines and album covers and Deloris has continued leading the choir as a famous group with published albums.

Tags: murder

Review:
The cast is fantastic and there are great performances by Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Harvey Keitel, and Bill Nunn.
Starring: Whoopi Goldberg, Maggie Smith, Harvey Keitel The nineties were an interesting time for movies to be made.
Whoopie Goldberg does a terrific job as playing sister Mary Clarence, but i think what makes the movie is Wendy Makkenna in playing sister Mary Robert.
And as an ensemble, one of the best cast movies ever--Maggie Smith was genius casting, Kathy Najimy, Wendy McKenna and other main characters couldn't have been better, and whatever confluence brought Whoopi Goldberg to this part instead of Bette Midler can only be deemed fate.
Sister Act Deloris Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) is a lounge singer at a successful Reno casino, and is also the mistress of its manager, Vince LaRocca (a lazy Harvey Keitel), a drugs baron.
As Deloris reluctantly adapts to her new lifestyle as Sister Mary Clarence, she strikes up friendships with the unsuspecting nuns at the monastery, and even finds a way to put her singing skills to good use.
When I first watched Sister Act all those years ago (1993) I remember thinking to myself that it wasn't a great film, at that point in time I would have given it 4/10.
I thought that all the characters played off each other brilliantly, which made the film more enjoyable to watch.I believe that the best character is Sister Mary Robert (Wendy Makkena) because of the way she starts of shy and mousy but then gains confidant's through her AWESOME singing and blossoms into a more fun and upbeat character.
The combination of the characters, the music, the storyline and Mary Robert just make Sister Act an AWESOME smash hit comedy that should be seen at least once!
This happened a few years earlier in "We're No Angels" and again in "Nuns on the Run." "Sister Act" features Goldberg in the hapless role of the woman whose boyfriend (Keitel) tries to kill her because he's in the Mafia and what not.I found this quite boring and I already knew literally everything that was going to happen because it was so utterly clichéd and routine.
It's not a bad formula.Although Whoopi Goldberg is the undeniable star of this movie, Kathy Najimy as "Sister Mary Patrick" almost steals the show as the bubbly nun.
The Reno lounge singer donning nun's habit and organising the convent choir formed by sympathetic nuns who steal best laughs(Wendy Makkenna,Kathy Najimy, Mary Wickes, among others) and including a concert with presence of Pope John Pablo II.This amusing film with some genuinely funny moments follows the formula about a fish out water.
Motormouth Whoopi Goldberg is pretty well the complete show and good performances for likable nuns,Makenna, Najimy and veteran Wickes and excellent Maggie Smith who disapproves modern methods.
For some good laughs there is something for everyone in "Sister Act"--great songs (from Motown), action and comedy!
Whoopi Goldberg followed up her Oscar win for "Ghost" in 1990 with this enjoyable little film that has her hiding out from the mob in a convent after witnessing a hit ordered by her married boyfriend Harvey Keitel in Las Vegas.
After witnessing him commit a murder, she agrees to testify against him and the police protect her by putting her into a convent, where she ends up becoming the choir director, revitalizing the church with her own version of gospel music, and eventually leading the choir in a performance for the Pope.The cast - beginning with Goldberg - is great.
One of the 20th century's greatest female performers, Whoopi Goldberg doesn't fail to impress in this light-hearted look at an ex-lounge singer who is forced into hiding at a convent, after witnessing her lover shoot somebody.It's outrageously funny and Deloris has soooooo many funny lines, you won't be able to contain yourself.
FORGET IT!'Whoopi puts in yet another fantastic performance (acting and singing wise), and Maggie Smith is great as Mother Superior.
Placed in witness protection after accidentally seeing her mobster boyfriend commit a heinous murder, a small-time Reno singer has trouble adjusting to her new identity as a nun in this Whoopi Goldberg comedy.
Whoopi Goldberg is perfect as former Catholic schoolgirl turned lounge singer Delores Wilson "van Cartier" forced to hide out in a small urban convent and adopt the identity of a nun, Sr. Mary Clarence.
Her Father Superior could scarcely be called sympathetic to her pious plight--and she was on every level correct to point out that a convent of nuns is a place "to commune and to pray." (Part of the problem is that the film confounds "nun" with "religious sister," both lexically and conceptually: the former are cloistered to a degree that is fairly strict while the latter may still own property and generally perform services for the Church.) On the other hand it was rather difficult for her to attempt to preserve the old traditions when everyone else wanted "renewal." "I am a relic," she explains to "Sister Mary Clarence," but her observations of the world are quite astute and Delores understands full well that this woman has saved her--body and soul--through sternness and charity.It's not a very deep film but it'll keep you entertained for a little bit.
The kids make you squirm (even before they start to sing) and the actresses playing the nuns look awkward and self-conscious.I know this is a favourite for many, many people, and each to his or her own, but I suppose, when all is said and done, I am the wrong demographic for this type of thing.Ham and cheese often go together, and if you like your plate heaped high you will love it..
"Sister Act" is a 'fish out of water' story about a lounge singer (Whoopi Goldberg) who witnesses a murder and is forced to hide out in a convent until the murderer can be brought to trial.
Focusing mainly on 60's girl group music, the soundtrack has some memorable moments and interpretations.While the plot may simply be too frivolous for some, "Sister Act" is an enjoyable popcorn movie with several memorable performances and songs.
Harmless Fun. Sister Act really is just some harmless fun it's a funny film with a purpose I believe of acceptance it gives a different fun like spin off on the nun life style which is nice to watch!
Fresh off her Oscar winning turn in "GHOST" Whoopi Goldberg once again delivers the laughs in this pleasing comedy.After witnessing a Mob Hit, a Las Vegas lounge singer is hidden by the police in a church.I'm one of the few people who prefers Goldbergs shockingly under used dramatic acting skills over her comedy ones, but here she hits the right notes (literally) Harvey Keitel is his reliable self in a role most people will have forgotten he did.
This is a great comedy starring Whoopi Goldberg as Reno lounge singer Deloris Van Cartier who witnesses a homicide committed by her lover.
And, the subplot about the nuns' tone-death choir in their endangered convent is interwoven in the story very well, giving intrigue and suspense to the fast-paced movie.Maggie Smith gave a very eloquent and commanding performance as Mother Superior; my favorite line of hers is when she said to Sister Mary Clarence, "God has put you here, take the hint." And, Kathy Najimy as cheerful Sister Mary Patrick, Wendy Makkena as mellow Sister Mary Robert and Mary Wickes witty as Sister Mary Lazarus each gave charming performances, helping Sister Mary Clarence adjust to life in the convent.I enjoyed how Goldberg's characters establishes her new purpose in life as she helps the Choir become better singers and help spread new life in the church, trying to save it from being closed.
Anyway, since nuns became the epitome of "uncoolness", it was about time a film did justice to them and made us laugh not at them, for once, but WITH them, and that's the merit of "Sister Act", one of the most acclaimed comedies of the 90's, starring Whoopi Goldberg, probably in her most defining, if not iconic, role.
"Sister Act" is the kind of comedy that makes you genuinely smile through the characters' interactions and the whole positive feeling they convey, but I could say the same thing about "Wayne's World", a film made me laugh more.
What's left at the end: a wonderful, performance from Whoopi Goldberg, great interactions with Maggie Smith, a gallery of unforgettable characters  and music.
Yes, they sing badly in the beginning, and it's only a matter of time before they reveal their talent, but we don't care, it's the first film with nuns singing, swinging, and if only for that "Sister Act" deserves some praise, especially since the songs carry this religious aura that made them irresistible for any heart, whether it has faith or not.
This a film I could watch again and again, I must've seen it about 12 times now and it doesn't get any more boring than the last.Whoopi Goldberg is really fun as Delores Van Cartier who's on the run from her mob boyfriend, and so has hide-out in a convent and so becomes a temporary nun, Sister Mary-Clarence.
However she's then asked to teach the nun's choir (who are really awful, in a hilarious way) and gives them a modern-day twist to the disapproval of the stern Mother Superior, played brilliantly by Dame Maggie Smith who seems to have great fun in her role.
All this time later, this very fun film entertained all of us when we sat down to watch.First of all, Whoopi Goldberg is a nun.
It dealt with a lot of things - adultery, the lack of faith in people in religion, where does one find their calling in life etc.Whoopi Goldberg is terrific as Delores who witnesses a crime committed by her mobster ringleader boyfriend and is forced to hide as a nun in a convent until they can put him on trial.
While this is noticed by the strict and head nun Reverend Mother (Maggie Smith), the other nuns take a liking to her when she becomes leader of the choir and turns the choir into a phenomenal success by the church and the public.What makes Sister Act appealing are the central nuns who become important to Delores.
But what is really good to see is that Delores, though at first wanting to get out of the convent which she describes as a nightmare, slowly begins to understand the nuns and the importance of their roles in the Church and how they are all one big family.The songs in the film are memorable as well.
Despite living under the strict control of the Reverend Mother (Maggie Smith), the nuns have their joyous side hidden under their habits: I especially enjoyed the performances of Kathy Najimy as the bubbly Sister Mary Patrick and the adorable Wendy Makkena as the young and insecure postulant Mary Robert.
Later on the film turns more action-packed after the Sisters travel to Reno, Dakota to help out the kidnapped Deloris a.k.a. Sister Mary Clarence; while I prefer the earlier, more down-to-earth scenes at the convent, the bumbling stays mostly under control and doesn't distract too much from the main appeal, that is the singing nuns.The best parts of the movie are the catchy pop songs that Deloris teaches to the inept choir, such as "(Love Is Like a) Heat Wave", "My Guy" and "Shout".
While the next ten minutes are relatively slow, and seem to borderline on a drama, it quickly sets the stage for a hilarious comedy suitable for all.Whoopi Goldberg may shine the brightest in this film, but Maggie Smith, Mary Wickes, Kathy Najimy, Harvey Keitel, and others deliver great performances as well..
Sister Act is pure fun, Whoopi Goldberg sure looks good in that NUN outfit.
The movie has a good cast to boot, Maggie Smith is probably the most promising actress in the world of Whoopi's divine charade.The story follows Doloris Van Cartier, the vivacious Las Vegas singer who finds herself down in dumps.
Air Bud is the only movie I'm familiar with Wendy Makkena, she's extremely shrewd yet very grand in here as Sister Roberts, her character is very captivating; her blossoming secretive personality is interesting to watch, but the writers of the film kind left me kinda disappointed in her outcome other than the fact that she turned out to be a rather angelic singer (though I heard that wasn't Makkena's real voice).
When you watch a film like "Sister Act" you have to wonder how it's possible Whoopi Goldberg has more different awards (Oscar, Tony, daytime Emmy) than most actors.
Although her transformation from the frantic, angry and loud Deloris to that of the inspiring nun Sister Mary Clarence is far from gradual, the metamorphosis is profound and along withs some fun music, keeps "Sister Act" from being a tremendous waste.Deloris is a doo-wop singer playing the mistress to a mob boss (Harvey Keitel) when she witnesses a murder and her man tries to whack her.
The police lieutenant decides a convent would be the safest place for her to hide, so she becomes a "nun" at St. Catherine's where her heretical ways begin to rub off on the other nuns much to the dismay of mother superior (Maggie Smith).Now, as Sister Mary Clarence, she helps (and with surprising speed) turn around the choir and turn them into gospel singers.
Making "Sister Act" a movie musical instead of having three choir performances total in the run time would've made a world of difference.
The two clash as Sister Clarence breathes new life into the convent by taking over the chorus and really livening things up.As for Maggie Smith, she gives one of her best performances since her 2 Oscar winning performances years earlier.The ending, like the rest of the film, is just hilarious.
Just an all around feel good movie with some really funny moments, a lot of heart, and even some great musical numbers!.
Musical comedy that's Sister Act,betting in the formula that two different person can lives together...that's the main point when you bring a sinner singer running for the mob could be cover in a Covent managed for a strong moral code....clash between Deloris and Mother Superior, meanwhile the chemistry for both powerful actress Goldberg and Smith gave to the movie what it needs....ending up to get strong when the musical acts finally build another atmosphere for the whole story...
Practically fresh from the Best Supporting Actress Oscar she won for Ghost, Whoopi Goldberg comes back with a pair of films as Deloris Cartier aka Sister Mary Clarence in Sister Act. Probably some of the best publicity the Catholic Church got since Bing Crosby playing a priest.Whoopi is the lead singer in a tribute Supremes act in Reno and mistress of casino owner Harvey Keitel.
At this point Sister Act does become a lot like those Crosby films because in Going My Way Father O'Malley puts a little life in the church by organizing the neighborhood kids as a choir.
But she still has Keitel looking to bump her off before trial.Some nice performances from those mentioned and from Kathy Najimy and Wendy Makkena as her sidekicks in convent mischief.I'm sure Maggie Smith who no doubt saw the Sound Of Music was beginning to create her own lyrics to How Do You Solve A Problem Like Whoopi.No problem for us at all, sit back and enjoy..
Most movies I'm into are horror films but I love Sister Act so that shows how good this movie is if it can win me over like that.
And the music, some horrible, some beautiful, it's worth a listen, especially when Whoopi Goldberg turns the crappy choir (that probably used to repel church goers) into a modern and harmonized group (that brings new life to the church).In a way this is a very time period specific kind of movie- which I always enjoy.
some of the jokes aren't that great, it's low-rated, it's from the early '90s....But I believe that the people who are willing to stick it out will actually be rewarded with a clever film full of ingenious comic moments, great PG-friendly action sequences, and very few groan-inducing life-lesson Lifetime Original Movie moments (although there are some).Whoopi Goldberg as an at least semi-fast-living lounge singer hiding out in the Witness Protection Program by posing as a nun?
the casting of the movie was great on top of them comes Whoopy Goldberg and Maggie Smith in additions to all other actresses who portrayed the nuns.
SISTER ACT **** Whoopi Goldberg is a hoot as a nightclub singer who has to pose as a nun at a conservative convent in Los Angeles.
A convent!Now assuming the identity of a nun (Sister Mary Clarence), the only one who knows Delores' true identity is the Mother Superior (Maggie Smith in a terrific role).
Delores as the unconventional newcomer who shakes up the establishment, the Mother Superior who is adverse to change, Sister Mary Robert as the shy nun who finds confidence when she discovers she has a wonderful singing voice and so on.Because it has a great cast, the film rises above most clichés.
Whoopi is great to watch when teaching the nuns to sing My God instead of My Guy. Her verbal sparring with Maggie Smith is good too.
This wasn't the first time that Mary Wickes portrayed a nun: she also portrayed Sister Clarissa in the films "The Trouble with Angels" in 1966 and its sequel "Where Angels Go Trouble Follows" in 1968.Will Delores find a way to survive life in the convent and bring harmony to the choir?
Directed by Emile Ardolino, Sister Act tells the story of a Reno lounge singer, Delores Wilson AKA Delores Van Cartier (Whoopi Goldberg) who has been put under protective custody in a San Francisco church convent, due to being a witness to a murder, committed by mobster/ex-boyfriend, Vince LaRocca (Harvey Keitel).