You may remember me watching the first Sister Act movie back in November of 2020. As it’s a classic, I just couldn’t resist coming back for a second dose of convent action.
We rejoin Dolores (Whoopi Goldberg) during her headline show in Vegas, where she has been successfully working since the end of the first movie. Unexpectedly, three of the sisters turn up to her show one evening, tentatively asking her to help them. They explain that they now work at a public school in San Francisco, and they need her to assist them in teaching a music class at the school. She agrees to join them for “a week”, which obviously doesn’t happen, especially when she meets the kids and realises they are what we call ‘problem children’. Of course, her being Dolores (or Sister Mary Clarence for now), she does her best to help these kids, and leads them to enter a choir competition in the state.
This sequel belongs to one person and one person only: Miss Lauryn Hill. She’s incredible. That’s right, former member of Fugees Lauryn Hill stars as one of the main characters here. I personally had no idea that Hill was in any movies, never mind this one, and what a brilliant surprise that was.
When the film began, I’ll admit that I was a little sceptical. Why? Because I’ve seen way too many movies that make a thing out of turning a class of delinquent kids into something successful and joyful (see: Dangerous Minds.) But despite the less than original premise, the film overall was still sweet nevertheless.
Of course, the musical numbers are amazing. I kind of wish we had more of the nuns (most because Kathy Najimy stands out once again for her comedy value) but the kids themselves were all outstanding. I’d like to know what they’re all doing now (minus Hill and Jennifer Love Hewitt obviously) because each and every one of them is so talented. I truly hope they’re all living their best lives.
Storyline-wise, there’s not a single thing you won’t see coming. Plot twist? I don’t know her. It’s extremely obvious in regards to the script – other than a few zingy quips – but despite that, it’s never not entertaining. Average, sure. But still entertaining.
It’s certainly not quite as good as the original Sister Act and yet it has that perfect fun factor that the world needs right now. It’s all in good fun and has a heart made of gold, which is to be expected by any movie starring Whoopi in a habit.
And so we come to the end of our time with this convent. I had a blast, even if neither of them were technical masterpieces.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is available to stream on Disney+ in the UK.
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Overall Rating: ½
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