With the original film's director Emile Ardolino (Dirty Dancing) moving onto the Macaulay Culkin version of The Nutcracker and the Bette Midler version of Gypsy (before dying quite suddenly and young from AIDS complications in November of 1993), Bill Duke, an actor who had recently graduated from a decade of directing television, assumed the helm. In the unlikely event that this isn't already crystal clear to you, yes, Sister Act 2 is an inspirational teacher movie. Thomas Gottschalk earned his role as Father Wolfgang by winning a bet against Whoopi Goldberg on his German entertainment show Wetten, dass..?. It's tough to imagine them ever looking better on Blu-ray or needing to. The lively numbers immediately spark a rise in church attendance, even hilariously leading four (homeless? Why Disney and Disney alone seems to fear legal action over subs that include lyrics, I don't know. Rita Louise Watson is a supporting character who appears in the 1993 sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. Shortly after the choir leaves, Mr. The Motown hit "My Guy" becomes "My God." Release Date: June 19, 2012 / Suggested Retail Price: $26.50 (Reduced from $29.99) The narrowed audience gives one explanation for why Sister Act 2 earned less than half of what its forebear made. In the sequel, she and a few of the other nuns persuade Deloris to become the new music teacher at St. Francis Academy. At least it remembers where you left off if you didn't finish a movie viewing. Language links are at the top of the page across from the title. Sister Act 2 is so utterly dated, but not in a bad way. Barnard Hughes played Father Maurice in Sister Act 2. The DVDs in this package are the same ones released 11-12 years ago, which means that the films are sadly still non-anamorphic in standard definition. Sister Mary Clarence: Now listen, I know you've got to think about your image, cause image is important to you, because of course your friends are gonna dictate your actions through the rest of your lives, and I wouldn't want you to step away from them and become an individual, that would almost be too much! Likewise unupdated, Sister Act 2's DVD retains its two bonus features, its original theatrical trailer (2:07) barely differing from the other disc's video trailer and some meaningless trailer-less "Film Recommendations", neither of which the packaging bothers to mention. Text copyright 2012 DVDizzy.com. Unfortunately, Disney is one studio you can be assured will not do anything of the sort. Cinematography by Afterwards, Rita is confronted by her mother, who now has a change of heart. Mother Superior (Harry Potter's Maggie Smith) has grave doubts that this fast-living, fast-talking witness can blend in. Theatrical Release: December 10, 1993 / Running Time: 107 Minutes / Rating: PG / Songs List Mary Wickes: Sigmund and the Sea Monsters: Season One White Christmas The Hunchback of Notre Dame Greatest Medley Ever Told - Whoopi Goldberg & the Ronelles, Get Up Offa That Thing/Dancing in the Street - Whoopi Goldberg, Ball of Confusion (That's What the World Is Today) - Whoopi Goldberg & the Sisters, His Eye Is on the Sparrow - Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount, Musical revivals including Sister Act: Back In The Habit are discussed on. Here Within These Walls How I Got The Calling When I Find My Baby Do the Sacred Mass I Could Be That Guy Raise Your Voice Sunday Morning Fever Lady in the Long Black Dress Bless Our Show The Life I Never Led Sister Act Spread The Love Around It's Good to Be a Nun Haven't Got a Prayer. Sister Act Songs List: The Ronelles - "(Love Is Like A) Heat Wave"/"My Guy"/"I Will Follow Him ('Chariot')", Fontella Bass - "Rescue Me", Dee Dee Sharp - "Gravy", Etta James - "Roll With Me Henry", Deloris and the Sisters - "Shout", "Homalone", C&C Music Factory - "Just a Touch of Love (Everyday)", Lady Soul - "If My Sister's in Trouble", "Bar Nun" [60] In December 2020, it was announced that Goldberg would be reprising the role of Deloris and serve as a producer alongside Tyler Perry.[61]. Still available as Double Feature 2-DVD Set ($14.99 SRP; September 11, 2007) Touchstone Pictures Blu-ray Extras Subtitled; DVD Movies Closed Captioned Later, she had supporting roles in the comedy series Listen Up and Oliver Beene. Sister Act 2 is so utterly dated, but not in a bad way. There is also a lot more of what I want to call "flava." //--> [42] Perry also told Rolling Stone that she was raised on Hill's version of "His Eye Is on the Sparrow". In 1998, Jeter played L. Ron Bumquist in the film version of Hunter S. Thompson's semi-autobiographical novel Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. The sequel shows a little more grain, with the slightly lacking shots of its inspired end credits forgivable based on their optical nature. Director: Emile Ardolino / Writer: "Joseph Howard" The music video for Lady Soul's "If My Sister's in Trouble" (3:59), a song barely heard in the film, ", The album is remembered not just for its complex personal and political lyricism and Hill's skilled vocal deliveries, but also its effortlessly eclectic sound. Rita Watson (daugther) Source. In the original film, she led the choir at Saint Katherine's Convent before Deloris steps in and takes over. The Cast of Sister Act: Her later career is marked by controversies, including her penchant for showing up to live-shows hours late. Rita Kempley of The Washington Post called it "Shamelessly contrived pap. After The Score, Hill struck out on her own, and proved that her reputation as one of the best in the business was well-earned. Miles Goodman Comprised of such archetypes as the white gangster Frankay (Devin Kamin), the culturally enlightened Afrocentric "Ahmal" (Ryan Toby), the artist tired from his grocery bagging job (Ron Johnson), the image-obsessed princess (Jennifer "Love" Hewitt), and your standard-issue nerd (Christian Fitzharris), the class informs their new teacher that this is a "bird course" (meaning they "fly right through it"). And she appears to be a negative influence on the nun friends she makes: shy, young, tiny, more casually habited redhead Mary Robert (Wendy Makkena) and large, cheerful Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy). Coburn continued to land roles in several popular films after filming Sister Act 2. It is riddled with clichs and the save-the-school-with-song plot feels straight out of 1935. Crisp), Michael Jeter (Father Ignatius), Wendy Makkena (Sister Mary Robert), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Florence Watson), Robert Pastorelli (Joey Bustamente), Thomas Gottschalk (Father Wolfgang), Maggie Smith (Mother Superior), Lauryn Hill (Rita Watson), Brad Sullivan (Father Thomas), Alanna Ubach (Maria), Ryan Toby (Ahmal Mjomo Jamaael/Westley Glen James), Ron Johnson (Richard "Sketch" Pinshum), Jennifer "Love" Hewitt (Margaret), Devin Kamin (Frankie), Christian Fitzharris (Tyler Chase), Tanya Blount (Tanya), Mehran Marcos Sedghi (Marcos), Pat Crawford Brown (Choir Nun), Susan Browning (Choir Nun), Georgia Creighton (Choir Nun), Edith Diaz (Choir Nun), Ellen Albertini Dow (Choir Nun), Beth Fowler (Choir Nun), Prudence Wright Holmes (Choir Nun), Sheri Izzard (Choir Nun), Susan Johnson-Kehn (Choir Nun), Ruth Kobart (Choir Nun), Darlene Koldenhoven (Choir Nun), Carmen Zapata (Choir Nun), Andrea Robinson (The "Singing Voice" of Sister Mary Robert), Jenifer Lewis (Backup Singer #1), Pamala Tyson (Backup Singer #2), Sharon Brown (Backup Singer #3) It also requires Rita getting permission from her mother (Sheryl Lee Ralph), who forbids such singing, even confiscating Rita's tape recorder and headphones, preferring that she study and avoid the life of disappointment her late father led. Even the Pope schedules an appearance as part of his American visit. Wendy Makkena & Michael Jeter: Air Bud | Harvey Keitel: Taxi Driver Life on Mars: The Complete Series Rita Louise Watson is a supporting character who appears in the 1993 sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit. CLOSING THOUGHTS Theatrical Release: May 29, 1992 / Running Time: 100 Minutes / Rating: PG / Songs List In 2002, Coburn passed away due to a heart attack at the age of 74. I am a headliner.". I am better suited to appreciating this film than first-time viewers because it was one of around five movies that filled up a long play VHS cassette during a Free HBO Weekend sometime around the end of 1994. She tells her she is proud of her performance and the two hug each other. Whereas the first Sister Act focuses on Deloris' comedically mismatched relationships with the nuns of Saint Katherine's (including everyone's favorite, Sister Mary Patrick), the sequel sees her taking on her Sister Mary persona again to mentor the students in St. Francis' music program. However, she is discovered to have a hidden talent for singing, which her strict, yet well-meaning, mother disapproves, as she believes a musical career is a dead end after her husband died trying to make a name for himself. "I was hairless. While there isn't much in the way of directionality or striking sound effects, musical numbers are lively, especially SA2's rousing All-State performance. The other friars trap Mr. Deloris Van Cartier, the Reno lounge singer who smokes, drinks, swears, and commits adultery, is now Sister Mary Clarence, a Carmelite nun accepting the vows of poverty, obedience, and chastity. Music by I am better suited to appreciating this film than first-time viewers because it was one of around five movies that filled up a long play VHS cassette during a Free HBO Weekend sometime around the end of 1994. No inserts, slipcovers, or reverse side artwork is found here. This movie is in dire need of a class reunion, ideally for next year's 20th anniversary. google_color_border = "FCFCFC"; In 1997, she played Jackie Framm in the family-friendly comedy Air Bud when her son finds a homeless golden retriever who learned how to play basketball during his time in the circus, she reluctantly agrees to adopt the talented dog. In the 2020 update of their 500 Greatest Albums of All Time list, Rolling Stone ranked the album in the #10 spot, and wrote of its legacy, "At a time when pop was becoming increasingly slick and digitized in the go-go Nineties, here was an album that showed the commercial appeal of a rawer sound. I imagine that everyone who wasn't under the age of 18 in 1993 probably greatly preferred the first movie, while that youth demographic found more to enjoy in this sequel. google_color_bg = "FCFCFC"; "When I saw people struggle to appreciate what that took, I had to pull back and make sure I and my family were safe and good. "); Nuttin' Nyce - "Wandering Eyes"; The Cast - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Aretha Franklin - "A Deeper Love" She reluctantly agrees. And with her Daytime Emmy win for Beyond Tara: The Extraordinary Life of Hattie McDaniel in 2002, Goldberg became one of 16 entertainers to achieve the coveted EGOT collection in other words, she's won an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony Award. google_color_link = "A9152D"; Disney Wiki is a FANDOM Movies Community. Compare the students in this 1993 movie to modern day students. The film saw this ne'er-do-well club singer embed herself in a convent of pious nuns as part of the witness protection program after she witnessed her mafioso boyfriend execute a hit on one of his associates. And there is, albeit the flimsy kind that doesn't do well with scrutiny. It's not as if the public expected realism from this franchise. Although she released the album MTV Unplugged No. ", Lauryn Hill & Tanya Blount - His Eye is on the Sparrow. _qoptions={ She had a recurring role as Maggie Foster on the series George through 1994, and shortly after, she began playing Dee Mitchell on the popular family comedy Moesha. Still available as Double Feature 2-DVD Set ($14.99 SRP; September 11, 2007) The two Sister Act movies may not have been among the lucky few titles Disney treated to DVD upgrades, but they clearly have sold enough copies for the studio to take the trouble to releasing them to Blu-ray. The two Sister Act movies may not have been among the lucky few titles Disney treated to DVD upgrades, but they clearly have sold enough copies for the studio to take the trouble to releasing them to Blu-ray. Answer: Mary Wickes. Rita is the leader of a group of rowdy teenagers who attend St. Francis School. In that sense, this is kind of ahead of its time and probably more appealing to today's youth than it should be, even if they don't remember the days of Hip Hop Hooray arm waves and unironic "yo momma" jokes. And there is, albeit the flimsy kind that doesn't do well with scrutiny. google_color_border = "FCFCFC"; Rita Louise Watson may have an unruly spirit, but when Deloris catches her singing in a candid moment, she realizes that the young woman has a special gift. In that sense, this is kind of ahead of its time and probably more appealing to today's youth than it should be, even if they don't remember the days of Hip Hop Hooray arm waves and unironic "yo momma" jokes. The old DVDs' menus aren't much less sophisticated, with their mostly silent and all static 4:3 screens. Like those two films, Sister Act's success would inspire continuation, only a lot more quickly. Cast: Whoopi Goldberg (Deloris Van Cartier/Sister Mary Clarence), Kathy Najimy (Sister Mary Patrick), Barnard Hughes (Father Maurice), Mary Wickes (Sister Mary Lazarus), James Coburn (Mr. Alternating between full color and artsy black & white, this is a real throwback and an essential companion to the film. //--> google_ad_height = 600; Even the Pope schedules an appearance as part of his American visit. More recently, she had a supporting role as Wendy Keegan in Veep. Lauryn Hill was still years away from becoming an international pop success when she played Rita Watson in Sister Act 2. Buy. Preceded by Hill herself acknowledged the historic nature of her win when she accepted the award, telling the Grammy audience, "This is crazy, 'cause this is hip-hop music, you know what I mean? In Sister Act 2, Deloris goes back to the Catholic . [54], When asked in 2013 about acting in a sequel, Whoopi Goldberg initially refused,[55] but by 2015 changed her stance to a maybe. Blu-ray & DVD Details "[16], Ty Burr of Entertainment Weekly criticized the lack of originality but says "The recyclings so cheerily blatant it almost short- circuits criticism" and "What saves the movie is a young cast with astonishing talent and energy: You respond to their high spirits more than to the hackneyed characters they play." Crisp, the Reverend Mother states that the competition entry was his idea, and that the diocese must have another "hot spot" position for him"we cannot let such a prize bull be put out to pasture". James Coburn was a newcomer to the cast in Sister Act 2. Cookies help us deliver our Services. Crisp, the administrator of St. Francis Academy. As you know, the faces of the reviewers were very different than the viewers. Despite his shortcomings, he's ultimately supportive of the school choir. I'm no lawyer, but it seems like if characters are singing words that have character and plot implications, the hard of hearing ought to know. The kids offer resistance, but naturally they come around and reveal they have all been hiding tremendous singing talent, especially the rebellious "diva with a 'tude" Rita (Grammy-winning solo artist, Fugees rapper, and tax evader Lauryn Hill), who drops out of the class for a while and lurks nearby. This is among the best looking 1080p video I've seen for live-action movies from this era. Makkena played Sister Mary Robert the youngest nun in both Sister Act and Sister Act 2. It accurately captures the fashions, slang, and mannerisms of the time, when rap culture creeped into to the mainstream. BONUS FEATURES, MENUS, PACKAGING and DESIGN Crediting the fictional Joseph Howard for characters, this sequel attributes its screenplay to three real people: the Touchstone comedy stalwart team of James Orr and Jim Cruickshank (3 Men and a Baby, Tough Guys, Mr. Destiny, and later Jonathan Taylor Thomas' Man of the House) along with TV veteran Judi Ann Mason ("A Different World", "Good Times"). In fact, Mary Clarence turns her one music class (and curiously it is only one music class she seems to deal with) into a choir. Free trials, rent, or buy. 31. That requires a fundraiser with more singing. And in 1998, she released her solo album, The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, which earned her five Grammy awards and was recently named by Rolling Stone as one of the greatest albums of all time. Director: Bill Duke / Writers: James Orr, Jim Cruickshank, Judi Ann Mason (screenplay); "Joseph Howard" (characters) It is riddled with clichs and the save-the-school-with-song plot feels straight out of 1935. When Mary Clarence starts adding a firmer hand the following day, Rita walks out of class. The film was released posthumously. Those plans don't seem to come to fruition and soon, Mary Clarence's choir is to enter an all-state competition in Hollywood. She's currently working on the highly anticipated movie Hocus Pocus 2, in which she'll be returning to her role as Mary Sanderson. By using our Services, you agree to our use of cookies. Still, these tough, culturally diverse urban teens are no picnic. In the beginning of the movie, Deloris is a successful Las Vegas showgirl. [43] Billboard ranked Hill's performance at number 38 on their list of the 'The 100 Best Acting Performances by Musicians in Movies' in 2018. [25] David Dennis Jr. of Andscape, proclaimed "the cultural impact of Sister Act 2 is felt across movies, music and even your Sunday church services. Mary Robert overhears Rita's talented singing. Those plans don't seem to come to fruition and soon, Mary Clarence's choir is to enter an all-state competition in Hollywood. Release Date: June 19, 2012 / Suggested Retail Price: $26.50 (Reduced from $29.99) He will always be remembered as a hard-working actor who was consistently impressive on stage and on the screen. Alternating between full color and artsy black & white, this is a real throwback and an essential companion to the film. "); Nuttin' Nyce - "Wandering Eyes"; The Cast - "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", Aretha Franklin - "A Deeper Love", Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit: Songs from the Motion Picture Soundtrack: Buy CD at Amazon.com, DVDizzy.com | DVD and Blu-ray Reviews | New and Upcoming DVD & Blu-ray Schedule | Upcoming Cover Art | Search This Site. which practically everyone around the world saw and appreciated. That those recycled platters are factored into the list price here is mildly troubling. As many past recipients could tell you, winning a supporting actor or actress Oscar doesn't always launch or boost a career. [35] Over the years, countless musicians have cited Hill's performance as an inspiration for them to pursue music careers, including Lianne La Havas,[36] Todrick Hall,[37] Colbie Caillat,[38] August Alsina,[39] Hillary Scott of Lady A,[40] and Lecrae. google_alternate_ad_url = "http://www.ultimatedisney.com/contest/dmcad13.html"; google_ad_width = 160; Students, nuns and friars work to restore the school's decrepit music room, and the class begins to practice extensively. And she appears to be a negative influence on the nun friends she makes: shy, young, tiny, more casually habited redhead Mary Robert (Wendy Makkena) and large, cheerful Mary Patrick (Kathy Najimy). You might wonder why she has to blend in and play the part of a disciplined convent nun. var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true}; has Najimy and Makkena in full nun regalia dancing (and Wickes scowling) alongside the short-lived three-women R&B group featuring 9.9's Margo Thunder. There is little action, no danger, and quite a bit more music. Reviewed October 25, 2012. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Next up was a role as Eduard Delacroix in the critically acclaimed adaptation of Stephen King'sThe Green Mile. I imagine that everyone who wasn't under the age of 18 in 1993 probably greatly preferred the first movie, while that youth demographic found more to enjoy in this sequel. Thomas Gottschalk appeared in Sister Act 2 as Father Wolfgang, who works as a cook at St. Francis Academy. There is also a lot more of what I want to call "flava." Back in the role of Sister Mary Clarence, Deloris brings a little street credibility to the music class she takes over. What Happened To The Cast Of Sister Act 2? [59] On December 7, 2018, it was confirmed that Regina Y. Hicks and Karin Gist were hired to write the script to Sister Act 3 for a release on Disney+. Director Bill Duke said about the reception: "The reviewers at that time could not really be linked to our communities or the message. The standard Blu-ray case stacks the gray DVDs on the left across from the plain blue Blu-ray Disc. Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit: Songs from the Motion Picture Soundtrack: Buy CD at Amazon.com google_ad_width = 160; Reforming this class takes a little more effort than improving St. Katherine's choir but it's a similar process. 37 Deloris Van Cartier re-joins the sisters at _____. google_ad_channel = "5553077662+8782361110+1351145465"; "Inside Sister Act" (12:30) is a typical but good early-'90s promotional making-of featurette. It's like the choir's a big joke. Also when they learned the school will mostly close. Distributor But don't colleges eat up extra-curricular activities on students' applications, such as group activities including ones with large amounts of groups. Explore Rita's complex character and discuss the meaning of friendship. The New York native then starred on A League of Their Own, Judging Amy, Oliver Beene, Listen Up, The . Those two extras can also be found on Sister Act's unchanged DVD, along with a music video for Delores (sic) and the Sisters' so-early-'90s "Follow Him" (3:00) remix comprised purely of fitting film clips, the film's original theatrical trailer (2:01), and a Sister Act 2 home video trailer (2:01). The other monks lock Mr. Manage all your favorite fandoms in one place! "And feminism dedicates itself to the equality and respect of all people." Both Sister Act movies are feel-good escapist fun that has brightened many a childhood and sick day over the past twenty years. The 1.85:1 presentations are clean, sharp, vibrant, and detailed. The choir confronts Mary Clarence about being a "Las Vegas showgirl." Mary Clarence responds, "I am not now, nor have I ever been, a 'Las Vegas showgirl.' I am a headliner." Read more about this topic: Sister Act 2: . However, Rita forges her mother's signature to attend, leaving an apology note for her disobedience, prompting Florence to drive to Hollywood to see the competition. [41] Pop star Katy Perry stated that the only secular music she was allowed to listen to growing up was the film's accompanying soundtrack. Answer: 7. It includes behind-the-scenes footage, film clips, and on-set interviews with director Emile Ardolino and actors Mary Wickes, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, Whoopi Goldberg, Eugene Graytak ("The Pope"), and Bill Nunn (but oddly not Maggie Smith or Harvey Keitel). The all-region Blu-ray including both "Sister Act" and "Sister Act: Back in the Habit" was released on June 19, 2012 with both films presented in 1080p. Mary Wickes: Sigmund and the Sea Monsters: Season One White Christmas The Hunchback of Notre Dame Her scene-stealing turn in Ghost was comedic dynamite,