Written and directed with gusto by Jonathan Lynn, "Nuns on the Run" is very engaging, very British comedy that keeps the men-in-drag staple alive and kicking. It's energetic, breezy, snappy stuff with some great lines, some gentle digs at Catholicism, and spirited performances, especially from stars Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane.
Produced by George Harrisons' Handmade Films company, it follows Idle, as Brian, and Coltrane, as Charlie, two small time criminals sick and tired of working for a thuggish young boss, "Case" Casey (Robert Patterson). They learn that their boss plans on stealing money from the Triads, so Brian and Charlie decide to purloin the money for themselves. They make a mess of the job, and end up being forced to hide in a convent. There they have to pass themselves off as nuns - Sister Inviolata of the Immaculate Conception and Sister Euphemia of the Five Wounds ("Five Wounds" for short).
What follows is predictable enough but still entertaining farce as Brian and Charlie go about their nuns' duties, while the mobsters they double crossed try to track them down, and Brians' love interest Faith (the adorable Camille Coduri) does the same. The film overall doesn't work as well when the focus is off Brian and Charlie, but it still entertains solidly and agreeably for its 93 minute duration. It gets off to a very bright start, ends up sagging a little, but ultimately gets back on track with a wonderfully lively finish.
The best thing about it is a sterling pair of performances by the well cast, likable leads; the supporting cast are no slouches, though, with Janet Suzman as the Sister Superior, Lila Kaye as Sister Mary of the Annunciation, and the hilarious Doris Hare as Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart. There isn't much violence, and what little there is, is played for laughs, although viewers might be surprised to see some topless shots from the comely young students at the convent.
Among the highlights are Charlies' take on sinning and religion as he explains it to a horn-dog priest, Father Seamus (Tom Hickey), his basketball game with the girls, and Brians' predicament as he attempts to visit Faith while still trying to pull the wool over the real nuns' eyes. Punctuated by a typically amusing score by the group Yello (those guys who will likely always be best remembered for their "Oh Yeah" tune), "Nuns on the Run" is a good, fun flick from start to finish, and it comes up with a fine punchline at the end.
Seven out of 10.
Produced by George Harrisons' Handmade Films company, it follows Idle, as Brian, and Coltrane, as Charlie, two small time criminals sick and tired of working for a thuggish young boss, "Case" Casey (Robert Patterson). They learn that their boss plans on stealing money from the Triads, so Brian and Charlie decide to purloin the money for themselves. They make a mess of the job, and end up being forced to hide in a convent. There they have to pass themselves off as nuns - Sister Inviolata of the Immaculate Conception and Sister Euphemia of the Five Wounds ("Five Wounds" for short).
What follows is predictable enough but still entertaining farce as Brian and Charlie go about their nuns' duties, while the mobsters they double crossed try to track them down, and Brians' love interest Faith (the adorable Camille Coduri) does the same. The film overall doesn't work as well when the focus is off Brian and Charlie, but it still entertains solidly and agreeably for its 93 minute duration. It gets off to a very bright start, ends up sagging a little, but ultimately gets back on track with a wonderfully lively finish.
The best thing about it is a sterling pair of performances by the well cast, likable leads; the supporting cast are no slouches, though, with Janet Suzman as the Sister Superior, Lila Kaye as Sister Mary of the Annunciation, and the hilarious Doris Hare as Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart. There isn't much violence, and what little there is, is played for laughs, although viewers might be surprised to see some topless shots from the comely young students at the convent.
Among the highlights are Charlies' take on sinning and religion as he explains it to a horn-dog priest, Father Seamus (Tom Hickey), his basketball game with the girls, and Brians' predicament as he attempts to visit Faith while still trying to pull the wool over the real nuns' eyes. Punctuated by a typically amusing score by the group Yello (those guys who will likely always be best remembered for their "Oh Yeah" tune), "Nuns on the Run" is a good, fun flick from start to finish, and it comes up with a fine punchline at the end.
Seven out of 10.