Nuns on the Run (1990) User Reviews

Enjoyable comedy about criminals disguised as nuns

[blanche-2 · 7/10 · 7 February 2008]

Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle are "Nuns on the Run" in this 1990 British comedy also starring Janet Suzman and Camille Coduri. Coltrane and Idle play Charlie and Brian, who commit robberies for the big boss, whose cover is a health club. Unfortunately, they become personae non grata when one of their colleagues, who wants out, tells the boss that Charlie and Brian want out, too. That colleague later winds up dead. With their boss no longer trusting them, they are ordered to rob drug money from a dangerous group called The Trinity - but the boss has ordered his other associates to kill them. Charlie and Brian, meanwhile, have decided to rob the drug lord all right, keep the money for themselves and escape to Rio. When they arrive at the scene, their would-be killers are already there. Tipped off by Brian's girlfriend, they turn the tables on the assassins, grab the money, and run inside the nearest open doorway, which turns out to be a convent. They dress in nun's clothes, buy some makeup and become nuns. Nuns who always carry black briefcases.

This is a very entertaining, if often low comedy with good performances. Idle is funny as the lovesick Brian whose girlfriend Faith (Coduri) keeps losing her glasses and can't see anything. The beautiful Coduri is a riot, doing a sort of Marilyn Monroe in "How to Marry a Millionaire" by constantly walking into things. Coltrane plays the more pragmatic, tougher Charlie who can't help going into the girls' shower after teaching gym. He is also the one who really gets into the whole religious thing, being Catholic himself. "I think God is going to get us out of this," he announces. Janet Suzman does a good job as the Mother Superior, who finds the new nuns odd to say the least. But she has some other problems, one of which is dealing with an older, alcoholic, compulsive gambler nun who stole 50,000 pounds from the drug rehabilitation program run by the sisters.

If you're Catholic, you'll get a kick out of this film or hate it. I myself thought Charlie trying to teach Brian about the Holy Trinity was a scream, as was Brian totally botching it when repeating it to his students. Also funny was Charlie teaching Brian the sign of the cross and genuflecting. When Faith goes to confession, afraid she'll say something she shouldn't, Brian replaces the priest, and Charlie has to whisper the absolution in his ear, which Brian messes up. "I resolve you - no, I absolve you of your sins..." Definitely recommended.

Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch.

[lastliberal · 6/10 · 9 November 2007]

If you have a comedy starring two of England's best, Eric Idle (Monty Python and the Holy Grail) and Robbie Coltrane (Rubeus Hagrid in the harry Potter movies), then you just have to watch. This was a charming little comedy about two guys trying to go straight, but pulling one last job and ending up in a nunnery.

Of course, you have the Catholic jokes, and the guys in a girls dorm jokes, some Oscar-nominated talent, an MBE, and a nude girl in a shower, but that's all icing on the cake.

British comedy is just fin to watch. You won't end up on the floor laughing, but you will chuckle for the whole 89 minutes.

Jonathan Lynn (The Fighting Temptations, The Whole Nine Yards, My Cousin Vinney) wrote and directed this film, and you know he can make us laugh.

Should Had Been a Big Hit

[shelbythuylinh · 6/10 · 2 December 2021]

It has the writing and that of comic geniuses of Eric Idle of Monty Python and Harry Potter's Robbie Coltrane as Brian and Charlie two petty crooks who do not like the violent versions of their gangs.

As when they tried to steal the money for themselves and when they betray their boss, the Triads, they must hide in a nunnery until the coast is clear.

Meanwhile Charlie helps Brian as the former leans on his Catholic upbringing and Brian must try to hide away from his new girlfriend.

Should had been a bigger hit.

Handmade with Care.

[quixoticroger · 23 February 2004]

Handmade films started off by making the phenomenal Monty Python's Life of Brian, made several fantastic films to follow that, and just 11 years later wound down their production with this hidden gem. Nuns on the Run is a truly British comedy. No other country in the world can do comedy as well as the British, and this movie represents when they got just about everything right. Perfect casting, fantastic scenario and some hilarious one-liners. This was really one of the last great films comedies, with only Fierce Creatures and Chicken Run coming close since. Unfairly maligned, I seldom hear a good word said about it in the film community, yet nobody I know possibly has any criticism of it. It will continue to be a personal favourite of mine, and I'd hope that other people will in time realise just what they've been missing. 9/10.

Some funny moments

[billy-168 · 6/10 · 15 April 2007]

This movie did have some proper comics doing the leads- Idle and Coltrane, and some of the other main characters did a good job in their roles. Faith and the two Sister Marys were great, as was the mature presence and good acting of Mother Superior

Didn't like the casting of the two gangsters boss (Mr Casey)though- he was too young, softly spoken, and without the real look of a hard crime boss.

The story took some time to get going, but ultimately had its moments. Some excellent and well delivered lines.

Most of the comedy worked well, though I didn't appreciate Faith's near blind state without glasses.

The version I saw was only on DVD made 4x3 for some reason, so it looked more like a TV movie.

It's a low budget British comedy. Shame there was no sequel.

Juvenile but harmless fun

[jamesrupert2014 · 7/10 · 27 September 2021]

Brian and Charlie, couple of London gangsters (Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane) double-cross their vicious new boss and end up hiding out in a convent disguised as nuns. Idle and Coltrane are good and there are some clever moments, especially when devout Charlie is trying to coach secular Brian in Catholic doctrine, but overall the comedy is broad and predictable and the novelty of seeing the two leads wearing habits wanes quickly. Near-sighted love interest Faith (Camille Coduri) and her thuggish family are amusing. Surprisingly, the story holds together pretty well (considering it's mostly a set up for drag antics) and the film will likely amuse Monty Python fans who have fond memories of Idle impersonating women. Not great but who'd expect it to be, and the closing gag is worth hanging around for.

Finally a decent cross-dressing flick with nuns.

[oneguyrambling · 6/10 · 27 December 2011]

Every few years someone thinks it would be a funny idea to have guys running around in girl's clothing or vice versa. (Occasionally a Wayans brother (or two) think it would be even funnier if they were also a different race as well as a different gender, but that's another, sadder story.) Nuns on the Run is most definitely a one-note premise milked dry, but it has enough jokes along the way to make it a worthwhile 90 minutes.

Brian (Eric Idle) and Charlie (Robbie Coltrane) are reluctant robbers who lament the old classy days where violence wasn't necessary. Their boss Case is a hard nut who favours the new ways – guns n stuff – and the boys are dropped in the sh*t when he discovers that they want out.

So out of desperation the duo decide to 'heist the heisters', keep the ill gotten gains for themselves and zippedy-skidoo off to Brazil for the remainder of their lives.

Things get complicated when 1/ Brian falls for a ditzy waitress named Faith, and 2/ the re-heist goes awry and they must lie low in the nearest safe place.

Of course this is a nunnery, and despite looking like guys with horrible make up and sounding like guys doing women's voices badly none of the nuns are nun the wiser… or something like that.

What ensues is obvious and formulaic – but funny nonetheless.

We get to see these obvious non-nuns teaching impressionable young girls about religion, (and after phys-ed joining them in the showers!), hear confession, and watch ugly Brian ward off the local horny priest and keep his cover a secret from Faith who has managed to show up at the nunnery.

As the police, the triads and Case's gang all search for the boys and their stolen cash even the nuns start getting a little suss as to their true identities.

Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane are both very strong comedic actors, though it must be said some of the bit parts were cast in haste, as some of the acting is quite atrocious.

All that said the banter is light and humorous and there are some genuine laughs at times. It's hard not to like Nuns on the Run, it isn't blasphemous or too racy and for the most part realises it is little more than an innocent flick with no delusions of grandeur.

Final Rating – 6 / 10. Hard to track down now, and admittedly a one-note flick. But a good one.

Idle and Coltrane are a delightful star duo.

[Hey_Sweden · 7/10 · 13 September 2012]

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.

Nun too clever!

[adamjohns-42575 · 4/10 · 9 April 2022]

Nuns On The Run (1990) -

Just from the title music alone, you know that it's going to be one of those films and 'The Race' really is a great track by Yello, so it was a shame that the script and story wasn't as funny as I remembered it being once it actually started.

It's like a cross between 'Sister Act' (1992) and 'Some Like It Hot' (1959) if they had been filmed by the team that brought us the 'Carry On' films (Robbie actually reminded me of Hattie Jacques somewhat in his wimple).

And with all that content in there, it should have been better, it definitely hasn't aged well.

I think that it was perhaps a bit too low-budget, even Robbie Coltrane wasn't a big name back then and some of the supporting cast were terrible, although funnily enough, Camille Coduri, who plays the half blind Faith was very entertaining, if a bit similar to her character, Jackie Tyler, in 'Doctor Who' (2005-).

It's not hard to watch, but perhaps humour has changed too much since it was first released. It just seems a bit amateur and pantomime. It might work better as a musical if it were to be made again today, but then I suppose it would be too similar to the stage version of 'Sister Act'.

I'm just not sure that these scenarios pass for comedy these days and I'm not sure how well it would be looked upon by the Politically Correct Police.

Harmless, but it could have been funnier.

410.09/1000.

80's screwball

[jacobn1 · 7/10 · 24 January 2003]

I saw Nuns on the Run for the first time this past week. It reminded me of a simplier time, where there were fart jokes, and shower scenes, and men in drag jokes. The movie was on the edge without falling into a pit of being vulgar. Was it the greatest movie ever? , perhaps not, but it was goofy and entertaining.

Nuns on the Run

[Prismark10 · 5/10 · 3 November 2022]

Nuns on the Run is a low brow comedy that borders on farcical at times.

Written and directed by Jonathan Lynn of Yes Minister fame. It is obviously inspired by Some Like it Hot. Elements of this movie was also borrowed by Sister Act in 1992.

Brian (Eric Idle) and Charlie (Robbie Coltrane) are sick and tired of their bank job. That is robbing banks. Their mob boss called Case does not like people who leave his organisation.

Having an inkling that Brian and Charlie want to call it a day. Case sets them up to rob a Triad gang and make sure they end up dead.

Instead Brian and Charlie rob the Triads, double cross Case by running off with two cases of money. They accidentally end up in a convent.

The men disguise themselves as nuns and hide in the convent until the heat is off both from Case and the police. Meanwhile Brian has to deal with his love interest, short sighted Faith (Camille Coduri) who got injured in the scuffle with the Triads and Case's men.

Nuns on the Run was very popular when it was received. Eric Idle hoped to ride on the same wave as John Cleese and Michael Palin did in A Fish Called Wanda.

This movie is not as good as Wanda. The plot is not as well structured and it is nowhere near as funnier.

It is too silly at times and some of the jokes are lazy. Idle, Coltrane and Coduri play their parts with gusto.

A criminally underrated film

[owenthomas-88351 · 8/10 · 20 October 2020]

I was introduced to this classic by my mother at the age of 10 I'm now 31 and still enjoy it now as much as I did then. Okay it's far from perfect and the dialogue is a little lazy in places but it's still a lot of fun.

Corny and exciting!

[GOWBTW · 7/10 · 27 November 2005]

Just by looking at this movie, it would be exciting with a capital "E"! It's a cheap version of "Some Like it Hot" only holier. Yeah Right. Trying to be mob-worthy isn't easy, taking the money from a rival mob makes flunkies into Robin Hoods. Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane put on a riot in this movie. Trying to blend in as nuns wasn't perfect, but it's worth a try. When Charlie(Coltrane) informs Brian(Idle) about what the girls would see of him will blow the cover. In fact, he was the one who would've done that. Especially when he was in the ladies shower. The important thing he must do be in control of everything! The funny parts is when Brian's girlfriend is very accident prone: the banging of the head, fainting at the sight of blood after she was shot. Most of all, when Brian and Charlie ditched the nuns attire for the nurses', I know the sergeant will have a big one from internal affairs when this situation hits the fan! And for that broken leg chap, he'll be treated VERY WELL! HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!! The "Spectacles, testicles, wallet and watch scene is a riot. Anybody can learn that. This movie is great, lots of fun is what "Nuns on the Run" got. My brother later call this, "Nuns with the Runs". You give the name, enjoy this movie. Rating 3 out of 5 stars.

Nuns on the Run

[jboothmillard · 5/10 · 12 January 2023]

Robbie Coltrane was a terrific comedic and serious Scottish actor, best known for episodes of Blackadder, Cracker, two James Bond films, and the Harry Potter films, it was sad to hear of his death aged 72. I had always wanted to see this film, I recognised he and the star of Monty Python were in it, it made sense to watch it after he passed away, directed by Jonathan Lynn (Clue, My Cousin Vinny, The Whole Nine Yards). Basically, in London, criminals Brian Hope (Eric Idle) and Charlie McManus (Robbie Coltrane) want to leave their lives of crime and move to Brazil, but their younger brash boss Casey (Robert Patterson) disapproves of this. Before their next job to rob a local Triad gang, Brian meets Faith Thomas (Doctor Who's Camille Coduri), a short-sighted waitress who he becomes very attracted to. During the robbery, Brian and Charlie betray Casey's henchmen, Abbott (Robert Morgan) and Morley (Winston Dennis), steal the money and flee. They are forced to abandon their car which runs out of petrol and find a nearby convent during the ensuing gunfight. Casey places a bounty on Brian and Charlie's heads, and the Triads are also looking for them to get the money back. Disguising themselves as nuns, Brian and Charlie introduce themselves to the Sister Superior, Liz (Janet Suzman), as Sisters Inviolata and Euphemia, respectively. Faith was at the scene during the gunfight and was shot in the arm, she ends up at the nunnery after posing as a mature student to get inside and is taken to the infirmary. Brian and Charlie are forced to stay in the convent dressed and carry out duties, including teaching, as nuns until they can get the suitcases filled with money back from the cabinet it is locked in. Brian pays a secret visit to Faith, and for her safety he claims that he is married to end their relationship. Faith goes to the church and intends to use the confession box; Charlie distracts Father Seamus (Tom Hickey) and poses as the priest to hear what she has to say. She talks about the robbery and mentions her feelings for him, he convinces her to keep silent. On her way out, she is abducted by the Triads and interrogated. She directs them to Casey, and they set her free, but bumping into a lamppost and hitting her head on the road, she goes to hospital where Triads have taken the place of staff. Brian and Charlie buy tickets to Brazil on the telephone, but Brian wishes he could take Faith with them. Brian decides to tell Faith the truth but is unaware she did not return to the nunnery. They go to her flat and only barely escape from Abbott and Morley, who had been sent to retrieve her by Casey. They sneak back into the nunnery dressed as nuns, they accidentally wake up an eccentric nun, but Sister Superior assumes her screaming is due to her alcoholism. Brian learns that Faith is in the hospital, with her father (Stewart Harwood) and brother (Peter Geeves) visiting her, but she is heartbroken, believing he does not love her. Brian and Charlie wake up early intending to steal the money back and get to the airport, but they are caught and exposed by Sister Mary. After grabbing the suitcases, they are pursued by Sisters Liz and Mary, Morley and Abbott, and eventually Casey and the Triads. Brian forces Charlie to go to the hospital, where Brian tells Faith the truth while Charlie stalls the gangsters. While Casey is arrested by the police, Faith escapes with Brian and Charlie disguising themselves as nurses, hiding the suitcases under the stretcher blanket. One suitcase is dropped during the chase, Sister Liz and Sister Mary find the lost suitcase, and decide to use the money to fund a drug rehabilitation clinic. Sister Liz then leads the nuns in prayer, thanking God for sending them Sisters Euphemia and Inviolata, and asking him to keep an eye on them. Brian, Charlie, and Faith arrive at the airport and check-in, but the attendant is warned by a policeman that they are looking for Brian and Charlie. On the British Airways plane, Faith is seated, while Brian and Charlie have managed to sneak aboard, and are posing as flight attendants, they all successfully escape to Brazil. Also starring Doris Hare as Sister Mary of the Sacred Heart, Lila Kaye as Sister Mary of the Annunciation, Gary Tang as Ronnie Chang, David Forman as Henry Ho, Nigel Fan as Dwayne Lee, and Father Ted's Ozzie Yue as Ernie Wong. Idle and Coltrane make a relatively good double act as the bumbling often bickering fugitives, it is an all-British film with petty crime, thugs, international criminals, and police on the leads tails. It tries to be funny with jokes about being in drag and being religious, and Coduri's character being short-sighted, but they are all a bit hit-and-miss, especially the moments of smuttiness and swearing. The attempts at action with guns and chases are a bit uneven as well, but I did titter a couple of times, so it wasn't a bad crime comedy. Worth watching!

You call this going straight?

[cyclone259 · 17 September 2004]

One of the funniest comedy, if not British comedy films out there. Coltraine and Idle do such a fantastic job because they have great chemistry. It's a shame that they haven't done more films together, even if not a sequel.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS AHEAD

Actually, I'm not sure what you'd do a sequel about that could keep the pace of the first film, plus be original. The storyline of Nuns On The Run isn't itself unique, as there have been other films where someone is "on the lam", doing their best to 'blend in'. The thing that sets this film apart is the humour, especially Eric Idle, trying to teach a roomful of girls about the Trinity: "God is like a shamrock: small, green and split three ways." I'm not Catholic, so I hope nobody took offense to that, but it was hilarious. Of course the gratuitous shower scene was an interesting twist, but nonetheless it was another embarrassing situation for the two blokes to muck through.

This movie wasn't a huge box office draw, but does that really matter?

A so-so British spin on Some Like It Hot

[The-Last-Prydonian · 6/10 · 6 December 2023]

Brian Hope and Charlie McManus are a couple of London gangsters who have grown jaded with the business, especially as they dislike their new boss, the brash Casey. When he learns of their plans to leave, Casey sets out to have them killed after they have robbed a local gang of Triads. Brian and Charlie steal the ill-gotten gains for themselves and attempt to flee to Brazil. However, things don't quite go according to plan and they find themselves hiding out in a nuns' training school. Disguising themselves as nuns, they have to maintain a low profile as they attempt to avoid their former boss, the Triads, and the Police. Amid all this Brian meets and falls in love with waitress Faith which just adds to the hapless pair's problems.

Produced by former Beatle George Harrison's Handmade Films, Nuns on the Run was something of a British spin on Billy Wilder's classic 1959 comedy Some Like It Hot. However, while Wilder's movie revolved around a couple of musicians being forced to dress in drag as a means to hide from the mob, writer/director Jonathan Lynn flips the concept around so that in this case its two anti-heroes are themselves the crooks. It is not the most original or novel of premises, although it benefits from the chemistry of its two leads. Both Eric Idle and Robbie Coltrane make for a likable and charming double act, with a strong chemistry between the pair of them. Lynn as well, who was no stranger to crime comedies having directed 1985's Clue which was based on the well-known murder mystery Boardgame, and who would go on to helm 1992's My Cousin Vinny, manages to maintain an even pace.

The premise of both men having to hide out in a nuns' training school would seem to be ripe for some inspired comedy, and indeed it is not without its share of amusing moments and scenarios. Although Lynn fails to never really utilize it's full comedy potential. There are slight moments of observational humor, with Lynn taking wry satirical digs at the Catholic Church. Most notably when Charlie who was raised a Catholic attempts to explain the concept of the holy trinity to an incredulous Brian. Idle, who himself has not been afraid to dabble in religious satire having co-written and starred in the ingenious Life of Brian is an ideal casting choice as the skeptical Brian Hope. While Coltrane is a more than worthy foil to him as his sharp-witted partner in crime.

There are solid turns from a capable supporting cast which includes Camile Coduri, who would go on to be best known for her role as Jackie Tyler in the BBC's revival of the classic Sci-Fi series Doctor Who, giving a vulnerable performance as the sweet-natured faith, and who acts as the movies obligatory love interest. A sub-plot which suffice to say feels more than a little contrived. Although to their merit Idle and Coduri's scenes together are at times rather affecting. Janet Suzman makes for a rather strong presence as the Mother Superior who runs the school, while Robert Patterson is appropriately menacing as the sinister crime boss Casey. With Doris Hare in eccentric form as the doddery old lush Sister Mary.

When all is said and done, Nuns on the Run is fanciful fare that beyond its less-than-original plot, manages to coast off of the charisma and likeability of both Idle and Coltrane. In the hands of less capable actors, it might not have come off quite as well as it does, and it's thanks to quickfire interplay between them that it does It never won any awards upon its release although it managed to be something of a moderate commercial success at the box office. It makes for an undemanding, diverting piece of fluff despite its less-than-novel premise.

The Escape of Brian

[ricardojorgeramalho · 6/10 · 23 February 2023]

A fun comedy starring two popular British comedy actors from the last decades of the 20th century, Eric Idle, from Monty Python, and Robbie Coltrane (the latter became famous for the character Hagrid, in the Harry Potter film series).

The argument has little originality. Two criminals on the run take refuge in a convent dressed as nuns. The idea is inspired by successful classics such as Some Like it Hot or Les Gendarmes et les Extra-terrestres but will have influenced another great success, such as the series of films Sister Act, with Woopy Goldberg.

It's not Monty Python but it's not Carry On either. Written and directed by Jonathan Lynn, it's a farce that entertains and provides a few good laughs.

Enjoyable British Farce

[crumpytv · 7/10 · 11 August 2022]

Just plain silly, but all the better for it.

Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle play the bumbling idiots in habits with excellent support from Camille Coduri (Faith) who really had the best laughs with her short sightedness.

Shame about the odd profanity. Rather unnecessary.

Over indulgent story of a nun's convent!

[tonypeacock-1 · 6/10 · 15 April 2024]

A film that evokes nostalgic memories for me, watching this UK comedy at a cinema in Australia in 1990.

Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle play a couple of cons who try to get out of the ever more deadly profession by escaping their gang boss in a Nuns convent, dressed in disguise as nuns.

Evoking some comic turns part Monty Python, part Mrs. Doubtfire and Sister Act there are some funny moments aided by a good soundtrack featuring some late George Harrison who's Handmade Films were behind production.

Dated from 1990. I mean Chelsea Football Club's ground, Stamford Bridge is shown in its full pre-investment splendour!

Robbie Coltrane is young. Pre Cracker (British TV drama), James Bond role days for him.

Idle is as funny as his Monty Python heyday.

Not their finest hour...

[derek-duerden · 5/10 · 16 August 2021]

I'd heard fairly damning things about this over the years, but for some reason never seen it. Basically, it's not awful, and has some nice touches, but could have been a lot better, I feel.

As others have commented, the central romance is not that convincing, and these were the least-threatening triad gangsters I've ever seen! There's no point in critiquing the plot - the main shortfall is in the script, I feel, which should have been funnier.

Having said that, I enjoyed the catholic-informed asides, especially the mnenomic for crossing oneself, and the deliberate allusion to the "nudge nudge" Python sketch (written of course by Idle himself) in one of the bar scenes.

Probably more fun after a couple of pints.

a funny british classic

[LetsReviewThat26 · 7/10 · 19 March 2023]

Nuns on the run is a classic. A movie that i have only just watched but I can tell how popular it is. Its funny without being overly so and with no swearing needed to get the point across. This movie is about two men named brian hope and charlie mcmanus. Now they work for the mob and are asked to steal money from the triads. As a rusult they steal the money for themselves and try to hide away from them in the one place you would not think, a convent. The two dress as nunds and this is where the real fun begins. Eric idle and the late robbie coltrane do great in their roles and work well as a twosome. Overall nuns on the run is a great but of fun with a very good cast and gags that would make you want to rewatch it again.

cross-dressing is not enough

[SnoopyStyle · 5/10 · 15 March 2016]

Brian Hope (Eric Idle) and Charlie McManus (Robbie Coltrane) are thieves working for gangster Casey. Nobody leaves Casey and gets away with it. Norm at the chop shop wants to leave and tells Casey that the guys are also leaving. Casey has Norm killed and the boys try to stay on Casey's good side. Brian falls for waitress Faith. She overhears Casey ordering hits on Brian and Charlie after they do a job stealing from the Triad. Soon, Casey's thugs, the Triad, the police and Faith are all chasing after them with two suitcases full of cash as they disguise themselves as nuns hiding in a nun training college.

This movie relies on the audience to laugh at two homely guys cross-dressing as nuns. One would hope for better from Idle and Coltrane but they don't provide much more than that. They are too angry to be funny. Cross-dressing nuns are not that funny without better writing. For people on the run, the movie moves rather slowly and has limited kinetic energy. Idle and Coltrane are able to keep some interest but this is not that funny.

Fun "Nuns"....

[Mister-6 · 8/10 · 18 December 1999]

I'm not Catholic, and to this day I have yet to actually see a nun. But that doesn't make this movie any less funny.

Nuns aren't what make "Nuns on the Run" funny, anyway. This is the kind of movie where two guys (Idle and Coltrane) are only trying to get out of a job they hate (running jobs for a local gangster) and end up in a steadily escalating series of disasters that make things worse than before. It just so happens that they are dressed like nuns through most of it.

Of course, I thought that the whole cross-dressing thing was funny as far back as when Benny Hill and Monty Python (Idle's old troupe) brought this facet of humor over to us Yanks, and it still works. Must be a British thing.

The whole business with the gangsters, the Japanese and the poor innocent girl (Coduri) caught up in the middle of the mess helps the pot to boil to overflowing. There are plenty of verbal gems within ("'Five Wounds' for short!") and one or two bits of visual humor that still bring a smile to my face.

I still chuckle when I think of how one of the sisters comes to suspect the new "sisters" aren't what they seem after going into the bathroom after one. Get the idea? Good.

Director/writer Lynn has done better and worse but this is one to think of when it's a rainy day and you just want a good laugh that doesn't require TOO much thought.

Eight stars for "Nuns on the Run" and remember: Jesus is small, green and split four ways.

Could have been so much better

[ian_harris · 4/10 · 19 October 2002]

Eric Idle, Robbie Coltraine, Janet Suzman - it should have been almost impossible to go wrong. Of course it has some funny moments - the scene in the showers when Robbie Coltraine echoes Lon Chaney Jr's ghastly werewolf line "I can't help myself" is hilarious. But ultimately the plot, script and direction are flat as a pancake and as tired as a 90 year old nun after 180 "Hail Mary"s. When I was a child, Carry On films filled this niche slightly better, which is a really sad indictment of a film with such a promising cast.

Unbelievably Hilarious!

[salty-9 · 27 May 1999]

This has got to be one of the most funniest films I have ever seen. All right, the plot is a bit over the top but it is just so funny! Robbie Coltrane and Eric Idle perfectly fit the bill of bungling villains and they spark off each other from the start. In my mind, these two are probably the best double act in a film for a long while. Camille Coduri is great and Lila Kaye is absolutely hilarious as Sister Mary of the Annunciation. A definite must see!