Singing Nun
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VHS Movie Reviews of Singing Nun
Movie Review: heaven help her
Summary: 2 Stars
Following the success of "The Sound of Music", Hollywood went a little nun crazy ("The Trouble with Angels", "The Flying Nun") in the Sixties but this inane biography is ridiculous beyond belief. Who better to play Soeur Sourire ("Sister Smile")--a Belgian nun who had a fluke hit record with "Dominique," a catchy folk song of the era--than un-nunlike Debbie Reynolds, who apparently thinks she's playing Molly Brown in a habit. See scrappy Debbie tear around the countryside on a scooter, expertly manuever a soccer field, and even go ballastic when she sees a barful of hipsters twistin' away to a rock 'n'roll version of her anthem. How inane is this biopic? For starters, the filmmakers actually change the main character's name, known here as "Sister Ann" (well at least it isn't "Sister Tammy"). Then, while preparing for an appearance on "The Ed Sullivan Show," the nuns explain that they're forbidden to wear makeup--even though the actresses portraying them are decked out in thick lipstick and false eyelashes a mile long! And probably figuring that movie-goers expect Reynolds to do at least a little of her nightclub shtick, the star even incorporates her famous Zsa Zsa Gabor impression into the plot. A truly stupid movie--but still very funny in ways not intended. The Lord does indeed work in strange and mysterious ways.Movie Review: WHOLESOME AND DELIGHTFUL FUN FOR ALL!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Definitely not for the cynical, this warm and engaging story about the 'real life' Belgian singing nun is wholesome and delightful entertainment for all who desire what is good, right and clean. Sure, Hollywood took liberties with the screenplay and the finished producted resembles practically nothing about the real 'singing nun's' life. But that is a peripheral issue. What is important here is that we have a film one can watch together as a family or a group, be enthralled by the heartwearming performances of the entire cast and have your heart lifted by the music that it contains. Beautiful melodies, simply performed with Debbie Reynolds perfect in acting and in singing voice.
To be fair, there are two minor issues that I have to nit pick. First the film is in need of tighter editing but, again, overlooking that, it is wonderful. Second, the last 1/3 of the film is lacking in music, but that is as it should be given how Sr. Ann is torn between her vocation and continuing her singing. Those two issues, notwithstanding, this film has you tapping your foot and singing along before you know it. It is a 'feel good' family film made in the sixties when America was desperately reaching for wholesomeness. On this matter the film succeeds. True, it is no "Sound of Music" and it doesn't attempt to be. But it stand on its own merits and is one film I never tire of watching, especially when I need some uplifting and edification.
What a shame that the soundtrack for this film is a rarity. I managed to obtain a vinyl disc copy through ebay and I enjoy it immensely but I wish they would release it on compact disc because the music is what sells this film.
Ignore the abysmal reviews by those who are cynical and desire more than good, clean, wholesome entertainment.
The irony of this film is that the real life singing nun tragically committed suicide in the early 1990s.
This film is pure escapism, something needed sorely today. Oh, and one more thing......let's get it released on DVD!!!
Movie Review: simple family movie for simple folks
Summary: 3 Stars
One of Debbie Reynolds best peformances! She portrays a very believable and loveable nun. Good music and a simple story make this a classic movie for the whole family to sing along to. Order the VHS tape along with the real "The Singing Nun [Collector's Choice Lable] Soeur Sourire, ASIN #B00000I9FP " and you have a classic combo!Many negative reviews of this movie stem from simpleness of the story and the fact that it may not be a perfect match to the real life "singing nun". If I wanted a complicated documentary about the real Souer Sourire ("Sister Smile") I wouldn't go to the movies. I just want to be entertained and sing and laugh a bit. Besides I think Debbie Reynolds has a better signing voice than the real signing nun.
So cynics and ba hum buggers stay away you won't like this one. For simple and gentle hearts, I recommend this movie for the fun of it and the positive messages portrayed.
Movie Review: simple family movie for simple folks
Summary: 3 Stars
One of Debbie Reynolds best peformances! She portrays a very believable and loveable nun. Good music and a simple story make this a classic movie for the whole family to sing along to. Order the VHS tape along with the real "The Singing Nun [Collector's Choice Lable] Soeur Sourire, ASIN #B00000I9FP " and you have a classic combo!Many negative reviews of this movie stem from simpleness of the story and the fact that it may not be a perfect match to the real life "singing nun". If I wanted a complicated documentary about the real Souer Sourire ("Sister Smile") I wouldn't go to the movies. I just want to be entertained and sing and laugh a bit. Besides I think Debbie Reynolds has a better signing voice than the real signing nun.
So cynics and ba hum buggers stay away you won't like this one. For simple and gentle hearts, I recommend this movie for the fun of it and the positive messages portrayed.
Movie Review: Superficial and over-fictionalized
Summary: 1 Stars
This film was totally carried by the superstardom of Debbie Reynolds--it was more a Reynolds film than a biography of Belgian nun and folksinger Soeur Sourire. It strikes me that Reynolds was trying to [shadow] Audrey Hepburn's success in "A Nun's Story". Its storyline is of an evangelical ministry Soeur Sourire never did work at. The fact that the film's producers chose to name Reynolds' character "Sister Angela" was a [odd] stunt. The obvious reason was that the moviegoing public might have difficulties with Soeur Sourire's name--not being a French speaker, I can't pronounce it myself. The name Dominic (the title of Soeur Sourire's big hit single being "Dominique") was given to a small boy who had become an "adoptee" of Sister Angela's mission--in truth, the real Dominique the song was about was a Belgian evangelist and saint who figured prominently in Belgian history. To give the film its due, some of Soeur Sourire's music is featured here--for example, "Far Among the Stars" ("Entre les Etoiles"). I guess when you make a film about a person of fairly brief celebrity, you're faced with a dilemma. Tell the truth and the popcorn-munchers' hair-trigger boredom reflex will kick in. Embellish the story and you get pulp.