WFG RATING: C+

Tull Stories presents a les Film sue Mesure/Le Pacte/M6 Films/Panache Productions/La Compagnie Cinematographique with the participation of M6, Canal+, and W9. Directed by Laurent Tirard. Produced by Olivia Lagache. Written by Cecile Larripa, Philippe Pinel, and Laurent Tirard. Cinematography by Eric Blackaert. Editing by Anne-Sophie Bion and Sahra Mekki.

Stars Valerie Bonneton, Camille Chamoux, Claire Nadeau, Luilaine Londez, Louise Malek, Sidse Babett Knudsen, Francois Morel, and Jean-Michel Lahmi.

A group of nuns go to great lengths to save a nursing home in this hilarious French comedy.

At a local convent, a band of nuns led by Mother Superior Veronique discover that a nearby building is beginning to fall on its last legs. To make matters worse, the building in question is a nursing home. The group decides to try to help the nursing home out but attempts by getting bank loans and other means are futile. However, they come across a possible opportunity.

They come across a poster about an upcoming bike race where the grand prize is 25,000 euros. At first, Veronique opposes the idea. However, when the Monsignor think it’s a good idea, she is forced to go along with the idea. Novice Gwendoline is up for the challenge. However, Veronique soon discovers that fellow Mother Superior Josephine, her childhood rival, also plans to enter the race for the money. This leads to a return of the war between the two Mother Superiors. Who will come out on top?

Sister Act. We’re No Angels. Nuns on the Run. Meshing religion and comedy can be hit or miss. These three films are examples of successes when it comes to meshing the two. This French comedy is somewhat a mixed bag. While it does have some laugh out loud moments, there are times as well where it felt a bit sluggish but overall has a message that works.

Valerie Bonneton brings a sense of both discipline and hysterics in the role of Mother Superior Veronique, who tries to find a way to save the nearby nursing home. There are times when she berates the nuns under her to the point where she nearly goes more demonic than angelic. The funniest scene involves one of those outbursts, the one that sets the film up. Upon learning about the bike race, she is convinced that novice nun Gwendoline, played by Louise Malek is responsible. When she denounced the idea, she floats in the air and it begins to storm as if Veronique is Mother Nature herself. 

The film does have an antagonist in some way. It is the other Mother Superior, Josephine, well played by Danish actress Side Babett Knudsen. Having been a longtime rival of Veronique since childhood, as the two convents begin training, it becomes a back and forth battle between Veronique and Josephine. At times, it’s funny but at other times, it feels a bit redundant and tiring to watch. However, a twist of fate soon reveals that the two must settle the score once and for all and this is where the message comes in. And it’s a good one to learn.

Oh My Goodness! (Juste ciel) is not a complete waste of time. There are some funny moments in the film and despite it feel boring at times, the finale helps make it a decent watch in the end and overall, not great, but not bad either.

The film is now in theaters in the UK.