An incredible double bill of musical classics is available to watch for free this weekend
Film4 is airing a stunning double billing of hit movies that musical fans won’t want to miss. On TV from 4:45pm today (Saturday, 29th November), the original hit 1990s film will be immediately followed by its sequel at 6:50pm.
After that, both films will be available to stream for free on Channel 4 for a limited time. The toe-tapping cinematic treats in question are 1992’s classic nun on the run comedy Sister Act, starring Whoopi Goldberg as lounge singer Deloris, who is forced to hide out in a convent when her gangster boyfriend turns on her.
Fans of the original will be delighted to see that the sequel, Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, which some consider to be even better, will also be airing straight afterwards.
This time, Deloris reunites with her nun friends, portrayed by legends such as Downton Abbey and Harry Potter’s Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy and Wendy Makkena, to help save their struggling school with a stirring performance from their students.
R&B legend Lauryn Hill makes her film debut in the underrated sequel, which had one IMDb user claiming: “Not often is the sequel better than the original but Sister Act 2 breaks that stereotype.
“The music, acting, singing are all incredible. My favorite movie of all time and Whoopi once again showed up and showed out.”
Another wrote: “I loved this so much, even better than the first movie. So much talent and energy with a great story line.
“Once again, Goldberg delivers. This is a movie I could watch every year, so glad it is on every Christmas!”
As for the original? Movie buffs certainly agree it holds up more than 30 years later. One user said in a 10/10 review: “I feel that this movie should be a classic someday. The music is outstanding. I love the way that Whoopi sings. She has a fantastic voice for the movie.
“This movie is timeless and priceless. It is one of Whoopi’s finest movies.” Praise continued on Letterboxd where someone said: “I’m not ashamed to admit I was almost brought to tears at the end there…seeing Maggie Smith in anything still hits hard. Gone too soon.
“This was such a perfect comedy, I can’t believe I spent all these years and knew nothing of this film. A new favorite for sure!”
“This film is a camp masterpiece, if you can watch it with a crowd as rowdy as mine, it will not disappoint,” another wrote.
And a final fan made a bold claim: “This MIGHT be the best movie ever made.” Are you after a religious viewing experience this weekend? Look no further than Film4’s incredible musical double bill.
Sister Act and Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit are airing from 4:45pm on Saturday, 29th November on Film4 and will be available to stream on Channel 4.