Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is a 1993 American musical comedy film directed by Bill Duke and released by Touchstone Pictures. It is the sequel to the 1992 film Sister Act and is loosely based on the life of Crenshaw High School choir instructor Iris Stevenson. The film stars Whoopi Goldberg reprising her role as Deloris van Cartier, who comes to the aid of her nun friends to save her old school. The sequel also features Maggie Smith, Kathy Najimy, Wendy Makkena, and Mary Wickes, among others.
The film performed well at the box office, although it was not as commercially successful as its predecessor. It initially received mixed reviews from critics but has since become a cult classic. The cast includes breakout performances from Lauryn Hill, Sheryl Lee Ralph, Alanna Ubach, and Jennifer Love Hewitt. Gospel singer Erica Campbell of the duo Mary Mary, R&B singer Ryan Toby of the group City High, and The War and Treaty singer Tanya Trotter also made appearances as members of the film's choir.
Plot
Deloris Van Cartier, now a famous performer in Las Vegas, is reunited with her nun friends Sisters Mary Patrick, Mary Robert, and Mary Lazarus during one of her performances. They ask for her help to save their old school, St. Francis Academy in San Francisco, which is facing closure. Deloris, who attended the school in her childhood, reluctantly agrees to reprise her persona as Sister Mary Clarence and become the new music teacher.
At the school, Deloris meets the staff of friars led by Father Maurice and the diocese administrator, Mr. Crisp, who wants the school to close. She attends her first music class and encounters the rowdy teenagers, who expect an easy "A." Deloris clashes with Rita Louise Watson, the ringleader of the group, but the other students decide to stay and work for their grades. Inspired by their spontaneous singing, Deloris forms a choir and sets out to turn the students into talented performers.
Mary Robert discovers Rita's exceptional singing talent and urges Deloris to convince her to return to class. The students, nuns, and friars collaborate to restore the school's music room and practice extensively. They find old trophies revealing that the school had won the All-State Choir Championship multiple times in the past, motivating them to enter the competition once again. Despite initial challenges and objections, they manage to raise money and obtain parental permission.
Rita's strict mother initially refuses to let her attend the competition, fearing a dead-end career in music. However, Rita forges her mother's signature and heads to the competition, leaving an apology note. Mr. Crisp discovers Deloris's true identity as Mary Clarence and tries to intervene. The friars, however, trap him to ensure the choir's path remains unhindered.
Backstage at the competition, the choir contemplates quitting due to intimidation from other participants. Deloris inspires them to persevere, and the friars arrive to support the choir. Rita delivers a show-stopping solo, and the choir performs an electrifying urban contemporary gospel rendition of "Joyful, Joyful" with hip-hop choreography.
Impressed by the performance, the local diocese decides to keep the school open. They attribute the success to Mr. Crisp, allowing him to take credit and securing a position for him elsewhere. Rita reconciles with her mother, and the students discover that Deloris is a professional singer, not a Las Vegas showgirl as they assumed.
Reception
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit was not as successful as its predecessor at the box office, but it has gained a strong following and is considered a cult classic. Initially receiving mixed reviews, the film has since been reassessed and hailed as a standard in black cinema. It is deemed a landmark for diversity in mainstream American film and is recognized for its representation. The performances, especially Lauryn Hill's, have received acclaim from fans and musicians.
The movie's cultural impact extends beyond its release. It is credited with influencing the popularity of gospel music and inspiring the creation of numerous choirs worldwide. The film's popularity in Japan, for example, led to the establishment of nearly thirty choirs in the country.
Legacy
The cast and crew have shared their fondness for the film over the years. Whoopi Goldberg and Jennifer Love Hewitt have expressed their enjoyment and created lasting memories through their involvement in Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit.
The film's soundtrack, featuring songs from the movie, was released and received a Gold certification from the RIAA. It includes notable tracks such as "Oh Happy Day" performed by St. Francis Choir featuring Ryan Toby and "Joyful, Joyful" performed by St. Francis Choir featuring Lauryn Hill.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit is available on Blu-ray and DVD, allowing fans to enjoy both films in the series. Over the years, there have been discussions about a potential sequel, with Whoopi Goldberg expressing interest in reprising her role and even directing the project. In 2018, it was confirmed that a script for Sister Act 3 was in development for release on Disney+.
Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit continues to captivate audiences with its catchy music, energetic performances, and enduring message of unity and perseverance.
