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Guides | April 1, 2007 | Comments (296)

For a long time now, the Pajiba staff has been trying to come up with what we think is the definitive movie of the last 30 years or so. Though it quickly became clear that given the many disparate and sometimes conflicting voices on the site, it was an almost a futile effort, I thought I’d take a stab at it anyway, just to see where it took us. The selection process was simple: Each member on staff was asked to pick the ten films they thought defined our generation best and rank them. Whichever film appeared higher and with more frequency on all of the top ten lists would become The Defining Movie of Our Generation (echo optional).

The results, for the most part, were unsurprising: A few of us had two or three films in common, but we were all over the place — a lot of the films you’d probably expect from a site like ours: those directed by Wes Anderson, Kevin Smith, Darren Aronofksy, Cameron Crowe, David O. Russell, Steven Soderbergh, etc. (I was a little shocked by the omission of Tarantino, but we’re not really that site, either.) Compiling the results was fun and a fairly enlightening experience — perhaps someday I’ll make all of the results public (you’d never guess it, but Seth’s top ten reveals him to be more of a TV Teddy Bear than Whore; who knew there was a soft gooey center within?).

Thankfully — for the purposes of this Guide — there was one film that appeared on every single top ten list submitted by our staff. It wasn’t always number one (in fact, the highest it appeared on any list was number three - thanks, Phillip), but in the end, we were able to arrive at a fairly unanimous selection for “The Defining Movie of Our Generation.”

I think, too, that our selection is pretty representative of our site’s mission statement: Bitchy, yes. But I think that readers who have been around for a while also know that underneath our “scathing” exterior, we have a soft-spot for feel good films — uplifting, sometimes spiritual movies with a positive message (e.g., Stranger than Fiction, Little Miss Sunshine, In America). And while this selection never won any Oscars, it did win two Golden Globes (which, I believe, is a much better indicator of quality), three MTV movie awards (giving some credence to its generationally defining qualities), and even a People’s Choice Award (who says we’re not populist around here?). And, of course, the top three bills in the film have amassed nine Oscar nominations and three wins between them. So, it’s not like we’re pulling this movie out of left field.

Anyway, I won’t keep you in suspense any longer. I’ll just get on with the review, already. Sister Act stars Whoopi Goldberg, Harvey Keitel, and Maggie Smith. The film follows Deloris Van Cartier (Goldberg), a Reno lounge singer involved with Vince LaRocca (Keitel), a sort of bumbling, dastardly mob boss who won’t leave his wife to be with Deloris because the Catholic church won’t allow it. Frustrated, Deloris quits her job and decides to call it off with Vince. Unfortunately, when Deloris tries to confront him, she walks in his office at the wrong time and sees Vince shoot and kill an associate whom he suspects is a snitch. Things take a turn for the worse and Vince puts out a hit on Deloris. Fearing for her life, she goes to the police.

Her handler at the Reno police department, Lt. Eddie Souther (the remarkable Bill Nunn), decides to hide Deloris in the witness protection program, placing her “in the last place on Earth that Vince would ever look for” her — a convent. So, Deloris changes her name to Sister Mary Clarence, dons a habit, and pretends to be a nun until Vince comes up for trial. And thus is born one of the better fish-out-of-water stories of the last 30 years.

When you put a Reno lounge singer with a history of illicit behavior and a strong disdain for Catholicism (dating back to her own Catholic school days), up against a stern, by-the books, conservative Mother Superior (Maggie Smigh), hilarious friction is inevitable. But what really sets this fish apart from the others flopping around on the shore is that screenwriter Joseph Howard (whose flame burned bright and then faded, suddenly, after Sister Act II) doesn’t simply place Goldberg in a series of contrived situations meant to extract a few cheap laughs (a nun at a bar, a nun on a motorcycle, a nun in a three-ring orgy — ha!), he actually gives her something to do. Namely, Sister Mary Clarence begins leading the congregation’s choir — a limp, uninspired group with zero musical talent — and gives it some soul. Indeed, under Sister Mary’s tutelage, the choir turns dull lifeless hymns into rousing Motown odes to the Lord. The Supremes “My Guy,” for instance, is magically transformed into “My God,” and the results are nothing less than awe-inspiring. Watching the film again, 15 years after its debut on the big screen, I felt the same overwhelming sense of joy that I experienced the first time I saw it — there were times, in fact, when I stood up in my living room and swayed my arms and shook my hips in time with the beat; the musical numbers are that stirring.

But, here’s the deal: Though the performances of both Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith are solid, (famously, the success of the film made Goldberg, for a very short period of time, the highest-paid actress in Hollywood when she signed on for Sister Act II — a film that, despite having its moments, was a bit of a letdown), what really made Sister Act work were the remarkable efforts of its supporting cast, specifically Wendy Makkena as Sister Mary Robert and, especially Kathy Najimy as Sister Mary Patrick. Indeed, Najimy (who rightfully won an MTV Movie Award for best breakthrough performance), imbues Sister Patrick with childlike reverie; she is sort of the stand-in for the audience, experiencing the levitating numbers and situational magic right along with the rest of us. When she gives in to a sinful urge to eat ice cream, I couldn’t help but giggle a little; I’d probably do the same thing (and admit it — you would too, right?).

Since all good films need conflict, true-to-form, things get ugly as the film winds down to its conclusion. Sister Mary Clarence’s cover is blown, the rest of the convent discovers that she is not a nun, and Vince finally tracks her down. But the sisters of the parish ultimately rally around Mary Clarence and come to her aid, setting up an astounding finale (in front of the Pope, no less) that is nothing short of miraculous.

I certainly wouldn’t be surprised if some of our readers expected a more subversive, gritty, or groundbreaking choice as Pajiba’s Generation Defining Flick, but Sister Act, in a way, represents what this site is really about. I know, too, that it may not be a particularly popular choice among our readers — you’ve come to expert certain things of us, and it’s not always easy to live up to those expectations. But, the truth is, we don’t have to hate films all of the time; if we did, we wouldn’t find much joy in writing reviews week after week after week. Thankfully, a movie like Sister Act comes along every great once in a while and restores our faith in Hollywood. Indeed, for every five terrible flicks, there is one Sister Act that gets us through the bumpy times. So, here’s our recommendation: If you haven’t seen it yet, give Sister Act a chance. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised. — DR, April Fool’s Day, 2007.


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Comments

Author's Note: For those of you who arrived late, this was our April Fool's post -- the 199 (sometimes angry) comments which called us on it were not posted until the end of the day. I appreciate all of you who took the time to comment, and especially those who came out of the closet and admitted your love of Sister Act. I almost feel guilty now in admitting that we here at Pajiba do not share in that affection. It's kind of an awful film. -- DR

Posted by: Dustin Rowles at April 1, 2007 8:43 AM

are you fo'shizzle?

Posted by: wsapnin at April 1, 2007 8:44 AM

I just laughed 'till I piddled like a puppy in need of some housebreaking and a newspaper swat.

Posted by: Chistina at April 1, 2007 8:51 AM

Hmmm, April 1st anyone?

Posted by: amanda at April 1, 2007 9:01 AM

Wow, that was definitely a surprising choice! I was sure it would be Kevin Smith, Tarantino, etc.. but I can understand the appeal of Sister Act. I was really young when it came out, and I loved it! My friends and I rented it every weekend for a month, then our parents refused to pay for it again. I still watch it whenever I catch it on tv.
Also liked Sister Act 2, mostly because of Lauryn Hill. Loved her!

Posted by: kaizee at April 1, 2007 9:05 AM

I must admit you had me there for a second... or two. Good one!

But seriously, when it comes to generation-defining, nothing beats Coyote Ugly.

Posted by: Walde at April 1, 2007 9:13 AM

April Fools

Posted by: Jesus at April 1, 2007 9:18 AM

Wow, April 1st already?

Posted by: WolfKing at April 1, 2007 9:27 AM

Happy April fools to you too.

Posted by: anikitty at April 1, 2007 9:33 AM

What no Ishtar?

Posted by: anikitty at April 1, 2007 9:35 AM

Please God. Tell me this is some kind of April Fool's Joke. I may never read again...

Posted by: Sharon at April 1, 2007 9:38 AM

As soon as I read the words "Sister Act" I knew exactly what day it was.

Posted by: jen at April 1, 2007 9:40 AM

*slow, deliberate clap*

Well done, Pajiba. The dedication, the craftmanship, the little details. I simply must applaud you on such a well-executed 'article'.

I thought something was fishy when I saw the title. Something as incendiary as picking a movie that defined an entire generation? Preposterous! They would not dare! But I clicked on the link, and you showed me the error of my ways in doubting you.

Truly, you are masters of cinema writing. I bow my head in reverence.

Also, fuck you. Fuck you all.

Posted by: Vermillion at April 1, 2007 9:40 AM

April Fools! Right? While enjoyable, defining? No.

Posted by: Nadine at April 1, 2007 9:43 AM

LOLOLOLOL - good one, guys...

Posted by: Rhonda at April 1, 2007 9:48 AM

I love that movie, and I love Pajiba for loving it too!

Posted by: buttercup at April 1, 2007 9:52 AM

I thought it was gong to be something a bit more edgy and "eternal sunshine" -ish, but I think I missed the whole point: Sister Act was such a defining movie of my childhood too, and I think the sequel was awesome (as far as good sequels go, I think its up there with Aliens).
You have to release the rest of the list Pajiba!! Great idea for a list-off.

Posted by: JJ at April 1, 2007 9:53 AM

Great choice, though a surprising one. My brother and I watched this movie so many times growing up. We're Catholic, so it was fun to see the culture clash in the film. And I, being the big dork that I am, would dance around to the musical numbers. In fact, I bet if it came on TV today I would probably still dance around the house.

*sigh*Do I have to turn in my street cred card now?

Posted by: stardust savant at April 1, 2007 9:55 AM

Dammit, I've been had by your April Fool's joke!! No matter, I still love Sister Act and you may still keep my street cred card. ;-)

Posted by: stardust savant at April 1, 2007 9:56 AM

Absolutely hilarious? What is the date again?

Posted by: Glenn at April 1, 2007 9:57 AM

Is it April already? The year seems to be flying by...

Posted by: Greg at April 1, 2007 10:04 AM

It's April Fools' Day, no?

Posted by: jkate at April 1, 2007 10:06 AM

Yeah. Um. Happy April Fools Day to you too, Pajiba.

Posted by: Jessie at April 1, 2007 10:09 AM

APRIL FOOLS!

Posted by: Anonymous.Skull at April 1, 2007 10:12 AM

nice.

Posted by: Tom at April 1, 2007 10:30 AM

This is an april fool's joke,right? I mean if it's not then I am dissappointed. Sister Act? Really?

Posted by: Tara at April 1, 2007 10:31 AM

april fools anyone?

Posted by: Leah at April 1, 2007 10:33 AM

it's april fool's day ya'll.

Posted by: mamazao at April 1, 2007 10:35 AM

This is an April first thing right?

Posted by: manman at April 1, 2007 10:46 AM

Good April Fool's joke, guys!

Posted by: Merchantprince at April 1, 2007 10:46 AM

Um....HELLO! This is April Fool's Day! They don't REALLY think Sister Act is the defining movie of this generation. Have you people ever been to this site before???

Posted by: Blake! at April 1, 2007 10:54 AM

I love this movie... the jazz band at my high school did a bit with this movie last year, they played a couple of the songs and had nun hats (my band director wore a huge afro wig for it), and it was great...

Posted by: Moi at April 1, 2007 10:59 AM

I call April Fool's on this one since my soul is black.

Posted by: cynicalcathy at April 1, 2007 11:02 AM

*sigh*

Wanna check your calendars, all you little sillies?

Posted by: Jerce at April 1, 2007 11:07 AM

Happy April Fools to you too.

Posted by: Will at April 1, 2007 11:11 AM

Thank you, Pajiba, for a thoughtful review of a splendid movie. However, I do think you could have touched on the incredible transformation of the main character, who, while retaining the humor and a little bit of wildness that define her, begins to channel her passion in a positive, outward direction, which comes to its fruition in Sister Act II.

Posted by: ariel at April 1, 2007 11:20 AM

I sat here and stared at the computer screen for a full minute after reading this.

You guys are weird. Fun, mean, hilarious, but weird.

Posted by: KatyBelle at April 1, 2007 11:25 AM

ps. It's April Fools everyone. Remember?

Posted by: KatyBelle at April 1, 2007 11:25 AM

Need I point to the date of this posting?

Posted by: erin at April 1, 2007 11:26 AM

um...April Fool's?

Posted by: Lex at April 1, 2007 11:38 AM

seriously? im not going to pretend to think thats a great choice. for shame, pajiba, for shame.

unless its a joke, because then, thats funny.

Posted by: bobbo at April 1, 2007 11:40 AM

I always forget about this holiday.

Posted by: jessecoombs at April 1, 2007 11:43 AM

ARE YOU PEOPLE SERIOUS!?!?!?! IT'S APRIL FOOL'S DAY! I admit that it took me a minute to catch on, but not even critics as open-minded as these would put Sister Act as the "Defining Movie of this Generation". The review isn't even that complimentary. Come on, gang. Keep up.

Posted by: Shooter at April 1, 2007 11:54 AM

(There will probably be a million preceeding comments along this line before this one shows up with the rest...)

Um, April Fools?

Posted by: Ranylt at April 1, 2007 12:13 PM

I think Whoopi is at her best when she's with Ted Danson, and I can't BELIEVE you'd pick this heap of garbage over the brilliance of Made in America.

I'm never reading Pajiba again.

Posted by: Bucko at April 1, 2007 12:13 PM

Nice April Fools Day joke.

*begin slow clap*

CLAP... CLAP... CLAP...

Posted by: Konrad Adenauer at April 1, 2007 12:14 PM

Uhh, only ever saw Sister Act once, and while I liked it, I gotta just wonder if this isn't an April Fools joke. Cuz if it ain't, I guess I have to make the trek out to the video store, reconnect the VCR, and see what all the fuss is about.

Posted by: Alex at April 1, 2007 12:16 PM

Please tell me this review was posted april 1.

Posted by: Vanessa at April 1, 2007 12:19 PM

LOL SISTA ACT

Posted by: Jimmy Crank at April 1, 2007 12:19 PM

Happy April Fool's Day!

Posted by: Meander at April 1, 2007 12:21 PM

Great choice guys! Nuns rock! This movie convinced me to join the convent. Thanks Sister Act!

Posted by: Doughboy at April 1, 2007 12:22 PM

You make joke, right?

Posted by: Vlad at April 1, 2007 12:25 PM

Did you know Sister Act was a remake of Almodovar's Dark Habits? Disney wanted him to direct after the success of Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown.

What a bizarre, bizarre choice for most influential movie. Really, just the last thing that would have ever occurred to me. I can't think of a movie that had less effect on my life, or the way I see the world.

Baffling.

Posted by: ecp at April 1, 2007 12:46 PM

No. No, no, no, no, no. Whoopi's finest achievement and, I dare say, the finest achievement in moviemaking ever, is "Jumpin' Jack Flash." From the plot summary on IMDB , "People are killed, and Terry is chased" (where Terry is played by Goldberg). It just doesn't get any better than this.

Posted by: Shannon at April 1, 2007 12:50 PM

That's brilliant. April Fools Day Everybody!

Posted by: sky at April 1, 2007 12:56 PM

Wow. Happy April Fool's Day to you too!

Posted by: chubb_girl at April 1, 2007 1:01 PM

Happy baseball season, Dustin. By which I mean, Happy April.

I don't know if it's Sister Act I or II, but my dad always quoted the line, "If this turns into a nun's bar, I'm out of here." Which is actually very funny, I think.

Posted by: JMW at April 1, 2007 1:06 PM

Guys... I don't know what to say. Mind you, I'm not gonna rag you out for picking an uplifting film. I'm down with that. And I really liked Sister Act. I'm down with that, too. I just have trouble calling it, well, "defining." Even though it was good, and fun, and positive, it never really struck me as more than an amusing bit of Hollywood fluff. It's not that I think the movie is too upbeat (upbeat movies can be defining) or too funny (likewise), it just doesn't seem *significant* enough.

I mean, a **defining** movie - and maybe we're just using the term differently, here - doesn't seem like it's necessarily about how good the film is. You spend a lot of time in your review defending Sister Act as a movie experience, and you do a good job - it's a well done film, a film whose technical and substantial qualities outstrip the sitcom-setup premise. But that has nothing to do with how important a film is. Clerks, for instance, was good, but there was SO much about it that could have been better - sometimes WAY better. But for people of the right age when that came out - people adrift in the current of their early twenteis - the movie became a touchstone and its memorable lines code words, almost a litany that in some way echoed a sentiment about the world and about themselves.

And THAT is what I was thinking when I saw an article about "defining" movies. And THAT is what I DON'T see in Sister Act. Where's the zeigeist? I would have presumed that a defining movie is one that somehow crystallizes and focuses and - in so doing - helps shape and, well, define the sentiment of a generation. It has nothing to do with quality. The Breakfast Club is an overrated movie in terms of quality, but not even remotely in terms of being a mirror (idealized or not) for the experience of a generation. It channeled enough that was real, and enough that its viewers WANTED to be real, to obsess a whole cadre of young viewers.

A "defining" movie is not necessarily a good movie, because defining a generation is not about entertaining it. I'm sure that of any group of culturally literate people of about the same age, there's at least one movie they all kind of liked. That's not a defining movie. A defining movie is a movie that takes the cultural pulse, magnifies it, and turns it into the thumping rhythm of a new dance, for a generation that hadn't been given a voice before that time. In doing so, yes, it becomes a self fulfilling prophecy and creates as much sentiment as it reflects. It embeds a new narrative (or, more honestly, a new gloss on an old narrative) into the cultural psyche and becomes the story that the people of that generation start telling themselves, start living out. Suddenly, all the girls want to be Molly Ringwald and all the guys want to be Judd Nelson, and those of us who are Anthony Michael Halls at least hope we can wind up friends with the crazy chick.

Sister Act? Sure, it was underrated. But that is not the same thing as defining. Guys, I'm kinda disappointed here.

Posted by: Landon at April 1, 2007 1:18 PM

You all are evil. Funny, but evil. Good one.

Posted by: Louise at April 1, 2007 1:19 PM

April Fools?

Posted by: Priya at April 1, 2007 1:23 PM

Great choice, Pajibsters. S.A. is a true classic.

Oh, by the way (and this is a completely unrelated side-note), are you guys going to do anything to celebrate today being the 1st of April?

Posted by: Cheryl at April 1, 2007 1:23 PM

Happy April Fool's to you too.

Now then, I have to clean up from when I laughed Pepsi out of my nose.

Posted by: Mara at April 1, 2007 1:30 PM

God I love you guys!

And I don't know why anyone is really suprised at this. It's a sweet movie, without being overly message-y or too self aware.

Kinda like you guys, underneath all the bitchiness and vituperation. Awwwww.

Posted by: Smokin at April 1, 2007 1:30 PM

But seriously, what's your choice?

Posted by: OldSchool at April 1, 2007 1:33 PM

Oh I get it, it's April Fool's.
You got me. Good one. I always fall for it.

Posted by: OldSchool at April 1, 2007 1:34 PM

What a bizarre, bizarre choice for most influential movie.

Young man! You, down there! What day is today?

Posted by: Scott at April 1, 2007 1:36 PM

Sister Act? Really? This is an April Fools joke, right?

Posted by: Alice at April 1, 2007 1:38 PM

Brilliant! I didn't expect less from you guys!

Posted by: Sunsneezer at April 1, 2007 1:40 PM

So am I really the first commenter to realize that it's April Fool's Day? Either that, or some of you really know how to crank out the sarcasm.

Posted by: Mark at April 1, 2007 1:43 PM

Wow, you people fall for an April Fools joke pretty easily. :D

Posted by: Haggis at April 1, 2007 1:50 PM

today's date is april 1. you figure it out.

Posted by: groany girl at April 1, 2007 1:53 PM


I thought you were joking after the first mention of Sister Act and kept scrolling down to get to the punchline, but you are really serious? ummmm ok. I guess. Sister Act is funny and decent, but I can't help thinking that you are going to take it back or admit this is a joke or at least relent a little bit. I'm calling your bluff.

Posted by: adrianne at April 1, 2007 1:55 PM

This is an April Fools joke right?

Posted by: AJ at April 1, 2007 2:03 PM

SPOILER ALERT!!!

If you enjoyed this review, head on over to the Google main page and sign up for free broadband service through their TiSP plan. Are you keeping score for which commenters caught on (the sarcasm is pretty subtle in many of these posts - I'd demand polygraphs from everyone)? Is this a ploy to make up for your miserable showing in the NCAA Hoops Pool? This IS April Fool's (or in this case, I daresay Fools') Day, isn't it? You're a cruel man, Dustin. Keep up the good work!

Posted by: Sanity Clause at April 1, 2007 2:04 PM

I've always liked Whoopi best in her cameo appearances in Star Trek: The Next Generation.

Posted by: Rob at April 1, 2007 2:05 PM

wait... are all the comments april fools jokes too? I have to believe that pajiba readers would see the dripping sarcasm in this. so either Im the idiot for not realizing the comments are all sarcastic, or you all fell for pajiba's april fools.

Posted by: Erin at April 1, 2007 2:11 PM

I do very AprilFool'sDayyoudumbsonsofbitchesabove well agree with everything you have said.

Posted by: Travis at April 1, 2007 2:21 PM

April Fools.

Posted by: Shoop at April 1, 2007 2:22 PM

wow...has no one realized that it's April 1st yet?

Posted by: Emily at April 1, 2007 2:27 PM

april. . .fools?

Posted by: redbeaniegirl at April 1, 2007 2:27 PM

I just noticed the date. Boy, do I feel like a sucker.

Posted by: ecp at April 1, 2007 2:28 PM

Sorry Landon, but...happy April Fools Day?

Posted by: jfdsio at April 1, 2007 2:38 PM

Nobody seems to have looked at the calendar...

Happy April Fool's Day, Pajiba!

Posted by: Damien Walder at April 1, 2007 2:44 PM

Commenters...holy shit. Have some people not bothered to check today's date? You're not really taking this seriously, are you? Landon?

Very convincing, Dustin. This is exactly what I come here for: great writing and a good laugh. Bravo for snowing (probably) over three-fourths of your readers.

Posted by: Sean at April 1, 2007 2:45 PM

I have to second Landon here. "Defining," to me doesn't just mean we've all seen it and kinda liked it.

Lame, Pajiba.

Posted by: AM at April 1, 2007 2:45 PM

Are you people all retarded? Look at the date...
Unless every single person is being sarcastic and I'M the retard?

Posted by: Anthony at April 1, 2007 2:47 PM

Ah, "situational magic." And a happy April Fools' day to you, good sir.

Posted by: dowdy at April 1, 2007 2:59 PM

April Fool's Day is always so fun.

Posted by: C at April 1, 2007 3:01 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAA!!!!!!

Oh Pajiba, just when I thought I couldn't love you more.

However, I'd love to see what the Defining Movie would be on another date. ;)

Posted by: isabelle at April 1, 2007 3:04 PM

"A defining movie is a movie that takes the cultural pulse, magnifies it, and turns it into the thumping rhythm of a new dance, for a generation that hadn't been given a voice before that time."

Landon said it better than I ever could have. I just don't get that from Sister Act. I mean, I love the movie, but it's never served as anything more than an enjoyable light comedy for me. Good? Yes - great even. But defining? No... at least not in my opinon.

I still love you guys though.

Posted by: MusicSpeaks at April 1, 2007 3:05 PM

Is this an April Fool's joke?

Posted by: Morph at April 1, 2007 3:08 PM

Holy crap, pajibites,pull your heads out of your asses, it's an April Fool's joke!!! I think a couple of people are playing along with it, but quite a few are just mystified. I normally wouldn't say anything, but I don't want you to stop frequenting the site just because you think the critics are collectively lame. And speaking of lame, Landon, congratulations--you just wrote a thoughtful 500 word piece in response to an OBVIOUS satire.

"Fool me once, shame on you. Tell me Sister Act defines a generation--shame on me."

Posted by: Irregardless at April 1, 2007 3:12 PM

Looks like some people forgot to check their calendars today.

Posted by: lol at April 1, 2007 3:13 PM

Happy April Fools Day to you, as well. "Sister Act", LOL!!!

Posted by: James at April 1, 2007 3:15 PM

Well, this has to be the best April Fool's joke I've seen today.

Posted by: anonymous at April 1, 2007 3:15 PM

happy april to you, too.

Posted by: rin at April 1, 2007 3:30 PM

Yes, thank you, and yes.

This movie is brilliant. I've never discussed its brilliance with anyone outside of my immediate family, and even then, no one else really seems to think of it. They all just kinda forgot it, I guess. Oh well. Thank goodness for the Pajiba staff.

ALMA! Check your battery.

Posted by: redrighthand at April 1, 2007 3:33 PM

Don't agree... Ummm... Liked the movie, but didn't feel it really DEFINED anything...

Oh well...

Posted by: :/ at April 1, 2007 3:34 PM

HAHAHAHAHAHAHHA... I love you guys...

But, isn't the cutoff time for gags 12:00 pm?

Posted by: :/ --> :) at April 1, 2007 3:37 PM

I hate April 1st.

Posted by: Tosho at April 1, 2007 3:43 PM

Half of me really wants this to be an April Fools...

Posted by: malibu at April 1, 2007 3:48 PM

April Fools?

Posted by: Meg at April 1, 2007 3:49 PM

You guys DO know it's April Fool's Day, right???

I mean, clearly Cannibal! The Musical is the defining film of our generation. They're just fucking around with you guys . . .

Posted by: Tammy at April 1, 2007 3:54 PM

Happy April 1st! A fool I'm not.

Posted by: bartap74 at April 1, 2007 4:11 PM

Oh for fuck's sake. Am I the only person who knows what fucking day it is?

Talk about lame.

Posted by: tommytimp at April 1, 2007 4:14 PM

I really don't understand how Sister Act could have defined a generation, unless this is in fact a generation of former show girls going into hiding as nuns.

I would think a defining movie would make people ask questions about themselves and their world, perhaps understand things in a different light. This movie made people kind of laugh and have a bunch of songs in their head for a couple days.

Posted by: lol at April 1, 2007 4:15 PM

Guys, check today's date.

Posted by: woot at April 1, 2007 4:21 PM

It's April Fool's Day! Now, I get it.

Posted by: LaKeshia at April 1, 2007 4:25 PM

I will have to read everything on the site through a different lens.

Posted by: unknown writer at April 1, 2007 4:28 PM

Happy April Fools Day Everybody!

Posted by: Tbrader at April 1, 2007 4:28 PM

just read your comment -- thank god.

Posted by: unknown writer at April 1, 2007 4:29 PM

Mr. Plimpton would be impressed. You almost had me there for a second...almost.

Posted by: Sidd Finch at April 1, 2007 4:30 PM

Check the date, yo.

Posted by: anon at April 1, 2007 4:34 PM

what the fuck? yeah i don`t get the JOKE either. p.s. florida is gonna kick some ass

Posted by: pasadenamike at April 1, 2007 4:42 PM

Is your tongue firmly in your cheek here?

Posted by: Grace at April 1, 2007 4:44 PM

Nice one.

Posted by: Icannotbelievepeoplefellforthat at April 1, 2007 4:44 PM

april's fool right?

Posted by: june at April 1, 2007 4:48 PM

You Pajiba people are utterly brilliant! I've been lauding the ingenuity of Sister Act to friends, family, co-workers, neighbors and grocery store clerks for years. Finally my voice has been heard and amplified. Thanks Pajiba!

Posted by: bent at April 1, 2007 4:49 PM

Hm...

I just had a thought.

I hope to god your choice of Sister Act as a defining movie has something to do with the date.

Posted by: Landon at April 1, 2007 4:53 PM

BWAHAHAHA! I read this review by scrolling down the page practically sentence by sentence (suspense, don'tcha know) and when I hit "Sister Act", I thought it was a joke. I certainly enjoyed this movie when I was a kid, but I don't know if it's necessarily defining...but hey, to each his own. Still a good review.

Posted by: Geetch at April 1, 2007 4:53 PM

Sister Act is the epitome of the date movie. Especially this particular date.

Posted by: nevin at April 1, 2007 4:55 PM

...you've come to expert certain things of us...

I sure do!!!

I loved Sister Act. I totally forgot about that movie until you guys brought it up.

Posted by: pabs at April 1, 2007 4:57 PM

Happy April Fool's?

......

Posted by: Catherine at April 1, 2007 5:03 PM

... [Still waiting for the "Just kidding!]

Posted by: Cait at April 1, 2007 5:03 PM

Exactly whose generation is this defining?
At 34, I sorta thought I was Pajiba's "target" audience.

(And not for nothin, I thought for sure it was going to be "Say Anything")

Posted by: SParker at April 1, 2007 5:06 PM

april fools! (I mean, right?)

Posted by: pfphuck at April 1, 2007 5:14 PM

LOL at everyone who doesn't get this article.

Posted by: Anna at April 1, 2007 5:15 PM

...Anyone wonder if this, maybe, is an April Fool's Joke?
If not...well then, don't I look like quite the idiot ;)(despite the fact, that I do remember watching this movie many times over as a child)

Carry on.

Posted by: SB at April 1, 2007 5:29 PM

Um, April Fool's I hope, though brillantly done!

Posted by: Alarmjaguar at April 1, 2007 5:36 PM

April Fools? please be so!

Posted by: Shan at April 1, 2007 5:38 PM

Uhm, it's April Fool's Day guys...

Posted by: Jere at April 1, 2007 5:38 PM

OMG, TOTALLY an Oscar-worthy performance! Whoopi got snubbed! Maybe they'll give her a Lifetime Achievement Award or something just for Sister Act alone! I mean how can you not adore a film about lounge singer nuns and little kids! Totally puts those cheesy "actresses" like Streep, Emma whatserface, all of those poseurs to shame!

(One question though--did you forget Crossroads? Even better--and absurdly underappreciated and misunderstood!)

*snicker*

Posted by: Beth at April 1, 2007 5:41 PM

Landon is completely right. As ECP said, I can't think of a movie that had less effect on my life. But maybe I'm not your demographic.

Posted by: Dot at April 1, 2007 5:47 PM

Ah, okay. Obviously in my old age I failed to catch on. Very funny.

Posted by: Dot at April 1, 2007 5:49 PM

I think this is a well-executed April Fool's joke.

Posted by: Helena at April 1, 2007 5:49 PM

Uh...guys...you are aware that this is April 1st right?

So this is probably Pajiba's big fat April Fool?

Good, I hoped so. *ahem*

Posted by: sally at April 1, 2007 5:50 PM

Heh. Very funny guys.

Posted by: Rocky at April 1, 2007 5:51 PM

Dustin, I thought you framed the argument well, but I always felt that 'Sister Act' was too derivative of its predecessors, 'Look Who's Talking' and 'Three Men and a Baby', both of which defined the genre (just replace 'baby' with 'streetwise fake nun') and would have been worthier selections.

Posted by: John at April 1, 2007 5:53 PM

I think I'm pretty smart (I'm a doctor) and I'm fairly hip, and I'm 32. I should get this joke. But I don't. This doesn't seem to be typical Pajiba humor. So, I can only assume that you're being serious and I'm stunned. I've only seen Sister Act once- and I wasn't even able to watch the whole thing, it was so mindless.
I did a mini-survey of some co-workers, and not one person put Sister Act on their top-10 list. Sister Act, for fuck's sake. Where did you get that?

Posted by: MRC at April 1, 2007 5:57 PM

april fools!!! good one guys! to everyone that took this seriously, get a life!

Posted by: mosssbum at April 1, 2007 6:00 PM

Huh. I was betting on "Harry and the Hendersons" getting the top spot. It had to be in the top 3 right? Sister Act is genius, there is no doubt there, but how could you overlook the most nuanced performance of John Lithgow's career? I'll just have to have a double feature tonight to settle the battle once and for all. And what an entertaining battle it will be.

Posted by: Rob at April 1, 2007 6:00 PM

it's april 1, people.

Posted by: kucheza at April 1, 2007 6:00 PM

Great April Fool's post, guys.

Posted by: Ruby at April 1, 2007 6:02 PM

Hahaha. Brilliant.

Posted by: Gabs at April 1, 2007 6:05 PM

Ohh, screening comments for the day! Even more brilliant. Well played, Pajiba, well played.

Posted by: Gabs at April 1, 2007 6:06 PM

this is an april fool's joke, right?

RIGHT?

Posted by: Andrew831 at April 1, 2007 6:09 PM

You guys do know it's April Fool's Day, right?

Posted by: Bic at April 1, 2007 6:10 PM

I wonder how many of the disappointed, surprised, or otherwise unhappy posters have checked the date...

Nice one.

Posted by: JTL at April 1, 2007 6:12 PM

Um, today is April 1st, right? I'm going to say it again, reeeeeeeaaaallll slow; A-P-R-I-L F-I-R-S-T.

Posted by: Katie at April 1, 2007 6:16 PM

I think you've confused 'defining' with 'somewhat embarrassing'. I also think that you have managed to gather together the only men in the whole world who would place Sister Act on their top ten movie list. Impressive!

Posted by: Mark at April 1, 2007 6:22 PM

Happy April Fool's Day to you, too, Dustin!

Posted by: Kolby at April 1, 2007 6:22 PM

I have to assume that this "generation defining" film was chosen for the date of the post. Does nobody else notice that this article went up on April Fool's Day?

Posted by: Bistro at April 1, 2007 6:23 PM

Gee, ya think there's any chance this review has something to do with the fact that it's April Fool's Day?

Posted by: Heidi at April 1, 2007 6:25 PM

IT IS APRIL FOOLS DAY, PEOPLE. I very much doubt the reviewer is serious.

I can't believe no one else caught that.

Posted by: kate at April 1, 2007 6:25 PM

Hahahaha you guys make me laugh. And all of the people in the comments who completely didn't get it... Though sadly enough, I went through a Sister Act obsession in elementary school and can probably sing every single one of the songs. But even with my guilty love of the movie, there is no way I'm going to fall for yall making this your defining movie. You are all way too pretentious and stuck up to ever admit you like a feel-good guilty pleasure movie without there being a catch or you're making fun of it.

Posted by: jill at April 1, 2007 6:26 PM

I didnt read all the comments but it seems people arent very familiar with the first day of april.

Posted by: Brendan at April 1, 2007 6:30 PM

Um, April Fool?

Posted by: Mike at April 1, 2007 6:36 PM

Brilliant choice! Maybe you have to be American to truly understand how this movie has defined the generation of today.

Posted by: Paul Burney at April 1, 2007 6:38 PM

About damn time somebody recognized the brilliance that is Sister Act. The fact that it didn't win either the Best Picture or Best Director Oscar is, well, a sin.

Posted by: Kris at April 1, 2007 6:38 PM

am I only one of the few people who recognize this as an april fools joke??


..if it isnt...wowzer.

and I love sister act whether this is an april 1st joke or not.

Posted by: bettie bloodshed at April 1, 2007 6:42 PM

God, you are right!
Sister Act is the Casablanca of our generation.

Jesus would approve.

Posted by: Bettie Bloodshed at April 1, 2007 6:44 PM

Did anyone else notice that this review was posted on April Fools Day? I mean, I suppose it's possible that Sister Act could be one of the defining movies of our time (although not one of my favorites), but whether this review is on the level or not, it's an odd day to post an article like this that is so very out of the blue.

Posted by: gumby899 at April 1, 2007 6:45 PM

The number of people who seemingly haven't realised this is an April Fool's joke amuses me greatly. Unless EVERYONE is playing along and being ultra-meta.

Posted by: Arran at April 1, 2007 6:47 PM

I do love me some early April shenanigans.

Posted by: Christina at April 1, 2007 6:52 PM

Does anybody know what day it is? I for some reason can't figure it out.

I agree that Sister Act, while maybe not a defining movie, is an entertaining piece that is easy to watch when there is nothing else on and TBS or ABC Family is showing for the billionth time. Rock on Whoopi!

Posted by: Shel at April 1, 2007 6:54 PM

"...there were times, in fact, when I stood up in my living room and swayed my arms and shook my hips in time with the beat; the musical numbers are that stirring."

As if there could be a doubt as to the validity of this post after a comment like that. I had to put my head down on my desk and weep tears of joy in silence because I work in China and try explaining the Meta Joke that is this post to coworkers (read: full-grown adults) who speak minimal English and that find "Baby's Day Out" and the Home Alone series cinema masterpieces. It's a wonder Hong Kong turns out as much good stuff as it does.

Posted by: Christina at April 1, 2007 7:01 PM

perfectly said landon. yes we all loved sister act but defining- NO WAY.

i liked your review but it failed on all counts to explain in any way how it defined our generation other than saying 'everyone loves it!'

for the first time in pajiba history, i am very disappointed.

Posted by: raya at April 1, 2007 7:02 PM

Wow. It took me several hours to realize that this was posted on April 1st... lol... though I do have to say I like Sister Act!

Posted by: VeganMike at April 1, 2007 7:03 PM

I almost thought you were serious there for a minute... *whew* Bravo, guys.

Posted by: Mike at April 1, 2007 7:06 PM

Dumbasses. Check the date.

Posted by: HG at April 1, 2007 7:07 PM

Um...April Fools?

Posted by: jk at April 1, 2007 7:08 PM

please let that be an "april's fool" joke. please.

Posted by: maxpurr9 at April 1, 2007 7:12 PM

april fool's...right?

Posted by: kathryn at April 1, 2007 7:15 PM

okay...btw: not only is that an awesome "april's fool" but how fucking mean is that....look at all the bozos commenting on here about how they "secretly" love it!!....lol!!!! wow, that's one way to part a red sea!
congrats! you rock!

Posted by: maxpurr9 at April 1, 2007 7:15 PM

Ditto to Landon. . .I am stunned (and like Geetch) thought "Sister Act" was a joke.

I didn't hate the movie (Kathy Najimy was BRILLIANT) but it would NEVER be on even my top 30 Films list, particularly when the words 'defined my generation' are added to the parameters. Hmm. . .I think I'm still reeling from this post.

I'd be curious to know that the other films on your lists were. Please tell us. . .or maybe we don't want to know.

Posted by: prairiegirl at April 1, 2007 7:17 PM

The first time in YEARS that I've been had by an April Fool's joke. Too funny. . .I'm cracking up! And blushing that I fell for it!

Posted by: prairiegirl at April 1, 2007 7:19 PM

I am kind of expecting a "Psych! You didn't *really* believe us when we called Seth 'gooey,' did you?"
I, too, would like to see the complete lists. I think I would feel better by knowing some of your other (grittier, more raw, more zeitgeist-y) choices.

Posted by: Liz at April 1, 2007 7:23 PM

April fool's, right? Nice one, boys...

Posted by: Megan at April 1, 2007 7:25 PM

i'm still laughing...i couldn't even read anything after i read (and re-read) the words "sister act" --i was so disgusted by your choice. (fyi: i, nor anyone i've known, has even seen the movie, and i could tell it was a crap movie just from the commercials back then.) i'm just now going back to the whole post and comments to really check it out. thanks for that little entertaining break in my afternoon.

Posted by: maxpurr9 at April 1, 2007 7:25 PM

My favorite Whoopi movie would have to be "Eddie."
In the end when she stands up to the cowboy Bob owner of the Knicks and everyone stands behind her. I felt a chill in my spine.

Posted by: Nino at April 1, 2007 7:32 PM

happy april!

Posted by: tharine at April 1, 2007 7:35 PM

Oh you *guys*

Compliments of the season!

Posted by: party pooper at April 1, 2007 7:36 PM

Aw, you guys. And I thought I was too old for April Fool's jokes.

Nevertheless, I *liked* Sister Act.

Posted by: mim at April 1, 2007 7:38 PM

what. irony can only go so far.

Posted by: clown at April 1, 2007 7:39 PM

its going to be hilarious when all the "YEAH PAJIBA WOO I LOVE THAT MOVIE IVE BEEN TELLING EVERYONE ABOUT HOW GREAT IT IS FOR YEARS LOL!" people realize they've been had. it kind of helps to out all the followers who just lap everything this site puts out up without once disagreeing with it.

Posted by: jordan at April 1, 2007 7:42 PM

Dude. It's April Fools Day, y'all.

Posted by: Shannon at April 1, 2007 7:50 PM

Loved Sister Act, but my favourite Whoopi Goldberg movie is Ghost. And Sister Act is "defining" to me because it's the first movie I ever saw with a black actress (who isn't conventionally pretty) having a lead role in a popular movie, without having to show skin to do it.

Posted by: rose no thorns at April 1, 2007 7:52 PM

Am I crazy, or are those of you not "getting it" not noting the date before posting?

Posted by: jrc at April 1, 2007 7:55 PM

I am totally calling your bluff. It's April 1st and I ain't no fool. I am a fan of your site, but I am ready to renounce my Pajiban allegeance over this. Did no one else make the connection? Whoopi Goldberg is grating.
A for effort guys.

Posted by: Deb at April 1, 2007 7:57 PM

it just dawned on me that these comments will still be posted tomorrow....no offense to anyone who loves that movie...any movie good or bad can find a place of 'love' in our hearts...no judgment here!

but when i see a movie like "sister act" or any other movie made to be nothing more than a product, (and one not even skillfully made)--i think of all the garbage created, (and i'm talking about the actual litter/pollution kind of garbage, not the artistic kind) and i also consider the money it took to create and how that money could go somewhere else, where it would be more widely appreciated. that all just seems like a really BIG waste, in exchange for a few people who were touched by it, because they were in the right place at the right time?

yeah, some will say "fuck you it's just a movie" but when you get down to the 'brass tacks' of it, you'll see it's nothing more than corporate crap being shoved down our throats, but we're too blind to see it's actually being shoved AND that's it's crap!

the true problem lies in the defense of those people's jobs. i don't know what to say to that...it gives people work and thus money to live their life. so in the end, does it really matter that "crap movies" are KNOWINGLY made... or that ANYONE works at a job that doesn't make the world a better place? i don't know?

but for 'pajiba' to put this as their 'top fool's choice film' they must really see the disgust in its creation also. or maybe not...

Posted by: maxpurr9 at April 1, 2007 8:00 PM

ITS AN APRIL FOOL'S JOKE

damn slow people

Posted by: frances at April 1, 2007 8:10 PM

Finally, Pajiba gives recognition to the finest cinema has to offer. This review is awesome. And so are the comments.

Posted by: Jen at April 1, 2007 8:10 PM

Did it occur to anyone else that today is April 1st? I mean, Sister Act? Come on!!!!

Good one, guys.

Posted by: tlb at April 1, 2007 8:10 PM

I only skimmed the other comments, but I can't believe I'm the first one of nearly 40 replies to simply suggest people look at the date.

That's all, look at the date I posted my comment on right after my name.

Posted by: Robot Paul at April 1, 2007 8:12 PM

I dunno, I feel more defined by the date I saw a it, than the actual movie. Like say, April 1st, I always remember films I saw on that date.

Posted by: Sarz at April 1, 2007 8:12 PM

Oh man, I hate to spoil all your fun. As much as the review is hilarious, the indignant responses are even better.
But for those of you who STILL don't get it--check the calendar.

Posted by: Sally at April 1, 2007 8:23 PM

Has anyone else looked at the calender?

Posted by: Fresh at April 1, 2007 8:23 PM

april fool's?

Posted by: halifaxannie at April 1, 2007 8:25 PM

So.............Your Generation was defined by a 40's(at the time)black chick pretending to be a nun and teaching a bunch of white chicks about "soul" with the help of a little 60's style Motown and in the process learning a little bit about herself?
OK. Got it.
I feel so alone.

Posted by: mrmook at April 1, 2007 8:25 PM

"I used to hate writing assignments, but now I enjoy them. I realized that the purpose of writing is to inflate weak ideas, obscure poor reasoning, and inhibit clarity. With a little practice, writing can be an intimidating and impenetrable fog!" -Calvin (and Hobbes)

Keep 'em guessing. Let's see how far this rabbit hole goes!

Posted by: i'm april the first, i am, i am at April 1, 2007 8:46 PM

Happy April Fool's Day, Pajiba! You got us good!

Posted by: Janice at April 1, 2007 8:49 PM

Attention, all-- including Landon, who said quite eloquently exactly what I think the majority of us were feeling...

TODAY IS APRIL 1ST. APRIL FOOL'S DAY

So all of you Pajiba-ers who are all concerned, as I first was, thinking, horrified, "My god, Sister Act? Over Clerks, or Say Anything, or The Breakfast Club?"... take a look at your calendars. I can only assume the commenters above are in on the joke as well... I shudder to think that so many Pajiba readers would actually love and remember a movie that, while fun and fluffy, is ultimately quite forgettable.

However, Pajiba, I would love to see your actual answer to the defining movie of this generation. Well done on April Fool's, you certainly got me at first.

Posted by: Micheru at April 1, 2007 8:50 PM

Erm... does no one know what day it is? April fool! Right?

Posted by: Katie at April 1, 2007 8:53 PM

Yes, and a Happy April Fool's Day to you all.........

Posted by: Robert at April 1, 2007 8:55 PM

I can't believe your review failed to mention the English film which paved the way for Sister Act. Without 'Nuns on the Run', there would have been no 'Sister Act'. And then where would we be?

Posted by: julian at April 1, 2007 8:59 PM

Umm, what day is today?

Posted by: sansho1 at April 1, 2007 9:01 PM

Wow, I thought reading Pajiba everyday might be ruined forever by this review until I checked my calendar. Even so, I'm still feeling a bit...dirty.

Posted by: Michellers at April 1, 2007 9:03 PM

Happy April Fool's Day to you, too, guys. Well played.

Posted by: AuntieMurry at April 1, 2007 9:06 PM

Heh.

Come ON, everyone. Check the date. Some wool is being pulled over the old eyes here.

Posted by: Travis at April 1, 2007 9:11 PM

baaahahaha, i thought the readers would be smarter than this

Posted by: matt at April 1, 2007 9:22 PM

you've got to be shitting me- and it is april 1

Posted by: kat at April 1, 2007 9:23 PM

Oh...my...lord.

My question is: just how many of these comments are tongue-in-cheek, and how many of them are genuine?

If the answer to the latter is more than zero - which I'm afraid is certainly the case - then well played, Pajiba. Well played.

Of course, my second question is: if I hadn't gone to the old iPod post first and finally posted my response there, would I have bought it? Surely not.

Posted by: Rob at April 1, 2007 9:24 PM

Everyone has lost their sense of humor. I thought this review was inspired. And for some reason, I felt today was an appropriate day to reveal this choice.

Posted by: James at April 1, 2007 9:26 PM

Come on, geniuses. It's April Fool's Day.

Posted by: Iriska at April 1, 2007 9:26 PM

This HAS to be an Aprils Fool's Joke, people...now come on!!

Even though I love me some Whoopi, they can't be serious. You almost got me, Beloved Pajiba!

Posted by: Zaira at April 1, 2007 9:32 PM

One can only hope this is a nice April Fool's joke. If not, wow! Just Wow!

Posted by: bruce at April 1, 2007 9:35 PM

Did people really think this was a serious post? I love you Pajiba.

Posted by: Anna at April 1, 2007 9:38 PM

*giggle*

Posted by: TK at April 1, 2007 9:39 PM

wasn't this posted on april 1st? april fools? anybody?

Posted by: cait at April 1, 2007 9:44 PM

It is April Fools Day, that might be a factor.

Posted by: Rebecca at April 1, 2007 9:45 PM

HAPPY APRIL FOOLS TO Y'ALL, TOO!

Posted by: superedna at April 1, 2007 9:46 PM

Kind of random, but the defining movie of this generation in France would probably be "La Haine" by Mathieu Kassovitz (called "Hate" in English). While I expect large numbers of the brilliant readers of Pajiba are already familiar with the film, for those who aren't, it will definitely satisfy your longing for a more "gritty" selection. I'd be curious about equivalents in other countries...

Posted by: buttercup at April 1, 2007 9:54 PM

It's 10 o'clock and no one else has suggested this but surely it still is...

April fools.

Posted by: gravyboat at April 1, 2007 9:58 PM

To those who haven't gotten it yet-- today is April Fools Day. Well played, Pajiba.

Posted by: Angie at April 1, 2007 9:59 PM

Goddamn. I loves me some April Fools' Day.

Posted by: James at April 1, 2007 10:06 PM

Ummm... does NO ONE realize that it is April Fool's Day? Bueller?

Posted by: Meg at April 1, 2007 10:08 PM

Yes!! I was expecting "defining" to be some over-the-top, asshole-ish, lauded-by-critics-but-no-one-else piece of noir (no disrespect to that genre, I myself enjoy some of those films). But Sister Act??? I danced and sang "I will Follow Him" after first watching that movie. I think my entire generation can say that we have watched it at least two or three times and can STILL belt out the lyrics. Bravo!

And if this is really an April Fool's joke...a whole bunch of us are going to feel really silly after revealing our soft underbellies.

Posted by: bonnie at April 1, 2007 10:11 PM

"Finally, Pajiba gives recognition to the finest cinema has to offer. This review is awesome. And so are the comments."

Ditto!

Thanks for a great post!

Posted by: sif at April 1, 2007 10:16 PM

Love Pajiba.




Love the movie.




But can I call April Fool's?




Or would that be a smidge to presumptuous for a newbie poster?

Posted by: K at April 1, 2007 10:22 PM

Ummm, am I the only one who thinks this is an April Fool's joke? Good one kids.

Posted by: Cate at April 1, 2007 10:24 PM

although I've been reading this site for a while now and never commented, i felt the need to comment just to ask if this post is a fantastic april fools joke (as indicated above) or a bewildering choice given the usual tone of reviews on pajiba?

Posted by: wd at April 1, 2007 10:28 PM

I, like some of the readers on here, am still waiting for the punch line. Sister Act defining? Of what and whom? Are you saying that your generation is a generation of comprised of "fish out of water?"

First of all, while this might be the best movie of whoopies career, whoopie still sucks, and there is no way she deserves the honor of being mentioned in a sentence including the words "generation defining".

Second, while sister act is a good movie, it isn't an awe inspiring movie, it isn't an insightful movie, and it isn't very original. If it weren't for the good music, the movie would be nothing special at all.

If your intended point was to define your/our generation (I'm 26 but I've never felt so out of place reading this article. How old are you pajiba staffers, 38-45?) as sarcastic and mediocre, then kudos to a job well done.

But if you are being serious, then I have to ask who are you and what have you done with the real Dustin and everyone else?

I expected a HELL of a lot more than SISTER ACT to be considered the defining movie of the past 30 years. Good god. Are you all that disillusioned with hollywood and film in general? What, was sister act the last choice out of everyone's list, so it made it by default? And sister act is actually in your list of ten best films of the last 30 years?

Whaaaa??????!?!?!?!?!?!?

This decision deserves a more detailed explanation. I want you to define your generation, cause I am at a loss.

Posted by: Some Guy at April 1, 2007 10:28 PM

Sonufabitch, I'm in japan and today is the 2nd.

Posted by: Some Guy at April 1, 2007 10:29 PM

Lovely April Fool's, Pajiba darlings.

Posted by: Cecily at April 1, 2007 10:32 PM

I can't believe you dumbasses don't realize this is an APRIL FOOL'S JOKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: jerkygirl at April 1, 2007 10:40 PM

I'm not sure... how... where am I?! Sister Act? Totally befuddled and at a loss for words. Well obviously not a total loss... but... wow.

Posted by: eat.a.peach at April 1, 2007 10:44 PM

Happy April Fools day to you, too!

Posted by: Sara at April 1, 2007 10:47 PM

Wow. At what point do readers start to hate themselves??

Posted by: Jere at April 1, 2007 10:49 PM

...I mean, I love the movie, but is this some type of April Fool's Joke? For serious, I know you may be filled with marshmallows and rainbows on the inside of your otherwise callous and calcified hearts, but this has me completely taken aback!

Posted by: Lydia The Great at April 1, 2007 10:54 PM

april fool's?

Posted by: pheebster at April 1, 2007 10:54 PM

I still get chills during the choir's first musical number (post-Whoopi training). Damn, can Sister Mary Robert belt it out.

The abundance of Lipton-inspired language in this review is, dare I say, transcendent. No, I take it back..."hilariously divine."

Posted by: Heidi at April 1, 2007 10:57 PM

Just...no.
I mean if you liked this movie? Fine. But defining? Give me a break.

Posted by: Ari at April 1, 2007 11:01 PM

April fools?

Posted by: teakel at April 1, 2007 11:05 PM

Please, please tell me that you are editing the comments section for spoilers. I hate to think Pajiba readers are so dumb.

great post!

Posted by: jessica at April 1, 2007 11:09 PM

You people are all idiots. And strangers to the concept of being foolish in April. Go back to the USSR, you godless hippies.

Posted by: I Am Never Wrong at April 1, 2007 11:12 PM

April Fools, right?

Posted by: Cait at April 1, 2007 11:15 PM

isn't it april fools day?

Posted by: nick at April 1, 2007 11:16 PM

Guys...it's an April Fool's joke...


I mean, obviously "Sister Act 2" is superior.

Posted by: William at April 1, 2007 11:17 PM

C'mon, guys. I know my group of friends wasn't the only one to identify with the characters. Just like the characters of Sex & the City of this generation, we found easily distinguishable yet shallow caricatures with which to categorize and identify each other.

My best friend was meek and timid until we taught him the power of self-esteem, so he's the Sister Mary Roberts. My other friend was a wise-cracking lout with a barely-concealed Heart of Gold; he's the Sister Mary Lazarus. My fat friend is always giddy with excitement, so he's the Sister Mary Patrick. I'm the black one who cross dresses, so I'm the Sister Mary Clarence.

I would posit that Sister Act is a generation-defining movie. Where were you when Whoopi and her sisters touched your hearts? My friends and I still get together for beers and belt out some of those songs for old times' sake.
That movie's gotten us through some rough times.

When my sister's in trouble so am I...

Posted by: nostalgic at April 1, 2007 11:33 PM

Come on now, people. I also must applaud those brave enough to admit their affection for 'Sister Act'. Obviously they knew it was a gag, but played along anyway. But they weren't the ones that fell for the joke. It was the ones who actually complained about the definition of "generation-defining" and if the movie actually merited that title. And I would have to guess that some of those very mean comments that Dustin mentioned fell for it as well.

Just goes to show you how much faith you have in their taste in cinema.

Posted by: Vermillion at April 1, 2007 11:36 PM

i am SO glad that this was an april fool's joke. i hated that movie.

i love april fool's day!

Posted by: joann marie at April 1, 2007 11:46 PM

Well, you got me. But I got to the title and thought this HAS to be a joke. You guys have better taste than that. Shit. Sister Act. ROFL!

Posted by: Kathy at April 2, 2007 12:00 AM

Now a feature on the, say, top 10 movies that define the Pajiba generation would, in fact, be interesting.

I'm thinking the Star Wars Trilogy, Pulp Fiction, Clerks, The Princess Bride, Raiders of the Lost Ark, Ghostbusters(?), The Breakfast Club, and something from the inspirational, rise against all-odds oeuvre (take your pick from Rocky or The Karate Kid, or even Pump up the Volume), with honorary mentions for Heathers, the other John Hughes films, the Lord of the Rings (late entries), and Ferris Bueller.

I'm thinking of movies that everyone in our generation saw during their formative years, shared with friends, and, even in these snarky times, loved.

Obviously, tastes will dictate what movies make a particular person's list, but I do think that a fairly definitive list would emerge from the cross-section.

So, how about it, Pajibians? How about taking the joke premise of this article and making it a reality?

Posted by: bartap at April 2, 2007 12:51 AM

The review was funny enough, but the take-themselves-way-too-seriously commenters are funnier still. "Sister Act! That's preposterous!" These people are more self-righteously critical than the church ladies at Wednesday night bingo. Guys, open your f'n eyes, and look at the calendar.

Well done, Pajiba, for exposing the pompous moronity of about 50% of your commenters. ;-)

Posted by: da gootch at April 2, 2007 1:19 AM

Reading all the very angry comments makes me giggle. I mean, c'mon, Sister Act is a crap movie (and I love it with only minimal embarrassment), but it's no Crossroads for Pete's sake. Now THAT as defining movie would have been hilarious.

Posted by: bonnie at April 2, 2007 1:20 AM

My mother showed me that movie when I was a little kid. Thanks for bringing back the (good) memories.

Posted by: Justin at April 2, 2007 1:36 AM

haha well done i guess i let my april 1st guard down too soon (in my defence i'm a day ahead- it was the 2nd!)

Posted by: raya at April 2, 2007 1:57 AM

The comments on this review are vastly more entertaining than the review itself. Some of you people need to step away from the keyboard, take a deep breath, and read up on the concept of satire. (Landon, I'm looking [and laughing] at you.) Doesn't matter that it's April Fools' Day--the joke is clear as can be if you really read the piece. Re-read the ice cream line, for Pete's sake!

This kind of reminds me of the time one of my friends called me and was utterly frothing at the mouth over something in an article on The Onion. "Can you believe that shit?!" she asked me. What else could I say but "No"?

Posted by: Jen at April 2, 2007 2:00 AM

Bartap:

No way are you going to get anything resembling a "definitive list" from this crowd. It'll be just like the iPod comment thread--everyone will try to find the most artistic, most subversive films of their teen/young adult years and post those in place of the truth. I foresee lots of people claiming that Krzysztof Kieslowski's Three Colors molded their teen years, or that Koyaanisqatsi is the most meaningful film they've ever seen. (Apologies to those about whom the previous is true. I'm feeling extra cynical today.) (Also, if you tell me Koyaanisqatsi is the most meaningful film you've ever seen, I'll assume you smoke a lot of pot.)

This is not to say that a fair few of us wouldn't be honest and proclaim our love for something like Better Off Dead (heh), but I'm betting that wouldn't be true for the majority.

Posted by: Jen at April 2, 2007 2:18 AM

I'm certain that Howard the Duck was the defining movie of this generation. Sister Act??? A distant second place.
smiles!

Posted by: Clarity at April 2, 2007 2:30 AM

Alright.

Ya got me.

Although I love Pajiba, I do come to the internet half expecting idiocy. So, well, I stumbled into it head first.

IN MY DEFENSE...

... I **never** know what day it is.

Thank you, thank you all. (bows)

At least I was eloquent whilst being a rube.

Posted by: Landon at April 2, 2007 2:31 AM

Major kudos to Landon for taking it like a man.

If it were up to me, I'd say the man earned himself a free Pajiba t-shirt.

Posted by: Cheryl at April 2, 2007 3:19 AM

Landon, thanks for taking one for the team.

I live in Japan and we're a day ahead so.....
that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it.
and Pajiba...f**k....thanks.

Posted by: mrmook at April 2, 2007 4:08 AM

I don't think people would have bought Crossroads. Sister Act is actually just plausible enough to reel a few people in (obviously).

Posted by: Rob at April 2, 2007 4:09 AM

Thank you, Pajiba. Seriously. I have an essay due on the 2nd, and if it wasn't for you, I would have still thought it was March. (Time goes kind of wonky in residence...)

Posted by: dsbs at April 2, 2007 4:21 AM

Psyche!!!

Fell for it hook, line and bloody sinker then I read the last time and realised.

Genius men, Genius.

Although I seriously did like Sister Act. Honestly.

Posted by: Jean at April 2, 2007 4:42 AM

Still laughing. And I agree Landon rocks--his first response only added to the beauty of the whole (providing me with warm and fuzzy amusement at no material cost!), and he showed fine character in his "realization" posts. Only on Pajiba.

One of the best April Fool's gags I've seen in a while. And I agree with whoever pointed out the bit about DR's standing up and swaying to the music...gorgeous. Although it pretty much gave the gag away, if the choice of movie hadn't already.

(Am I the only one relieved as all hell to see that 90% of the commentators caught on, now that all the posts are up?)

Posted by: Ranylt at April 2, 2007 8:07 AM

For your credit, you had me believe it for a while. I was about to post a "hey it's April 1st comment" too... until I realised it would have been kinda lame, and I though it was curious no one else did.
I don't know which comments are depressing the most: At least the Sister Act / article appreciation ones have the merits of perhaps being in on the joke.

Posted by: Sunsneezer at April 2, 2007 8:18 AM

Oh my! I am so sorry I missed this yesterday! heh-heh! Very nice!

Posted by: Armando at April 2, 2007 9:16 AM

Saw it in the theater.

I was 14, cut me some slack!

Posted by: litelysalted at April 2, 2007 10:14 AM

I knew it was an April Fool's prank--Paijba would never seriously laud a film in which someone won an MTV Movie Award for. I just enjoyed everyone that went crazy trying to call Pajiba out on this "defining" film.

Posted by: RD at April 2, 2007 10:20 AM

Next April 1, may I suggest placing a life-sized cardboard cutout of your bare naked ass on the edge of a very steep cliff, so we can gather & watch the sycophants plunge to their deaths, lemming-like.

Posted by: James at April 2, 2007 12:12 PM


I've been thinking about this- although I called Pajiba's bluff yesterday afternoon when i read the article, in NO WAY did I realize it had anything to do with April 1st. And I was sort of very confused. So we have the lovers (who may have been in on the joke), the haters (who were so quick to slam everyone with 'it's April 1st dummies!!!' and me, the naive, innocent, moron who sort of figured it out for herself but wasn't very confident about it. Interesting.

Posted by: adrianne at April 2, 2007 12:13 PM

April Fool's jokes on the internet are always interesting, just for the end results.

Posted by: redrighthand at April 2, 2007 12:33 PM

goddammit, now i'm going to have "oh, maria" stuck in my head all day.

Posted by: the-ian at April 2, 2007 12:57 PM

You guys got me. Good one.

Posted by: wandereraz at April 2, 2007 2:10 PM

So...Seth really isn't a teddy bear underneath?

*weeps*

You guys are good. You had me going for a second.

Posted by: zambonigirl at April 2, 2007 2:48 PM

Oh yes, I'm a VERY late commenter to this review (I was travelling yesterday), but I just finished, and it's my lunch hr so I skipped the always-excellent comments section (which I'll go back to) just to capture my precise feeling right now: D, you nailed me soooo baddd on that one!
I've prided my ability to have escaped an April Fool's joke for many years previous, and just because it's April 2nd now doesn't reverse the totality of which I was completely taken in; indeed, in the most perfect way, I think getting fooled the day after, as I'd simply forgotten all about it yesterday, makes it all the more genius.
On a more serious side note, I've gone through a rather thought-provoking and simply tragic number of documentaries lately, including 'Wal-mart: High Cost of Low Price', 'Iraq Uncovered', 'Who Killed the Electric Car', etc., courtesy of the greatest club ever, Netflix. But all this downer viewing hasn't helped my bipolar disorder much, and combining that with the sad, insane state that things generally everywhere are nowadays, I could very well have put a bullet through my head before I got through that last paragraph, whimpering a plaintiff wail as I snuffed my life out thinking that you were actually, really serious.
Very thin line between laughing until you're crying out of relief and wanting to end your life before you have to suffer another second of shock. I think I'm beginning to take you Pajibans way more seriously than I should.

Posted by: TMax at April 2, 2007 2:49 PM

so I guess the word gullible ISN'T written on my ceiling? I guess I should stop looking.

Seriously though, I did love the snot out of this movie....when it was released...and I was 11.

Posted by: theresa at April 2, 2007 2:52 PM

plaintiff wail- is that some kind of combo legal/primal scream therapy?

Posted by: anikitty at April 2, 2007 3:12 PM

I was reading this thing thinking "Are you fucking serious???!!!" Then I saw the signoff. Nice. but I have one thing to say...

Whoopi giving her voice to Gaia on Captain Planet was the fucking BOMB!!!! But alas, that is her only piece of work I can validate as I believe anyone without eyebrows is a cyborg, and therefor, not an actor. Eyebrows are key.

Posted by: PissBoy at April 2, 2007 3:49 PM

Well, I found it extremely hard to believe but it never occurred to me that it was an April Fools prank..
April Fool's goes by every year in my life, uneventfully boring. Finally, I've had a prank played on me! You at Pajiba have made me feel very special. Thanks!

Posted by: Ari at April 2, 2007 7:32 PM

Oh, the pleasure of reading the comments for this "review." I'm still laughing out loud. The lemmings kissing the butts of Pajiba writers made my afternoon. Brilliant! If Pajiba loves it, it must be good. Let me write a couple hundred words defending the choice of Sister Act.

Almost as funny as the lemmings, are the pretentious writers (Landon, among other) with the carefully worded essay on what defines a generation.

I love April Fools Day!

"If this turns in to a nun movie review Web site, I'm going somewhere elese."

Kudos Pajiba! Kudos!

Posted by: Bill M at April 2, 2007 7:41 PM

I know how Pajiba readers love to correct spelling and grammar.

I meant "others" and "else"

April Fools Rocks!

Posted by: Bill M. at April 2, 2007 7:42 PM

April Fool's huh! I totally fell for it newbie that I am. *cringing in shame* That said, those posters who proceed to call those of us who fell for it DUMBASSES or what not, can kiss the fattest part of my ass( * )

Posted by: rose no thorns at April 2, 2007 8:49 PM

Really it's quite fat.

Posted by: rose no thorns at April 2, 2007 8:56 PM

I am SO over April Fool's Day... Mostly because I fucking fell for about five posts this year, yours included. Kudos, Mr. Rowles. The hardest part about an April Fool's joke is finding the right balance between believability and outlandishness. At first, I read the article and thought it was a well-written review of a film that I hadn't seen in a while but didn't remember being as good as said.

Basically, you got me. I was about to go out and see Sister Act again just to see what the hell all the fuss was about.

Posted by: Ben at April 3, 2007 1:23 AM

i too hope to one day write a piece of inspirational writing on a defining moment in modern history. Sister Act is a brilliant movie to practice with.

Posted by: cassie at April 3, 2007 8:26 AM

I actually enjoyed Sister Act. I feel sad now.

Posted by: piedlourde at April 3, 2007 9:57 AM

april fools or not, Sister Act is a great movie to watch on the dingy television in the corner of an empty, dirty pizza place after you and yr jewish friend have just had "fun" sex (usually he and i would role-play the Robert Wisdom / Selma Blair rape scene from Story Telling) and need to enjoy some high quality kitsch.

i mean, it's not like local channels ever show anything REALLY good like Beyond the Valley of the Dolls on a wednesday afternoon.

Posted by: dfox at April 3, 2007 11:05 AM

Jesus Christ - don't DO that ever again.

Posted by: courtney at April 3, 2007 1:55 PM

April 1 or not, I was willing to accept your cogent argument that Sister Act was the defining movie of our age until I got to the part where you claim that the Supremes sang "My Guy." Tsk tsk. That was Mary Wells.

Posted by: ak at April 3, 2007 5:47 PM

Of course this was an April Fools post.

"Sister Act II" is much, much better than the original. Everytime Lauryn Hill opens her mouth (to sing), this flick lights up the room and you'd have to be a resident curmudgeon of Ruthless.com not to enjoy those great all-teen dance numbers.

Bitches.

Posted by: matt at April 3, 2007 9:24 PM

Shit so this mean I can't nominate 'The Joy of Sex' as a generation defining movie?

Posted by: Candy at April 4, 2007 12:14 AM

Although Landon fell for the joke, I have to say I enjoyed and was impressed with his writing. Would Pajiba be looking for a new writer?

All in all it was Fun Fun!

Posted by: g3 at April 6, 2007 3:25 AM

This better not become a nun bar.

Posted by: Adrienne at April 20, 2007 2:00 AM