Synchronised-gymnastic-cycling nuns, drunk table-dancing nuns and habit-wind-surfing nuns are just some of the nun-based hijinks on offer in this charming underdog comedy. Set in the sun-kissed Jura mountains, Oh My Goodness! follows a small band of eccentric – you guessed it – nuns, as they enter into a professional cycling race in hopes of using the large cash prize to save a local nursing home from closure. The only snag being that they are ludicrously inept in almost every way. Chaos ensues.
The rich green grass and golden, early-summer light of the French mountains provide a lush playground for the zany ensemble cast to spark and spar off each other. They are clearly having a fun time, from the mischievous, one-time biker gang member nun, to the accident prone, though seemingly immortal elder of the group, to the cold and calculating Mother Superior of a rival convent. The cast enthusiastically bounce from skit to skit and through multiple montages, including a particularly ridiculous and sweet one imagining what being BFFs with the Pope would look like.
Whilst the film heavily relies on physical, slapstick pratfalls, the script is also full of sly witticisms, aimed mostly, with affectionate gentle ribbing, at the Catholic church – “We’ll hit them with our strongest weapon – Catholic guilt!” On the whole, the comedy stylings may be too broad and goofy for some, but for those willing to be swept along with the free-wheeling bicycles, Oh My Goodness! provides a delightful detour into picturesque escapism.
Oh My Goodness! is screening at Plymouth Arts Cinema from Friday 21st – Thursday 27th March
Reviewed by Matthew Onuki Luke
