The Pope Must Die

Synopsis

In the comedic 1991 film 'The Pope Must Die,' Robbie Coltrane stars as Cardinal Angelo, a rotund and jolly clergyman who unexpectedly finds himself thrust into the papal seat. While initially misaligned with the church's strict traditions, Cardinal Angelo’s larger-than-life personality and unconventional methods lend a fresh perspective to the Catholic Church. As he navigates the absurd realities of papal life, like managing secretive Vatican politics and dealing with the clashing views of the clergy, he aims to bring a sense of humanity and humor to the position. However, his unorthodox ideas have their consequences, leading to a hilarious yet poignant exploration of tradition versus change. The film is both a satire and a heartfelt commentary on leadership and faith, filled with quirky twists and amusing encounters that make it a standout comedy of its time.

Cast

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  Robbie Coltrane

  Albinizi, The Pope

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  Beverly D'Angelo

  Veronica Dante

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  Alex Rocco

  Cardinal Rocco

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  Adrian Edmondson

  Father Rookie

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  Paul Bartel

  Monsignor Fitchie

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  Herbert Lom

  Vittorio Corelli

Reviews

Critics had mixed feelings about 'The Pope Must Die,' with an overall rating of 5.1/10 on IMDb and a mere 29% approval on Rotten Tomatoes. Some praised Coltrane's performance, noting that he brought a warm and humorous charm to the role. 'Robbie Coltrane gives a standout performance, capturing both the gravity and humor needed for the role,' said a reviewer from The Guardian. On the other hand, many critics felt the film fell short in its comedic execution. A review from Empire Magazine noted, 'While the premise holds promise for satire, the execution often feels forced and lacks the cleverness it aspires to.' Audience feedback mirrored critical sentiments, with some expressing disappointment over the film’s pacing and plot development. Metacritic users rated it with a score indicative of average reviews, commenting, 'It's an interesting concept, but ultimately the film struggles to find its comedic rhythm.' Despite its flaws, fans of offbeat comedies find value in its unique premise and Coltrane’s endearing presence, making it a curious watch for genre enthusiasts.