A very good movie, thankfully free of special effects, dealing with a man's humble struggle with his fears of becoming a pope. It's more of a drama rather than a comedy. A bit slow at the beginning but even that goes with the plot as it pictures a Catholic church that has been extremely sluggish over the centuries when it comes to changing. A very intelligent movie. Read the New York Times review about it.

A serious subject but with endearing humour; the acting is very good, the editing precise. Better plot development would have improved Habemus Papam.

Very good and funny. It might be a little slow but the the topic is very unique. The director is a well know one in Europe, do not forget he won the palm at Cannes film festival few years ago. So not an amateur...

Funny without hitting you over the head. Good acting and thought provoking theme. Well worth seeing.

A "must see" if you are familiar with the Italian culture and the modus vivendi of the "princess of the Church", i.e. Roman Catholic. Ninno Moretti mocks them gently, and also sends a message that changes have to be made... so says the newly appointed pope, brilliantly rendered by Michel Piccoli. Would like to see it again when on DVD, and enjoy it quietly and have a few chuckles. It is regrettable that there are not more critics of this film, is it because it is the Church, Italian language? This film is a jewel.

Excellent!!! I loved the movie, it lets you see the human side of the Vatican.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Michel Piccoli plays an unlikely pope that wonders if he wants to be a pope. It is unlikely that such a person would have been elected in the first place by his peers. Also what is disturbing is that I see a pope that lies and a Vatican official that lies to the Cardinals. I guess lying is not new to the Vatican but it's still disturbing to see an absence of abnegation, maturity and faith in this person that is supposed to be the world's spiritual sheppard. I guess that this film is a metaphor of the church on one side with its well-heeled cardinals, its fleet of limousines and on the other hand, a world of faithful followers all waiting for a miracle... as Leonard Cohen would aptly sing. The film is very original and the artifice of a pope looking in from outside is a refreshing notion.

Everyone knows such a pope would never have been voted in by the cardinals in the first place. So, save your money and have a gelato instead.

A most interesting film with comedy often popping up when you least expect it. I had many good chuckles. Cleverly done with wonderful background and costumes and a whimsical choice of characters. I found this film to be not of the usual sort of comedy, that we perhaps expect to see, but a cleverly scripted tale of human anxieties, power, traditions, feelings of inadequacy, questioning ones life and ability to pursue challenges and much more. Perhaps not a film everyone will appreciate, because it is different from what we are used to, but I do recommend this film to those who can lay back with an open mind and then be transported into its scripted cleverness, visual fullness and unexpected places of sometimes subtle laughter. Well enjoyed by myself!

Not my type of movie, but great cast and a script and humour that does not appeal to me, but will appeal to some, certainly this type of humor is not for the serious religious type of people.

The movie is slow at points but this same tediousness sets up a pressure building tension that leads to a subtle yet climactic ending that has to be seen to be believed.

A good drama, funny and interesting. The cast was great. It's about faith, religion, depression, anxiety, family... it's interesting and realistic. I'm glad I won tickets and saw it.

It is an excellent movie forcing us to think about what the catholic religion is and especially what is the purpose in this day and age of keeping all those old men as keepers of our spiritual lives. It's a powerful metaphoric movie.

Granted, this is an unusual one... Not exactly a comedy, although that may be a matter of opinion. Then again, comedy is a cultural thing. The pope's character is quite touching. His vulnerability is quite moving. Wish more popes were like him. I also wish the director had spent a bit more time and effort there. Speaking of which, the director also acts in the film. Some of the scenes, one in particular, that deals with volleyball, does come across as a bit self serving. The film, in my opinion, is trying to be too many things, all at once, and consequently, there are a lot that's touched upon but never fully explored. The characters are conpelling and hence, we get drawn in, but all to often, we're left wondering, and wanting more. Definitely a film with tons of potential, that is sadly unfulfilled.

OMG what a waste. Bizarre is not even the word. Comedy? Not in my world. The point? Don't waste your money.

This was one of the strange, ludicrous and bizarre movies I have ever seen. One laughs at the craziness but there is scant comedy here. That being said, I thought Miche Piccoli's performance was nuanced and that the sets, costumes, direction and cinematography were well done.

I don't know quite how to put it, but from the radio hype I expected more of this film.

Note: User reviews posted on this page are personal opinions of our readers. We are not responsible for their content.