Joyful Noise (2012)

I am so glad I bought this movie. I have probably seen this movie at least 3 or 4 times in my lifetime. The soundtrack for this movie is all over my Spotify playlists. My favorite song is the Higher Medley especially when they cover Yeah by Usher and change the words. That's probably the best thing about this movie, the way they have arranged current songs and incorporated others into their choir. The cast is amazing too: Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan, Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah, just to name a few! Even with cast members who are less well known it is still amazing. I love how Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah play off of each other as G.G and Vi Rose. I also the relationship between Olivia and Randy. In addition, I love the family aspect. I especially love how they have a special needs character and that he finds his place as part of the band for the choir. Finally, I love how Commander Marcus Hill comes back to the family at the end. I thought the character Earla and her relationship problems was pretty cute too. TWO THUMBS WAY UP FOR JOYFUL NOISE!

Joyful Noise is one of those movies you should dismiss as feel-good corn, but because of the great music and endearing performances of the leads you end up enjoying.Vi-Rose (Queen Latifah) becomes the new leader of a gospel choir when GG's (Dolly Parton) husband dies. The rivalry between the two women forms the main storyline. Vi's daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer) falls in love with GG's wayward grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan.) All of them are involved in the choir and must work together if they are to win a major choral competition and bolster the morale of their small town, a community hit by the economic meltdown.Sound predictable? It is. But it's also a lot of fun. Queen Latifah is authentic and believable as a single mother trying to hold it together. Parton delivers some killer lines ("God didn't make plastic surgeons so they could starve"). Palmer gives a resonant performance of Michael Jackson's Man in the Mirror, and Jordan is likable, handsome and has a strong voice.

OK so I'm giving this film a 6 based soley on its feel good factor. It Would be impossible to hate a film starring both Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah, who are extremely likable comedy actresses. In Basically a Glee/Sister Act mash up that features a choir competing at sectionals and regionals, being disappointed at a loss and then finding a second chance that leads to a happily ever after scene, (deep breath) its the music that steals the show. The Gospel songs really do uplift and get your feet tapping and after watching this movie I was tempted to download "Oh Happy Days" and go on a peace mission. Anyway despite its Musical saving grace, the film just feels like a mish-mash of scenes from various scripts from other films all blended into one. There was no real need for a strange story involving one of the minor characters killing a man after sleeping with him, and whilst staying with couples, the main love story involving the two young leads was unconvincing and the major cheesy downside to the film. In Summary, Going into watching the film i was expecting a cat fight like battle for control of the choir from Parton and Latifah but was instead treated to several bland romance/family stories sandwiched in between some truly great musical moments and and an occasional chuckle worthy one liner. Worth a look if you want your day brightened, but avoided if you hate the smell of cheese.

This is a great movie. If you're looking for a bit of a laugh and enjoy music, then this music filled movie is a great choice. There are a few laughs and loads of great songs. If you're looking for a family movie with early teens, especially girls or any kids that love music, this is a good choice Glee goes to church is one way to look at it. Queen Latifah is amazing but Keke steals the show. Ignore the bad reviews, okay, this is no Schindlers List but it was never meant to be. It's a feel good, perhaps predictable movie but still very worth the watch and guaranteed to make you smile unless you are a hardened cynic that prefers to leave a cinema feeling sad or confused. Give it a go even if you are not into gospel music as there is a good mix of styles through the movie.