Movie Review: Joyful Noise
I’ll admit it: When I saw the ubiquitous trailer for Joyful Noise, I thought, this movie came out 10 years ago. It was called Sister Act. Then I thought. Wait – maybe it was called The Fighting Temptations, the God-awful 2003 movie about another small-town choir hoping to win a big competition. I’m happy to report, very quickly into the movie I learned the similarities between those films were few. While the plot isn’t terribly exciting – and you likely already know how it will end – the talent and the well-written script still make Joyful Noise worth the ride.
It begins with the death of choir director Bernard Sparrow (Kris Kristofferson) right after the Packashaw Sacred Divinity Choir makes it to the semifinals of the National Joyful Noise Competition. When the church appoints his second-in-command Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) the new director instead of his widow G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton), it lends itself to a rivalry that isn’t helped by G.G.’s high school dropout grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) putting the moves on Vi’s church girl daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer).
Vi is strict, over-protective, and old-fashioned, wanting the choir to stick with traditional numbers as they prepare for the Joyful Noise Competition finals. She also feels deserted by her military husband, who re-enlisted and left her to raise a teenage daughter and son with Asperger’s syndrome. Though she wants “bad boy” Randy far away from her daughter, we see his heart as he bonds with Vi’s son through music.
Even non-believers should find something melodious about Joyful Noise. Though set in a church, the “religious” moments are sprinkled about in palatable bites, not shoved down throats a la Tyler Perry. And the dialogue feels more authentic than many recent inspirational movies. With grace and levity, it manages to tackle some serious topics like loss, social isolation, and the unforgiving economy. Kudos to writer/director Todd Graff for seamlessly integrating an interracial romance that focuses on the romance and not race.
At 65, Dolly Parton certainly holds her own with the young cast around her. It’s a delight to see her trade barbs with Latifah and even dance with the choir. Her face is snatched and tucked, yes, which plays well for her glamorous and feisty character. She is savvy and soulful, and indeed her scenes provide some of the film’s more comedic moments.
Dolly Parton (from left), Keke Palmer, and Queen Latifah in “Joyful Noise.”
Photo by Van Redin – © 2011 Alcon Film Fund, LLC.
As for the music: It’s a musical, yes, but not in a High School Musical sense, as the actors all have amazing voices. The big finale blends contemporary music with classic gospel, and save for a few scenes of white boys trying a little too hard to dance, it’s a fun time. Joyful Noise loses some points for its predictability, but it is a feel-good movie with heart, laughs and lessons.
