Normally, if a studio is unhappy or not confident in a movie, they’ll bury it by releasing it in either January or August. Warner Bros. released “Joyful Noise” this past January as one of the first new films of 2012, and now it’s already out on Blu-ray/DVD. And while it does have some problems, “Joyful Noise” not a complete loss, thanks to the music.
Queen Latifah co-produced and stars as ViRose Hill, the newly appointed director of a Gospel choir for a church in a small town in Georgia. Dolly Parton plays G.G., who’s also a choir member. She wanted to be choir director so the two don’t get along.
The town is in tough financial shape, and the one thing that brings everyone together and makes them happy is cheering for the choir as they take part each year in the national “Joyful Noise” competition. They’ve never made it to the finals – but this year could be different – thanks to ViRose’s daughter (played by Keke Palmer) and G.G.’s grandson (Jeremy Jordan). They’re both great singers who bring some young energy, and some young love, to the choir.
There are also several subplots, including one involving ViRose’s son, who has Asperger’s syndrome; her husband, who’s in the military and a really weird one involving one of the choir members that doesn’t even belong in this movie.
“Joyful Noise” needed some serious editing. The 120-minutes could easily have been cut-down to 95, and it would have made for a much better film. And much of what could have gone involves the songs. The film is divided almost equally between the story and musical numbers, some that are great and others that are totally unnecessary. And all of the songs are performed in their entirety, even ones not involving any of the main characters. Parton wrote three of the tunes and she and Latifah have plenty of opportunities to prove they can still sing (though Latifiah’s solo midway through the film sadly brings everything to a stand still).
Palmer is the best singer of them all. Her version of Michael Jackson’s “Man in the Mirror” at the beginning of the movie is tremendous.
From the commercials and the trailers you may think “Joyful Noise” is simply a musical/comedy, but the film does have some dramatic elements. And there are moments when it rises above the cheesy level where it exists most of the time. All of the acting is a little forced but I have to admit I did laugh a few times during the silly fight scene in the restaurant between Parton and Latifah, even though it’s ridiculous.
“Joyful Noise” is rated PG-13 for language and brief adult content. Teens will like the young love story while fans of Parton will be thrilled to see her back on the big screen for the first time in 20-years. But the reason to see this movie is for the Gospel music. Again, not all the songs are hits, but there’s enough here to make this at least a semi-joyful experience.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Joyful Noise” gets a C+. Inspirational music overcomes an uninspired story.