Joyful Noise: Glee Meets Gospel Cinema

KeKe Palmer, Dolly Parton, Queen Latifah Star

Joyful Noise tells the story of a small town church choir in Pacashau, Georgia, whose director, Bernard, played by Chris Christopherson, passes away. The job of director is left to Vi Rose Hill, played by Queen Latifah. Bernard's widow, G. G. Sparrow, played by Dolly Parton, feels that she should be the one to take over the choir.

Vi Rose continues to direct the choir in the traditional gospel style approved of by their pastor, but G. G. wants to take it in a more contemporary direction. Vi Rose is a tough woman raising two teenagers, Olivia, played by Keke Palmer, and Walter, played by Dexter Darden, alone while her husband is in the military.

Dolly Parton vs Queen Latifah

G. G. is a fashion conscious, over the top, goody-two-shoes woman caring for her rebellious, but very talented grandson Randy, played by Jeremy Jordan (late of Broadway's failed Bonnie & Clyde but soon-to-open in Newsies) A romance blossoms between Olivia and Randy, much to the disapproval of Vi Rose.

Vi Rose manages to bring the choir to the finals in the Joyful Noise competition, but they are beat out by another choir that is eventually disqualified for hiring professionals -Vi Rose's choir is back in the competition.

When hard times hit the small town and the pastor threatens to shut down the choir due to budget cuts, Vi Rose and G. G. must come together to save their choir and inspire the small town in which they live.

Gospel Legends Kirk Frankline and Karen Peck

According to Michael Smith from MediaMikes, "The films strongest scenes take place when everyone gathers and lifts their voices. The songs here are powerful. Gospel fans will enjoy hearing not only Latifah and Parton but Gospel legends Kirk Franklin and Karen Peck."

John Belfus of Commercial Appeal says, "How do you win a national gospel competition? 'Give me some of that Sly Stone funk!' shouts Latifah. Also performed: Paul McCartney's 'Maybe I'm Amazed,' re-purposed as a Jesus anthem." The film features the songs: "Fix Me, Jesus" as well as pop hits like "Man in the Mirror", Stevie Wonder's "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours" and Usher's "Yeah" with the lyric "God and I are the best of homies."

Critics Mixed re Joyful Noise

Richard Roeper says, "This movie is a cloying, over-the-top, cheesy sing-a-long that makes Glee seem subtle." Colin Covert of the Minneapolis Star Tribune says, "Joyful Noise is a sort of Wal-Mart movie, not exactly trendsetting but a decent enough offering for the heartland."

It got only 34% on Rotten Tomatoes from the critics, but audiences gave it a 72% approval rating.

Director Todd Graff Has Weak Boxoffice

Joyful Noise was written and directed by Todd Graff who directed both Camp and Bandslam, and produced by Warner Bros. It opened in theatres on January 13, 2012 and since its release has made $26,728,000 at the box office.

The film's musical numbers are refreshing and soulful and will make you want to sing all the way home from the theater. To give the last word to Tasha Robinson of the AV Club, "Plenty of movies preach to the choir; this one literally does it with a choir. Like so many underdog movies, Joyful Noise will go over best with those who show up hugely eager for it to be exactly what it looks like, and to tell them exactly what they want to hear."