Joyful Noise

Joyful Noise is a modern day musical film that focuses around a church choir in southern Georgia. The movie follows the choir as they attempt to win a national gospel choir competition. On the road to victory, the choir faces a dead director, conflicting views, and a rival church group. The choir not only faces conflict with the other church group, but also conflict amongst themselves. The newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill, played by Queen Latifah, rivals with G.G. Sparrow, played by Dolly Parton, a long time funder of the church, but while the two women are fighting, Vi Rose’s daughter and G.G.’s grandson are making a deeper connection. The young couple must fight to stay together and help the choir bring back a national winning title.

Queen Latifah’s Vi Rose was a typical character for her and this role was not an uncommon one for her to star in. Dolly Parton gave a sassy performance as G.G. Sparrow and proved that, even though her face as not, she had grown with age. Keke Palmer played Latifah’s daughter, Olivia, and did an excellent job as the sweet, maturing teen. Dexter Darden played Olivia’s brother, Walter, who had a severe case of Asperger Syndrome. Darden’s character was very believable and ended up being one of my favorites. Jeremy Jordan, who played G.G.’s grandson, was dorky but loveable, and did the part well.

Overall, Joyful Noise was a fun and playful movie that is perfect for family night. I would recommend it to anyone who doesn’t mind a little music in their movies.