“If you loved me, you’d hate him” – Walter (Dexter Darden)
Rarely do I review religious films, but I once in a while something looks so good that I don’t mind being preached to –and when that something involves Dolly Parton, then I’m there with bells on.
I always tell my husband that I want to be her when I grow up. She’s gorgeous, sweet, and an amazing country artist. When I saw that Joyful Noise was on DVD, I immediately picked it up.
The film opens with Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) and G.G. Sparrow (the lovely Dolly Parton) singing in the choir when G.G.’s husband and the leader of the choir, Bernard (Kris Kristofferson) becomes ill. He dies immediately thereafter. As the choir is entering a competition, a new leader is needed. G.G. thinks the position is going to be offered to her and is a little ruffled when they give it to Vi.
G.G is convinced that Vi pushed the envelope and urged the group to choose her. Nonetheless they begin practicing for the choir competition. The first song they sing is a wonderful rendition of my favorite Michael Jackson song, Man in the Mirror.
G.G.’s grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordon) and Vi’s daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer) begin a romance much to the chagrin of Vi and G.G. who continue to bicker. Nonetheless, when Randy is able to reach Vi’s son Walter (Dexter Darden) who suffers from Asperger’s Syndrome, Vi is touched though not touched enough to let him join the choir. She keeps denying him despite his good singing voice until they sing a rendition of Paul McCartney’s (or is it Faul McCartney’s) Maybe, I’m Amazed.
Later, Randy gets into a fight with Manny (Paul Woolfolk) who wants to bed Olivia. Olivia wants no part of him, but still he pursues. When Randy looks in trouble, Walter jumps in and helps him by kicking Manny in the nuts.
When Vi find outs about the house she bans Randy. Olivia runs to Randy and G.G.’s house. When G.G. leaves the kitchen to give them some private time, they start making out. When it gets too intimate, G.G. jumps in and politely puts a stop to it.
Later, Randy surprises Olivia by calling her father who is in the army. They drive mile away without telling Vi and are out most of the night. Walter and Vi sit worrying and end up having one of the best conversations I’ve seen in a religious film. Walter asks Vi how she can love God when God was the one who burdened him with Asperger’s Syndrome. He’s crying and the acting of Darden is amazing. It pulls your heartstrings while at the same time asking the question that nearly everyone who has a belief in a creator, asks at some point. How can a loving God create or permit disease, pain or death? It’s a question that these types of films usually don’t delve into and it was extremely interesting to see this one jump in so strongly.
When Vi forbids Randy from seeing Olivia, the build between the two is so strong and the chemistry is fantastic that the audience is forced to long for the two to be together. Both Jordan and Palmer are so great in their roles and so easily captivate.
Without question Queen Latifah and the elegant and gorgeous Dolly Parton do a fantastic job. Their fight in the restaurant is hilarious. The television and musical veterans guide the side stories wonderfully. When Vi is questioning her marriage because her husband took off for two years, one can understand her hesitation. As G.G. mourns her husband, you can’t help but feel her pain. In one scene she envisions herself with Bernard and we’re treated with both Parton and Kristofferson in a duet.
The beauty of this film is that as important as the competition is, it takes a sideline to the interpersonal relationships of the characters. The music in the film is amazing. They sing a lot of the oldies which is refreshing. Sure, there’s a bit of the modern music, but it’s primarily great songs from the past.
Though this movie doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it’s portrayal of it is wonderful. Simply because of the actors the entire film is a great afternoon watch. The conclusion is most certainly a satisfactory one.
Scared Stiff Rating: 8/10
