The almost nonexistent plot is an excuse to do something between the rousing musical numbers. The trouble starts when choirmaster Bernard Sparrow (Kris Kristofferson in a cameo) succumbs to a heart attack. When Christian stalwart Vi Rose (Latifah) takes over, she alienates Sparrow's hellfire widow, G.G. (Parton), who wanted her husband's job and feels entitled to it. Adding to the instantly complicated relationship between these two is the budding relationship of Olivia (Keke Palmer), Vi's spirited teen daughter, and Randy (Jeremy Jordan), the hormonal grandson of G.G. Of course, as in any film of this type, there is a national singing competition that stands to bring everyone together, but the pesky back-and-forth between G.G. and Vi does not make things easy. A knockdown, drag-out catfight in a local restaurant where Vi works a day job is pure hokum. Still, watching these two divas tear each other's hair out is a hoot.
This film really lives for the musical numbers, and under the assured direction of Todd Graff ("Bandslam," "Camp"), "Joyful Noise" is a reason to celebrate. It will have audiences dancing in the aisles for sure. But without the right chemistry in its casting, the whole soulful soufflé would fall apart. Latifah knows her way around this kind of material, and it rolls off her like butter. If there's a complaint, it would be that her character is a little too reined in, particularly compared with Parton. Still, she's more than able to sock home the heart of the piece.
It is also great to see Parton back in a starring role in a feature film (her last was in 1992's "Straight Talk"), even though she isn't stretching as an actor. Parton's film persona since hitting it big in "Nine to Five" is rather one-note, a countrified and warm presence, and she always seems to be playing herself. Nothing wrong with that; it's clearly what her fans want to see, and this outing is a big improvement on junk projects such as "Rhinestone." Palmer, so good in "Akeelah and the Bee," is a fresh presence, and Jordan has the right musical chops. Gospel legend Kirk Franklin also has a welcome cameo.
"Joyful Noise" may not be great art, but it's a fun diversion.
Genre: Musical
Written by Todd Graff
Directed by Todd Graff
Starring Queen Latifah, Dolly Parton, Keke Palmer, Jeremy Jordan
