Review: Joyful Noise

This week marks the return of Dolly Parton to the big screen for the first time since Straight Talk, 20 years ago (though she voiced a character in 2011's Gnomeo & Juliet). Joyful Noise pits her against Queen Latifah in a battle of the busts I like to think of as "Gospel Glee."

All joking aside, Joyful Noise is a family-friendly comedy in the same vein as Footloose with a wholesome message that doesn't get in the way of the fun. Writer/director Todd Graff (Bandslam, The Beautician and the Beast) has a definite hit in this movie.

The Pacashau Sacred Divinity Choir is in the middle of a performance when long-time director Bernard Sparrow (Kris Kristofferson) suffers a fatal heart attack. In order to continue to the annual Joyful Noise gospel competition, the church leaders must choose between his wife, G.G. (Parton) and Vi Rose Hill (Latifah), who has been his second for many years.

The return of G.G's grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) increases the tension between the two women as Randy, a misfit with a bad reputation, immediately begins to charm Vi's daughter, Olivia (Keke Palmer). Much like Kenny Wormald's Ren in Craig Brewer's 2011 remake of Footloose (my review), Randy is a perfect gentleman who never does anything to earn his poor reputation, and the characters, particularly Vi, must overcome their predispositions as with his great musical talents he remolds and modernizes the choir. (Another Footloose connection, actress Ziah Colon, has a small part in one scene.)

A number of subplots in Joyful Noise bring to light each supporting character, such as Vi Rose's son Walter (Dexter Darden) dealing with social awkwardness due to Asperger's syndrome, or Caleb (Andy Karl), who fears losing his job at the hardware store owned by his own father. The most engaging of these characters is Earla (Angela Grovey).  Earla has a particular problem that is best left a surprise, but the character is charming and truly funny.

Of course, as the trailer makes clear, the movie's primary story in Joyful Noise centers on Vi Rose, G.G., Randy and Olivia. The frequent catfights between Vi and G.G. provide some of the best one-liners this side of Army of Darkness. The music is pleasant with several covers and three new tracks written by Dolly. She and Latifah don't really open up their pipes until the big finale, but that's a moment worth the wait.

Joyful Noise opens in theaters today, and I can't wait to see how the film performs at the box office. A great ensemble cast, hilarious script, and catchy music all make this a fantastic reason to visit the cineplex this weekend.