Joyful Noise is a delightful little film about
the political inner workings of a denominational church choir. It stars one of
my favorite comedic actors, Queen Latifah, who plays Vi Rose Hill, a single
mother of two teens from small town, USA.
The movie opens with Vi being chosen as the next choir director
over the former director’s wife, GG Sparrow. GG is played by the quirky Dolly
Parton, complete with tight waist, round hips, and big hair, and a penchant for
sass that plays well against Latifah’s loud, boisterous wit. Landing the
coveted position was no small feat for Vi, since GG’s habit of dangling her
money in front of the pastor’s nose usually gets her what she wants. But Vi
wins the day, committing to work hard and help prepare the traditional music
program for the upcoming choir competition.
GG, on the other hand, has other ideas. She wants to bring in a
more secular, upbeat flair to the program so that the church can finally win a
championship. As expected, sparks fly as these two ladies from very different
backgrounds and cultures go head to head to take control of the choir’s road to
winning a title. Case in point - when GG’s talented grandson, Randy, comes to
town, GG sees this as an opportunity to infuse change, but Vi will hear none of
it. Not even when Randy demonstrates his superb musical abilities.
An aside—the Randy character is played by the up-and-coming
Jeremy Jordan, who is adorable and multi-talented (Tony Award nominee) and can
now be seen on the TV show, Smash.
With the success of Hollywood musicals of late, I predict we will be seeing
more of him in the years to come, so be on the look-out!
Once Randy hears the powerful, anointed singing voice of Vi’s
lovely daughter, Olivia (played by Keke Palmer), he falls hard for her and a
romance blossoms. Their sweet relationship only makes Vi suspicious of his
intentions and makes her dig her heels in that much more. For Vi, traditional
music is the only way to properly worship the Lord, but like GG and Randy,
Olivia begins to see things differently. When Olivia rebels against her mother,
more trouble ensues. She reaches out to her father, Vi’s absentee husband, but
that only makes things worse. In addition to that, Vi’s son Walter, who suffers
from Asperger’s Syndrome, has trouble fitting in and expresses his doubts
concerning God. Despite her hard demeanor, Vi shows what a great mother she is
by giving him wonderful, godly guidance and encouragement. These moments were
my favorite part of the movie.
As Randy succeeds in introducing his new, popular songs into the choir’s
program, Vi feels she must quit, because the Lord is not being properly
glorified. With no leader and a slim chance at winning the competition, the
pastor decides to withdraw the choir’s entry into the competition, claiming
budgetary constraints. To GG and the rest of the choir members, a chance to
compete is a wonderful opportunity to make a joyful noise unto the Lord. A
last-minute plan is hatched and the choir competes. And what a terrific show it
is!
There are some very funny scenes involving ancillary characters that many may
not think are appropriate for a Christian film, but admittedly, it’s hard not
to laugh. I tried to bite my tongue, but failed miserably. In the more
family-friendly story line, Latifah is a scene-stealer with a wonderful
sequence at a hotel with Olivia where she explodes with a clever combination of
seriousness and hilarity outside the hotel elevator—it is priceless. I’d see
the movie again just to see Latifah “go off” at the Olivia character once more.
Also, a hilarious scene in a restaurant where Latifah and Parton get into a cat
fight was quite entertaining. I marvel that Dolly Parton still maintains her
buxom looks after all these years.
Overall, the movie is a delightful, feel-good family film with
Christian and faith-based elements, plus toe-tapping music that brings a smile
to the face—especially from Latifah. It isn’t a deep, cerebral story, but it’s
just perfect for a night of gentle entertainment that brings joy to the heart!
Enjoy this little gem of a picture!
Here's a hilarious picture of my mother with a lioness in South Africa. I told her she looks like a munchkin next to this huge creature. She and Dad had a wonderful trip in what she described as one of the most beautiful countries in the world!
Here is my table, set and ready for a day of celebration tomorrow. See my blog post on neighborhoodbiblestudy.blogspot.com for my position on bunnies and eggs. Everyone have a great weekend and rejoice, for He is Risen!!! Thank you Lord for bringing us abundant, zoe life! 
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My handsome son and his lovely date are off to the Walton Prom this evening. Very proud of them - they grow up so fast. A well-mannered, impressive group of 36 young ladies and gentlemen boarded the party bus and headed off to dinner and prom. After party to follow - will see him tomorrow morning and hear all the news!.jpg)
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