OK for kids 12+
Uplifting but cliched film has great songs, bland story.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that, overall, Joyful Noise is more wholesome than not, despite some swearing (including "s--t" and "bitch") and sexual content (kissing/making out; implied sex between adults). Set in a struggling Georgia town where the only thing giving residents hope is a church choir on the way to the regional sing-off, the movie also has some moderate conflict between choir members, a fist fight that leaves two teens bloody and bruised, and angry confrontations between a teenage girl yearning for independence and her mother, who wants to protect her. But the characters generally want the best for each other, and the movie's underlying uplifting messages are about faith and spirituality.
- Families can talk about Joyful Noise's messages. What do you think filmmakers want audiences to take away? How can you tell?
- Are the characters (particularly the teens) believable? Do you think their decisions are relatable?
- Talk about the relationship between Olivia and her mother. Why are they fighting? Is it possible they're both right?
The good stuff
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Messages: A dying Georgia town has little to cheer except the church choir that's on the way to the regional sing-off championship, and even the people who are losing their jobs and struggling to keep their families together in tough times find joy in singing and their faith.
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Role models: Just about everyone in this film is decent, trying to do the right thing. They may not always agree on what that is, and they sometimes get into heated arguments, but everyone basically wants only the best for everyone else.
What to watch for
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Violence: Three teen boys get into a fight that leaves two of them bruised and bleeding. A mother and daughter get into a heated shouting match, and one of them slaps the other. All of the conflicts are later resolved amicably.
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Sex: A young couple flirts with each other in the first half of the film and exchanges a few kisses by the end. Two adults are shown making out feverishly; they're next seen the following morning, with the implication being that they slept together. A woman earns, perhaps unfairly, a unique reputation after a man dies in her bed.
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Language: Occasional swearing includes ""s--t," "ass," "bitch," "damn," "hell," "oh my God," and "pissed off." A mother and daughter repeatedly say "bulls--t" during an argument.
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Consumerism: A few brands appear onscreen, including Sanyo televisions and Wyndham hotels. A wealthy character sometimes flaunts her money, including her indulgence in cosmetic surgery.
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Not an issue
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Pure Love, With Strong Musical Presence and "A" List Performances. by Alon Patterson
Entertaining, joyous and downright beautiful. What more can you ask from a movie? Parton and Latifah lead a genuine cast to musical perfection here. What this movie lacks in dialogue, it more than makes up for in soundtrack. If you aren't touched by this one, you're too cold for life. What a refreshing thing it is to experience this resurgence in film making that relies on story, characters and music, rather than vile humor or macabre ghoulishness to put butts in the seats. Plainly speaking, it's also nice to see celebrities who aren't afraid to express their faith in public for fear of backlash or ridicule from the entrenched sociopaths now selecting our video entertainment for us by limiting our access to moderately wholesome media. Simply not true here. This film transcends the "faith based" label and delivers solid and CLEAN entertainment for everyone. A couple of contemporary naughty words are included as a nod to today's standards but see it. You won't be disappointed.
5
Tear Jerker Approved by FabAnt2010
It was beautifully done & directed.. It definitely had a lot of "Hairspray" similarities in regards to singing & such! I enjoyed the story line very much & could definitely relate to each of the characters. It allowed me to reflect on my own life & what improvements I can & now will make through HIS EYES! I definitely would recommend everyone to see this movie! Queen Latifah & Dolly Parton are a power house combination! You can do & be anything you set your mind to! It goes without saying that you can "Dream A Whole Lot Louder"
5
OH MY GOD by kammy10716
THAT MOVIE WAS SUCH A GOOD MOVIE. IT WAS A MIX OF GOSPEL, ROMANCE, AAND COMEDY. THIS MOVIE WAS SO GOOD YOU COULD CRY FROM LAUGHTER.
P.S. IF YOU DONT SEE THIS MOVIE SOON YOU'LL BE OUT OF LUCK
5
Joyful Noise - A Feel Good Movie by Buzzbarnes
We enjoyed the movie very much although we found it to be quite predictable. If you're a Sister Act fan, you'll see alot of similarities. Overall, the music was wonderful and surfaced some new talent as well as confirmed our love for Queen Latifah and Dolly. It is definitely worth the spend. The messages are strong about life in general, the struggles most people encounter in their lifetimes in raising their kids, and most certainly the times where we question our faith when the times become a challenge. Overall, the move was a very pleasant experience.
5
JOYFUL NOISe by cfauntleroy
Awesome music and acting...best movie I have seen in a very long time
5
JOYFUL NOISE by eaglemom1
I WENT WITH A COUPLE OF FRIENDS OF MINE & WE LAUGHED & CRYED THRU THIS MOVIE! I LOVED IT! MADE YOU WANT TO FEEL AS IF YOU WANTED TO BE RIGHT IN THERE WITH THEM! I MYSELF CAN SEE IT OVER & OVER. CAN'T WAIT TILL IT COMES OUT ON DVD! VERY GOOD STORY LINE! DOLLY PARTON STILL HAS IT!! LOVE HER & ALWAYS WILL!! THIS IS FOR ANYONE!! ALL AGES! I WON'T GO TO MOVIES THAT ARE RATED R. THIS ONE DID NOT HAVE ANY SEX SCENES OR THE "F" WORD!! TOO EVERYONE WHO WORKED ON THIS MOVIE, THANK YOU!! I LOVED IT!!
4
Joyful Noise by dafamily
Amazing! Queen and Dolly are a dynamic comedienne duo. What timing. Each supporting character was equally engaging, witty, and what talent. Really enjoyed the film, and was able to hold back the tears until the end. Only wished it upheld all the Christan values Larry Levinson upholds in his Hallmark Movies.
5
JoyFul Noise by sdarby410
Joyful Noise was one of the best movies I have seen in awhile. I would highly recommend it. It was very uplifting. I took my 14 year old daughter to see, or she took me. I was really not that excited about it. I thought it was going to be corny but It was really one of the best movies I have ever seen. We both really loved it. I wouldn't mind going back again just for the music alone.
4
joyful noise - by senior fan
They could not find a more appropriate title. Predictable, every cliche in the book used to evoke the emotion they are going for. Some would call the film blatant fan manipulation, and I loved it. It felt good to feel something good for two hours. The message of tolerance, loving one another, forgiveness, compassion is not subtle at all...but anytime they want to throw another one like this at me....I'm in, way in.
5
Good movie, wonderful music by mommejen
Loved this movie - the music was uplifting, and the characters were great. Love Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah.
The ending number when they sing at the competition was amazing. Really glad I saw this over the weekend - probably going to see it again (I'm a sucker for movies that have good music)