Dolly Parton Returns to the Big Screen in ‘Joyful Noise’

Dolly Parton and Queen Latifah square off in Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise.”

The movie, set in the small town of Pacashau, Ga., centers on a church choir that hopes to lift the town’s spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition. The two stars of the choir, Vi Rose Hill (Latifah) and G.G. Sparrow (Parton) have different ideas as to how to succeed. Complicating matters even further is the relationship between G.G.’s grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) and Vi Rose’s daughter Olivia (Keke Palmer). G.G. and Vi Rose must put their differences aside for the good of the town and the choir.

Michael Phillips of the Chicago Tribune writes, “The movie's all right, if you can take its rampant artificiality — and I'm not even talking about Parton's face yet." Phillips praises some of the musical performances, but concludes “the cast of 'Joyful Noise' is dealing with adequate material, at best, and the noise is more dutiful than joyful.”

Here’s what other critics had to say: 

If some incarnation of “Glee” were to be developed for the Christian Broadcasting Network, it would probably look a lot like “Joyful Noise.” – Star News Online

"Joyful Noise," sort of a "Glee!"-meets-gospel music choral competition musical, makes a pleasant enough racket. A cheerful, not-quite-off-color crowd-pleaser that rarely breaks formula, it's the big screen equivalent of a sloppy smooch from your over-affectionate aunt over the holidays. You grimace. You stand there and take it. And you don't let anybody see you grin afterward. – Kansas City Star 

"Joyful Noise" is cheerful testament to the theory that if you cast your movie right, nothing else much matters. – The Seattle Times

The faithful in this choir, who require no preaching to, will adore Joyful Noise, but it will stir painful memories of 1970s made-for-TV movies in the rest of us. There’s no sin in making a movie with an inspirational message, but there must be a way to do it that doesn’t leave you feeling like you are covered in a sticky film as the credits roll. Let the congregation say Amen. – The Toronto Star 

Do you plan to go see “Joyful Noise” or is this a must-rent? Tell us in the comments.

Showtimes: Great Escape 14

Ready to see "Joyful Noise"? Head to , 2160 Hamilton Creek Parkway. For more theater information and links to showtimes and pricing,  or call 678-482-0624.