Queen Latifah heads up the cast of the new Warner Bros. film “Joyful Noise,” opening on January 13, 2012. Dolly Parton and Kris Kristofferson, who also star in this comedy/drama/musical, let their “light shine” on the silver screen because they are veteran performers who seem to be enjoying themselves and each other’s company.
Shine a Light
Kristofferson’s role is small yet important, and entertainers Parton and Latifah shine brightest when they are singing the uplifting spiritual music throughout the movie. They also light up the screen when their characters bear witness to God’s love and his amazing grace.
Sweet but Unfocused
The problem with “Joyful Noise” is that writer/director Todd Graff may have bitten off more than he could chew with this movie. The family-friendly script, although touching and sweet, is unfocused and has too many story lines going on at one time. It also tries too hard to please the masses by attempting to be a comedy, drama, musical, and even a social commentary or barometer, which comes off a bit preachy and insincere at times.
Interracial romance, race issues, prejudice, the current economic state of the country, unemployment, death, medical diseases, and displacement were perhaps too much for Graff to take on, especially in the context of a film suited for families. The film’s “Glee”-style feel-good approach will probably not win over movie critics and industry peers.
Graff’s last two films were “Bandslam” (2009) and “Camp” (2003). In the 70s, Graff appeared on the kids’ show “The Electric Company.” “Joyful Noise” may have fared better in the hands of a more experienced and focused director.
Robert Duvall’s “The Apostle”
Another film that dealt with God, faith, and social issues, but in a far superior manner, was Robert Duvall’s “The Apostle.” The movie tackled infidelity, racism, poverty, redemption, and even death head on. Duvall wrote, directed, and starred in this 1997 film, earning him The Chicago Film Critics Association Award and Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor for his portrayal of flawed preacher Euliss “Sonny” Dewey. He was also nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor but lost out to Jack Nicholson.
Duvall’s mature approach to the wonderful indie “The Apostle” was no surprise to critics. He is a seasoned actor, sharing the screen with Billy Bob Thornton, June Carter Cash, Miranda Richardson, and Farrah Fawcett. The brutally honest direction and writing helped shape the movie; kept it focused and character-driven; and made it respectable, moving, at times heartbreaking, but very real and inspiring.
Keeping It Real
Family-friendly movies and “feel good” endings are part of what Hollywood blockbusters are known for throughout history, and there can be “magic” onscreen when all the elements of a film come together. The casting, script, acting, direction, music, costumes, and even the extras have to be plausible. In “The Apostle,” Duvall managed to wrangle up regular townspeople from the Louisiana area as extras who had no acting experience. It gave his film authenticity and incredible believability. Unfortunately, I cannot say the same about the extras employed in “Joyful Noise.”
It was great to see Dolly’s “new” face, and her Southern charm, voice, and style have always made me smile. Queen Latifah is a very gifted person and singer as well as a powerful force on screen. The film’s newcomer, Jeremy Jordan, will probably become a household name due to his good looks and charisma. “Joyful Noise” will probably do well at the box office, despite all of its major and minor issues.
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