Joyful Noise comes alive in the performance scenes but the dramatic dialogue is so insipid that even good actors sound as though they're reading from a generic cut-and-paste script.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Aug 24, 2018

Even numbers by Paul McCartney and Michael Jackson take on a religious note. Not much of a God-given screenplay, however.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 29, 2012

Todd Graff's film sags badly in the middle and is clunky with social context (recession, Asperger's), but there's enough good heart to see you through.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 28, 2012

Actor-turned-director Todd Graff actually knows what he's doing.

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 28, 2012

As manufactured, saccharine and unsubtle as Parton, but who's to mess with a winning formula?

| Original Score: 2/5 | Jun 28, 2012

[A] mostly sweet-natured rehash of 'Sister Act 2' by way of 'Glee'...

| Original Score: 3/5 | Jun 27, 2012

A join-the-dots parade of feel-good clichés. And not in a good way.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Apr 23, 2012

I have a decided love-hate relationship with Joyful Noise.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 27, 2012

You'll find yourself rolling your eyes, but you'll have more fun if you try to roll them in time with the rollicking numbers.

| Jan 15, 2012

Has the good fortune of being acted with enthusiasm by a very appealing cast, or else it would be completely unbearable instead of just mundane.

| Original Score: C- | Jan 15, 2012

It takes the combined personalities of Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton to wring entertainment value out of Joyful Noise, which they do to some degree, but it's the lively choral music performances that partially salvage this kettle of corn.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.1/2 | Jan 13, 2012

[It] bears almost all the liabilities one gets from current studio product, including bloating.

| Original Score: 2.5/5 | Jan 13, 2012

Lots of talented young singers decorate the scenery, notably Jeremy Jordan who has vocal and acting chops that shine even in this bucket of Glee Goes Gospel cornpone.

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jan 13, 2012

It wants to be a charming, down-home good time, but it struggles to hit the right notes.

| Original Score: C- | Jan 13, 2012

Much worse things could happen to a movie than to have these two full-figured gals hold forth. Parton's willing and able to despense the Southernisms. Latifah's fierce when she needs to be.

Full Review | Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 13, 2012

An unholy mess.

| Original Score: 1/4 | Jan 13, 2012

Whenever the characters open their mouths to sing, "Joyful Noise" rocks and swings with spirit to spare.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jan 13, 2012

Nothing more than uninspired mushiness.

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jan 13, 2012

Despite some mawkish dialogue, there's something to be said for leaving the theater with a smile. Can I get an amen?

| Original Score: 2/4 | Jan 13, 2012

Latifah, a formidable actress who's almost always better than her movies, easily dominates this...

| Original Score: 1.5/4 | Jan 13, 2012