MOVIE REVIEW

We all have our contradictions: A secret, corny indulgence, whether it be a stupid reality TV show or a music artist that you claim to "hate" but rock out to in your bedroom.

"Joyful Noise" attempts to be a breakthrough, a film for everyone who loves music, romance and comedy. The movie does have its high points, such as likeable characters and amazing musical performances. Unfortunately, the storyline is predictable and lacks depth.

In the small town of Pacashau, Georgia, a gospel choir from the Sacred Divinity Church is fighting its way through a regional competition. After a fatal heart attack suffered by the choir director, Bernie Sparrow, the pastor of the church chooses Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) to take Sparrow's place. Also complicating things is that Hill is to oversee Sparrow's wife G.G. (Dolly Parton), who resents not being chosen as the director in the first place.

The tension between these two characters throughout the whole movie makes for comedic antics. The women are total opposites, one glitzy and glamorous and the other conservative and guarded.

Meanwhile, G.G.'s nephew Randy, played by a talented Jordan Johnson, comes to town after being kicked out of his mother's house. Eyeing Vi Rose's daughter Olivia (the adorable Keke Palmer) singing at a choir rehearsal, he decides to join the choir.

Both their musical talents are undeniable. Yet when a romance starts to develop between these two characters, the chemistry isn't very convincing. It attempts to shadow Romeo and Juliet, as Olivia's mother is very strict and strongly dislikes Randy and his pretentious aunt.

The story continues with Randy and the rest of the choir working together to reach its ultimate goal of reaching the final round in the Joyful Noise competition.

As trite as some of the dialogue comes across, some parts are actually sweet. My favorite scenes include Olivia's brother, Walter, who has Asperger's syndrome. Walter is a troubled kid who has problems socializing with others and is obsessed with reciting one-hit music wonders. Randy befriends Walter and starts to give him piano lessons, helping Walter mature into a young adult.

The musical performances throughout the film, especially the climactic finale, are the high points of the movie. There are some old favorites from Sly Stone, but also mixed in are some Usher and Chris Brown, which definitely give it a modern vibe.

Although the plot is thin and the acting only marginal, the music is inspiring. Even if music isn't your thing, you might find the movie entertaining because of its feel-good qualities. Hopefully, it will have you leaving the theater wanting to make some joyful noise of your own.

"Joyful Noise" is rated PG-13 and is showing at Regal Manor 16, MoviE-town and Penn Cinema theaters.