When the director of a small-town church choir unexpectedly dies, the job of leading the group is taken over by Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah), a no-nonsense single mother of two. But her tried-and-true style of running the choir is tested by the former director's widow, G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton), who thinks it's time to shake things up and try something new for the upcoming National Joyful Noise Competition. To make matters worse, G.G's grandson comes into town only to fall in love with Vi's daughter, a match neither woman is prepared to accept. The choir, which usually sings in harmony, all of a sudden finds itself falling apart at the seams.
excellent movie! predictable but entertaining!!!
i enjoyed the story and music overall. i liked the singing when done solo portions, and not so keen on exuberant chorals of any kind (gospel or not). there was an unusual element (for american cinema) where east asian characters (two) are portrayed as being american... (one was for comic relief (no surprise); the second was 'happy or positive' even if secondary to the story, a first if not rare). slowly, but surely, hopefully, someday, such characters will be 'one of us' (inclusion) rather than 'just them' (exclusion).