Queen Latifah in "Joyful Noise" Movie Review

JOYFUL NOISE

Movie Review By: DeAlan Wilson

Posted January 11, 2012

Movie Opens: January 13, 2012

If you are in the mood for a good laugh, enjoy gospel music and stories of love, faith, inspiration, and hope, you will totally enjoy Oscar® nominees Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton as they team up to star in Alcon Entertainment’s and Warner Bros. Pictures’ “Joyful Noise”. A music-filled family-oriented film, this movie, written and directed by Todd Graff from his original screenplay is not only exciting and entertaining but makes us all give serious consideration to personal and social values in the midst of these difficult and trying financial times.

DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow,
KEKE PALMER as Olivia Hill
and QUEEN LATIFAH as Vi Rose Hill
in "JOYFUL NOISE"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

The small town of Pacashau, Georgia, has fallen on hard times, buildings are boarded up, businesses along the main avenue are closing down and money is short. But through it all, hope is still alive there. And the citizens of this small rural town are counting on their local church, the Divinity Church Choir, to uplift the town’s spirits by winning the National Joyful Noise Competition in Los Angeles.

DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow
and QUEEN LATIFAH as Vi Rose Hill
 "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

The choir has always known how to sing in harmony, but discord between its two leading ladies, their newly appointed choir director, Vi Rose Hill (Queen Latifah) and their fiery financial supporter, G.G. Sparrow (Dolly Parton) who is a member of the choir. While Vi Rose (wants the choir to stick with an older traditional style of choir singing G.G. thinks they should shake things up a bit with a more modern style of gospel music.

JEREMY JORDAN as Randy Garrity
and KEKE PALMER as Olivia Hill
in  "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros. 

Adding to the story is the surprise arrival of G.G.’s handsome and rebellious teenage grandson Randy (Jeremy Jordan) who falls “head-over-heels” for one of the local young ladies, Olivia Hill (Keke Palmer) who just so happens to be the sixteen year old daughter of the choir’s new director, Vi Rose.


A soul-stirring, musically driven movie, this film brings together the sounds of gospel, pop, country, rock and R & B with countless memorable songs all performed by Queen Latifah, Parton and the cast. A wide range of songs are used including material from writers and artists such as: Michael Jackson, Usher, Chris Brown, Paul McCartney, Sly & the Family Stone and Stevie Wonder. Dolly Parton also wrote three new original songs for the film as well.

KIRK FRANKLIN as Baylor Sykes
in "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

Other popular gospel singers including Karen Peck and Kirk Franklin make cameo appearances in the film. Their performances are not only uplifting, but add true authenticity to the film as they pay homage to the growing popularity of church choir competitions all across the U.S.

Franklin, who penned and performed his new high energy gospel song “In Love” in the film, gave a very electric performance that definitely made him stand out in the film. His energy and dance moves seem to make him jump right off the screen and into the theatre. Director Todd Graff adds, “Kirk dances like some version of Prince cross-bred with James Brown,...so charismatic.”

DOLLY PARTON as G.G. Sparrow
in "JOYFUL NOISE,"
Photo Courtesy: Warner Bros.

Other musical highlights from the film include Queen Latifah’s gut wrenching solo “Fix Me Jesus” and a beautiful new ballad penned by Dolly Parton entitled “From Here To The Moon and Back”. The film’s Grammy Award winning Music Producer Mervyn Warren says, “It’s like working a puzzle: a given song needs to …say something specific or comment upon the story.”

After seeing the film and hearing all hearing all the great new music and new musical arrangements of many old classics, I find myself longing for the soundtrack and can’t wait to get my hands on it. I am sure it will be just as soul-stirring as the film itself.

Rounding out the main cast is Courtney B. Vance who plays the church’s minister Pastor Dale, Kris Kristofferson as Bernard Sparrow and Dexter Darden as Walter Hill. Other supporting cast members include: Angela Grovey, Paul Woolfolk and Jesse L. Martin.

This film is set to open in theatres nationwide on January 13, 2012.

Sherlock Holmes " A Game Of Shadows"

SHERLOCK HOLMES

“A GAME OF SHADOWS”

MOVIE REVIEW
 POSTED BY:

DeAlan Wilson
Entertainment Correspondent/Writer

OK, forgive me, forgive me all you Sherlock Holmes fans.  I must admit, I did not see the 2009 first part of Sherlock Holmes.  Now that I have gotten that confession out of the way, let me tell you.  Sherlock Holmes “A Game Of Shadows” is simply fantastic!  It will knock you off your feet.  The cinematography alone will make you sit there with your mouth wide open saying to yourself “…WOW! How did they do that?”

Now, for someone who was not totally familiar with the premise of the Sherlock Holmes storyline, I must admit I spent the first part of the movie (say 20-25 minutes, or so) wondering what in the world was going on.  There is lots of action in the beginning of the film that I guess I would have better understood if I had seen part 1.  But, even without seeing the 1^st part, the action really kept me on the edge of my seat and it did not take Director Guy Ritchie  long to bring us ‘first-timers’ up to speed. 

Jude Law plays Dr. Watson
as Kelly Reilly plays his wife Mary.
Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.

Two-time Academy Award nominee, Robert Downey Jr. reprises his role as the world’s most famous detective, Sherlock Holmes.  Of course, Director, Ritchie brings back Oscar nominee and seasoned stage actor Jude Law (Tony Award nominee/Hamlet on Broadway-2009) to revive his role of Sherlock Holmes’ crime solving partner, Dr. Watson.



Classical Actor Jared Harrisplays the villian James Moriarty
Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.



In Sherlock Holmes “A Game Of Shadows”, Holmes, who has always been the smartest man in the room, faces a fresh challenge. There is a new criminal mastermind at large—Professor James Moriarty, brilliantly played by Jared Harris (“The Curious Case of Benjamin Button” and the soon to be released, “Lincoln” by Director Steven Spielberg).  Not only is Professor Moriarty Holmes’ intellectual equal, but his capacity for evil, coupled with his complete lack of conscience, may give him a slight advantage over Holmes. 

Robert Downey Jr. as Sherlock Holmes
with partner Dr. Watson as played by
Jude Law. 

Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.

Without giving away too much of the plot, the story unfolds as around the globe, headlines break the news: a scandal takes down an Indian cotton tycoon; a Chinese opium trader dies of an apparent overdose; bombings in Strasbourg and Vienna; the death of an American steel magnate… etc.   No one sees the connective thread between all these seemingly random events—no one, that is, except the great detective, Sherlock Holmes.  As Holmes digs deeper into this ruthless plot he finds Moriarty at the center of it all. 

Director of photography, Philippe Rousselot along with production designer Sarah Greenwood, editor James Herbert, costume designer Jenny Beavan, and composer Hans Zimmer all do a wonderful job in taking us on a journey following Holmes out of London and on an action-packed adventure around the globe to such places as France, Germany and finally Switzerland.

Noomi Rapace makes a grand entrance in her first English
speaking film as  Gypsy Madam Simza.
Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.

The acting sequences in this film are phenomenal.  Of course, we would expect such from seasoned film actors like Robert Downy Jr., Jude Law, Jared Harris and Stephen Fry (who plays Holmes’ decidedly eccentric older brother, Mycroft Holmes).  But this film will undoubtedly prove to be a breakout performance by Swedish actress Noomi Rapace who plays a mysterious Gypsy woman named Madam Simza.  In the film, Madam Simza becomes allies with Holmes and Watson as they seek to stop the mad-man, Moriarty.    (It’s kind of hard to believe that this is the very first English speaking film for Rapace.)  She lays down some acting laws of her own proving her performance to be worthy of much respect.  I feel very comfortable in saying Hollywood actresses look out.  There is a new girl in town and she is not playing around.    (Rapace gained international attention in the Swedish film “The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo”.) Rapace is not only ‘drop-dead gorgeous’ in this film, but, she played her role with strength and power.  Yet, there was an underlying sense of sensitivity in her portrayal that made us actually care about this gypsy character.

Raqchel McAdams returns as
Irene Adler.
Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.



Other acting shout-outs go to Rachel McAdams who returns to Sherlock Holmes in her role of Irene Adler.   Eddie Marsan  is featured as the ruthless co-villain, Inspector Lestrade and actress Kelly Reilly reprises her role as Dr. Watson’s wife Mary.  The strong ensemble cast proves to be one of the greatest assets of this film.  As you watch all the great cinematography, special effects and more, you never get the sense as if something is missing in the area of acting.  In many big-budget films I have personally witnessed this to be the case.  It is always good the see great acting  combined with big-budgets.   

Noomi Rapace, Downey Jr. and Jude Lawflee through the forest in Sherlock
Holmes "A Game Of  Shadows".
Photo: Courtesy - Warner Bros.

In bringing this production to life, Director, Guy Ritchie reassembled the same team of top producers who helped him create the first Sherlock Holmes.  Producers Joel Silver, Lionel Wigram, Susan Downey and Dan Lin all joined Ritchie on this film.  To write the screenplay for this new Sherlock Holmes adventure they enlisted the husband-and-wife writing team of Kieran Mulroney and Michele Mulroney (writers and directors of the 2009 film “Paper Man” as well as the upcoming feature films: “Divide” for Ron Howard and “The Hunchback of Notre Dame” for Tim Burton.) Sherlock Holmes “A Game Of Shadows” is definitely work your money and will be a fun, action filled adventure for you to see this holiday season.  And even if (like me) you are not totally familiar with the first Sherlock Holmes Guy Ritchie directed, you will still be able to follow this storyline and enjoy the plot and action of this movie.  I did.

DeAlan Wilson
Entertainment Writer/Correspondent

Email: DeAlanW@aol.com

Clash Of The Titans - New Movie!

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"Clash of the Titans" Hollywood entertainment has done it once again! The ultimate struggle for power pits men against kings and kings against gods. But the war between the gods themselves could destroy the world.

Born of a god but raised as a man, Perseus (Sam Worthington) is helpless to save his family from Hades (Ralph Fiennes), vengeful god of the underworld. With nothing left to lose, Perseus volunteers to lead a dangerous mission to defeat Hades before he can seize power from Zeus (Liam Neeson) and unleash hell on earth. Perseus sets off on a perilous journey deep into forbidden worlds, leading a daring band of warriors, including Draco (Mads Mikkelsen), an experienced soldier who encourages the defiant Perseus to make use of his god-given abilities. Battling unholy demons and fearsome beasts, they will only survive if Perseus can accept his power as a god, defy his fate and create his own destiny.

Propelling audiences into a mythological world of epic action and adventure, “Clash of the Titans” is presented in 3D, and hit the theatres on Friday April 2, 2010.

Photo at Left of Sam Worthington as Perseus

“Clash of the Titans” is directed by Louis Leterrier. Leading the international cast is Australian actor Sam Worthington (“Avatar”) as Perseus, the mortal son of Zeus, king of the gods. Academy Award® nominee Liam Neeson (“Schindler’s List”) takes on the role of the mighty Zeus, and Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes (“The English Patient”) plays the role of Hades, god of the underworld, who feeds on human fear. Rounding out the cast is Gemma Arterton as Io, Perseus’ mysterious spiritual guide throughout his journey; Mads Mikkelsen as Draco, who takes up his sword to join Perseus’ quest; Jason Flemyng as Acrisius, a one-time king turned hideous beast; Danny Huston as Poseidon, god of the seas; and Alexa Davalos as Andromeda, a princess doomed to lose her life if Perseus does not
succeed.

Louis Leterrier directs “Clash of the Titans” from a screenplay by Travis Beacham and Phil Hay & Matt Manfredi, based on the motion picture “Clash of the Titans,” directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross. The film is produced by Basil Iwanyk and Kevin De La Noy. The executive producers are Academy Award® winner Richard D. Zanuck (“Driving Miss Daisy”) and Legendary Pictures’ Thomas Tull, Jon Jashni and William Fay.

Photo Left: Alexa Davalos as Andromeda with Mads Mikkelsen as Draco.

“Clash of the Titans” is a mammoth spectacle that grabs audiences from the first scene and takes them on a wild, 3D ride through an ancient Greece only imaginable in the 21st century. “It’s a big, fun adventure, a big escapist movie, and I love escapist movies,” director Louis Leterrier says.

With Leterrier at the helm, the stars of the film were eager to step into the mythical world. “I am always a fan of a director who is willing to take risks,” says Sam Worthington, who plays the film’s central character, Perseus. “Louis’ vision for the film was big, bold and heroic. He wanted it to be a thrilling kind of popcorn ride, and I thought, ‘Well, that’s a good director to go into battle with. I want to be a part of that.’”

Joining Sam Worthington in this film are the very beautiful and talented actresses: Alexa Davalos (who portrays to role of Andromeda) and Gemma Arterton (who portrays the mystical guide Io).

“Andromeda is definitely headstrong and rebellious,” says Alexa Davalos. “But there’s a vulnerability that goes along with those qualities. She’s fighting the history and the royalty of her family and forging her own way; she’s truly connected to the people in a way her parents aren’t.” Despite Andromeda’s willingness to sacrifice her life, Perseus is not willing to let her die without a fight, which becomes the impetus for his heroic mission.

Photo Left Gemma Arterton as Io.

Accompanying Perseus on his quest is Io, (played by Gemma Arterton). Her character’s destiny is tied to his. In the film, she is something of a guardian angel and mystical guide who is neither mortal nor god and shadows Perseus on his travels. Like many in the cast and crew, Arterton was a fan of the original film. “I watched it about 50 times as a kid, so when I learned I had a role in the new version, I was over the moon,” she relates.

Warner Bros. Pictures presents "Clash of the Titans", in association with Legendary Pictures, a Thunder Road Film/Zanuck Company Production, a Louis Leterrier Film. The film is presented in RealD 3D where available, and is distributed worldwide by Warner Bros. Pictures, a Warner Bros. Entertainment Company.

Photos: Courtesy Warner Bros.