Joyful Noise (2012) Parents Guide: Is the movie OK for kids?
Age Rating, Sex, Violence & Language
G.G. Sparrow faces off with her choir's newly appointed director, Vi Rose Hill, over the group's direction as they head into a national competition.
Rated PG-13 • 2012 • 1h 57m
This PG-13 musical comedy earns its rating primarily for some language, including a shouted use of "bitch," and mature thematic material. While centered on a gospel choir competition, "Joyful Noise" contains significant family strife, including an intense argument where a mother (Vi Rose Hill) slaps her teenage daughter, and the revelation of a father's abandonment. The film also includes moderate sexual innuendo, off-screen character… Sign up for the full guide
Cast
Is Joyful Noise appropriate for kids?
This PG-13 musical comedy earns its rating primarily for some language, including a shouted use of "bitch," and mature thematic material. While centered on a gospel choir competition, "Joyful Noise" contains significant family strife, including an intense argument where a mother… Read more — free account
Content severity in Joyful Noise
What happens in Joyful Noise, moment by moment
- 0:05 🔥 Mature Themes 5/10
- 0:15 ♥ Sex & Nudity 4/10
- 0:28 ⚔ Violence & Gore 3/10
Sex and nudity in Joyful Noise
Content includes moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive references. One character, G.G., comments on another's breasts ("big ole lungs on you"). It's strongly implied a woman and man have sex off-screen before he dies of a heart attack. A mother warns her daughter about out-of-wedlock pregnancy using a racialized metaphor. Teens flirt and share a few brief kisses. There is no nudity.
Violence and gore in Joyful Noise
Violence is infrequent but includes some impactful scenes. In a heated argument, a mother (Vi Rose) slaps her teenage daughter across the face. In another scene, two teens get into a fistfight that results in a bloody nose. Two main characters have a loud argument in a diner that escalates into a food fight and a brief physical scuffle. A character grabs a rifle, believing there's an intruder, but the situation is quickly defused. Two character deaths from heart attacks occur off-screen or are depicted without…
Read more — free accountLanguage in Joyful Noise
The film's PG-13 rating is partly due to its language. There is one prominent use of "bitch," shouted during a musical performance. Other language includes milder terms like "hell," "damn," "ass," and name-calling such as "heifer" and "cracker."
Drugs, alcohol, and smoking in Joyful Noise
Substance use is very minimal. In one scene, teenagers are at a dance club holding bottles and cans, but the contents are not specified and no one is shown drinking alcohol.
Mature themes in Joyful Noise
Thematic content is strong for a musical comedy. Two characters die suddenly from heart attacks, one at the start of the film. A major subplot involves a family dealing with a father's military deployment, which is later revealed to be an abandonment. A central character's son has Asperger syndrome, and his struggles are depicted. The film explores themes of grief, economic hardship, church politics, and intense mother-daughter conflict.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Joyful Noise appropriate for kids?
Bontent's parent guide suggests Joyful Noise is best for ages 13+. It's rated PG-13. This PG-13 musical comedy earns its rating primarily for some language, including a shouted use of "bitch," and mature thematic material. While centered on a gospel choir competition, "Joyful Noise" contains significant…
What age rating does Joyful Noise have?
Joyful Noise is officially rated PG-13. Bontent's independent parent guide recommends it for ages 13+.
What is Joyful Noise about?
This PG-13 musical comedy earns its rating primarily for some language, including a shouted use of "bitch," and mature thematic material. While centered on a gospel choir competition, "Joyful Noise" contains significant family strife, including an intense argument where a mother (Vi Rose Hill) slaps her teenage…
Is there sex or nudity in Joyful Noise?
Content includes moderate sexual innuendo and suggestive references. One character, G.G., comments on another's breasts ("big ole lungs on you"). It's strongly implied a woman and man have sex off-screen before he dies of a heart attack. A mother warns her…
How violent is Joyful Noise?
Violence is infrequent but includes some impactful scenes. In a heated argument, a mother (Vi Rose) slaps her teenage daughter across the face. In another scene, two teens get into a fistfight that results in a bloody nose. Two main characters have a loud…
Is the language in Joyful Noise appropriate for kids?
The film's PG-13 rating is partly due to its language. There is one prominent use of "bitch," shouted during a musical performance. Other language includes milder terms like "hell," "damn," "ass," and name-calling such as "heifer" and "cracker."
Are drugs, alcohol, or smoking shown in Joyful Noise?
Substance use is very minimal. In one scene, teenagers are at a dance club holding bottles and cans, but the contents are not specified and no one is shown drinking alcohol.
What mature themes appear in Joyful Noise?
Thematic content is strong for a musical comedy. Two characters die suddenly from heart attacks, one at the start of the film. A major subplot involves a family dealing with a father's military deployment, which is later revealed to be an abandonment. A…
How long is Joyful Noise?
Joyful Noise runs 117 minutes, directed by Todd Graff, released in 2012.
Where can I read the full Joyful Noise parent guide?
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