This is only the 2nd Disney channel movie where the cast was African-American and I was alright with it mainly because I've seen mostly white people on their shows(I'm not being racist it's true)so I'm glad they changed it up for this movie. I saw the previews and promos for this movie and what really pushed me to watch it was the hip-hop sound and the fact that Tyler James Williams was apart of it, seeing as I loved him on "Everybody Hates Chris", and I told 1 of my best friends to see it and he did, but I didn't see it until tonight, pretty funny huh? Anyway, I thought this movie was well done and I found it to be incredible in story(though it was slightly predictable), the music was really sophisticated(especially coming from Walt Disney Records), the dialogue wasn't cheesy in the slightest bit, and overall it was awesome to watch. It's like the "High School Musical" (2006) for hip-hop. Other than that it's pretty formulaic of a "be yourself" and "don't be afraid to go for your dream" movie. The soundtrack boasts it's own success peaking at #1 on Billboard's top rap albums and top kids albums. This who enjoy hip-hop-that is teen hip-hop-will enjoy this movie more as large segments are devoted to the numbers. More than anything this movie is about the soundtrack. The plot is a little thicker with the fact the Roxy grew up with the two boys as part of Cyrus' father's church congregation, a man who opposes rap as a sinful form of music. They tell Roxie Cyrus is his DJ so that Cyrus can be part of the journey and so that he is near Kris at all times. The two concoct outlandish plans to keep up the charade. Kris is so excited about the opportunity to work with Roxie, the promoter of the competition, Cyrus goes along with the mistake. When Cyrus includes a photo of the both of them together with his submission to a songwriting competition under the pseudonym Truth, when he wins it's assumed Kris is Truth. In "Let it Shine" Cyrus has all the talent of a would-be rap artist, whereas his best friend Kris doesn't have the talent, but has the perfect look. It is the classic case of two friends where one friend helps another friend out by letting the other take credit of their work or talent. Its hokey plot is nothing that hasn't been done before in many episodes of various sitcoms.
This movie is everything you would expect out of a made for TV Disney movie. It has some out of focus Bible quotes in the background on the wall and mentions G-O-D, but never Jesus, even in song. Also if you noticed the "church" never has a cross or mentions Jesus. Criticism: It appears Cyrus ironically lip synced his rapping and singing parts. I enjoyed the criticism of the use of the voice enhancers, but the movie stops short of claiming Katie Perry is nothing more than an overpaid karaoke singer. The film has its predictable heart warming ending.
The music was good and the rap insults were light, nothing to shame the Disney logo. They hook up with Roxy (Coco Jones) an old elementary school friend who loves their music, but doesn't realize Cyrus is the brains of "Truth." She is a famous singer. He sneaks out at night to bus tables at the forbidden rap club while he composes music for his friend Kris (Trevor Jackson) to sing. Cyrus (Tyler James Williams) is shy and has self esteem issues brought about by a domineering preacher father. The song was released on June 15, 2012.This film combines "Joyful Noise," "8 Mile" and "Footloose" into one film and does it fairly well. It is also featured on the movie's soundtrack. Let It Shine is a song performed by Tyler James Williams and Coco Jones from the movie, Let It Shine.