No curse words, real rap, good music and the acting is genuine. At first i thought this movie was going to disappoint me but while watching it i was getting more and more interested. Tyler Williams (everybody hates Chris) look a like Wiz Khalifa and Coco Jones look a like Jennifer Hudson. If Disney invested more money in this project it would fit cinemas around the world. If you love real rap and teenage romance movies "Let it Shine" is a movie made for you. Brandon Smith is also in the movie as "the bad guy" and he does a good job in the movie! I hope Disney make more good movies just like this one. That was all from me and thanks for reading this:)
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alex_aka_nostunna16 July 2012
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Well, what can I say? This movie was good. When Disney dropped the trailer, I was really interested to watch it. So to avoid waiting in the UK, I watched it on YouTube with my brother. Later on, my brother began to be obsessed with it. And as a hip hop junkie, I notice some things wrong with it
The movie overall was so similar to 8 Mile. Not many people spotted that and told some people. Bling to me was like Papa Doc. In the final rap battle of 8 Mile, B-Rabbit (Eminem) embarrass Papa. That's the same thing Cyrus does in Let It Shine.
Roxie was like Alex. As B-Rabbit had a love for rap, he also had love for Alex. Same thing with Cyrus and Roxie.
And Kris was like Link. He was more of a betrayer. Getting the girls instead of Cyrus.
But overall, it was a good movie, which tries to be a clean and Disnified version of 8 Mile. But to be honest, it was good to see Tyler James (Everybody Hates Chris) show his rapping skills here. This is why I rated it 6/10. If only it was original... -
RaeniJoy21 June 2012So while I was watching this with my brothers, I realized something: This movie had some very close similarities to the classic French play "Cyrano de Bergerac:" A not-so-attractive guy, who happens to be great with words falls in love with the beautiful girl he's known for years, but she's in love with the handsome, brainless guy who has no skills with words whatsoever. The brainless guy then enlists the help of the not-so-attractive guy to help him impress the pretty girl. Then I started noticing the names of the characters. In Cyrano de Bergerac, the main character is obviously named "Cyrano," the brainless guy is named "Christian," and the pretty girl is named "Roxanne." In "Let It Shine," the respective names are "Cyrus," "Kris," and (surprise, surprise) "Roxanne." Now I'm not saying there's anything wrong with that. People re-make movies all the time. It's really not that big of a deal... But for some reason it bugs me that they twisted the classic story of Cyrano de Bergerac into a story about rap music, but didn't give any mention to where it came from... But anyway, as far as the quality of the movie, it wasn't the WORST thing Disney has come out with. By Disney standards, it's not bad, but when you compare Disney movies with real movies, that's not really saying much...
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lisafordeay29 April 2023Let it Shine is a 2012 musical comedy starring Tyler James Williams,Courtney B Vance,Coco Jones and Halle and Chloe Bailey.
A shy rapper named Cyrus(Willams) works at a choir with his father who's a minister (Vance) playing music at his church, but Cyrus dreams of making if big with his former childhood crush Roxy(Jones). When Cyrus discovers that Roxy is looking for the next big thing,he decides to send in a demo,but his friend gets mistaken for him and he goes in Cyrus's place. Will Roxy find out the truth?.
Overall it was a good flick. The songs are good,the acting was good and ot was also nice seeing then unknowns Chloe Bailey and her sister Halle Bailey(who is now playing Ariel in The Little Mermaid reboot). -
My rating of 9 out of 10 may seem extreme, however, for what it's intended to be, this movie was very successful. My rating has a lot to do with the music from this movie, and the diversity this movie adds to Disneys offering. This movie has some of the best music and best raw talent ever produced by Disney. CoCo Jones is an amazing talent and I hope her race doesn't hinder her popularity and/or ability to shine on Disney (or anywhere else). Tyler is also talented. He has a fun actor to watch and has great voice for rap. As a 29 year old, I would definitely listen to songs from this movie outside of watching it. The writing, especially the rap, was pretty impressive for Disney. As someone who is typically 100% NOT a fan of rap, I liked the rap in this film, because the message was clean, and thoughtful and the beats were hot.
I was thrilled to see Disney encourage it's minority viewers with this film. I think it says a lot about how far television has come in terms of diversity. I hope America as a whole will support this movie as well.
Of course the movie is a bit cheesy at times, but it's intended to be for kids. I believe cheese and clichés in kids movies are totally fine. After all, whats cheesy and cliché to an adult is often a first time experience for a kid.
The movie progressed at a decent pace, and was entertaining and engaging the whole way though.
My only complaint with this movie is the church scenes. Without getting into too much detail, I would have preferred for the dad/preacher and the church scenes overall to have been a bit less nonsensical. Although I understand that again, this is for kids, so the point often has to be a bit more expressed.
Overall, I am proud of Disney for making this film. I think they did a great job all around. As someone who considers themselves a connoisseur of children's film and television, I recommend this movie to any kid or family looking to have a fun, clean, yet contemporary, heartwarming musical experience. . -
vsd32412 October 2018This movie is everything you would expect out of a made for TV Disney movie. Its hokey plot is nothing that hasn't been done before in many episodes of various sitcoms. 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. 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. 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. Kris is so excited about the opportunity to work with Roxie, the promoter of the competition, Cyrus goes along with the mistake. The two concoct outlandish plans to keep up the charade. 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 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. More than anything this movie is about the soundtrack. This who enjoy hip-hop-that is teen hip-hop-will enjoy this movie more as large segments are devoted to the numbers. The soundtrack boasts it's own success peaking at #1 on Billboard's top rap albums and top kids albums. Other than that it's pretty formulaic of a "be yourself" and "don't be afraid to go for your dream" movie. It's like the "High School Musical" (2006) for hip-hop.
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rscampb11 July 2012I watched this movie twice. Once when it first aired. The second time was when they displayed the song lyrics on the screen; because I wanted to be sure I heard the lyrics correctly. Both times I was not very impressed. I found it unrelatable. The story itself is just another rehash of Cyrano de Bergerac and not a very good one at that. I know of nobody who would not raise a big stink if somebody else was given their prize. Some of the dialogue was what I hear and say everyday and I totally got that, but most of it seemed like some old guy stepped in and made them change it to old guy speak.
I was really looking forward to hearing the music, until I did. The Rap was totally lame. For most of them they were jerky, there was just no flow. I think that it was written by committee. Each person submitted a line and they were all thrown into a hat. Then pulled out and here's your Rap.
Basically, for Disney, it was a fair first effort into a movie with an all African American cast. -
tdswgww10 March 2013My 11 yo daughter loves this movie. It is entertaining with solid acting performances that even kept my husband and I engrossed. I was puzzled by one reviewer objecting to the cast's ethnicity. Given the usual fare offered at Disney, I can't see why one movie with a majority black cast would rattle the viewer. But given the reviewer's odd orthography, I can only imagine what s/he would consider appropriate viewing material. It is stunning that this family-friendly flick wouldn't rank higher. It presents a nice spin on hip hop music; there is no violence, nothing illicit or morally compromising. We will be adding this film along with other Disney greats to our daughter's collection of Netflix favorites.
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MasanoriHirano24 November 2017I like Disney Channel Original movies and I'm huge fun of Disney. As some of you know, this movie is also one of that. However, I don't like it no less than other ones.
First of all, music is good. Like other Disney Channel Original movies, it also contains a lot of music which is likely to make us get the rhythm. And the kinds of music is various. I love these kinds of music. In particular, gospel one is awesome!
Others, story is OK. But, comparing with other Disney Channel Original movies, it is a little emotionless. Of corse, some of other who have already seen doesn't agree with this opinion, but I feel so. -
dorenes18 June 2012I found it refreshing to see a movie which addressed the age old problems of growing up, and making tough decisions in a such a very positive manner. I liked that this story showed the problems of any typical family but, in a family type you wouldn't necessarily associate these problems with...nice twist. I loved how the youths handled situations and problems by asserting themselves and standing up for what they believed without disrespecting adults(even when the adults were disrespectful).
The music was very good. I usually despise rap because of the negative message and anger in most of it. It was nice to see intelligence, thoughtfulness, and caring portrayed in this type of music. Having songs written in this manner allows the talent of the artists to really show through.
Thank you Disney for encouraging youths to be themselves, stand up for themselves, and to follow their dreams.
This movie contains excellent messages and examples of "what to do" instead of "what not to do" in this movie...I cannot imagine why it is rated so low! I am eager to watch it again and definitely would recommend it to anyone with a teen or preteen in their life. -
I liked how this movie was different by making all the main characters black. That was a good change considering how many Disney Channel shows and movies starred white characters.
However, other than that the plot was too predictable. When you watch the trailer and/or the first part of the film you'll immediately know how it ends. Because of that, I was barely able to watch the whole movie. -
J-Fields259419 June 2012I was really skeptical about the movie. Being a African American male, i pride myself on listening to music that is mainly "Real Rap". When i watch the previews of them using those two words, i was like "Pssh, yeah right.". I was wrong. The lyrics had a lot of realism within them along with a positive message, CoCo Jones had a great debut in the film, she is a very talented artist. She reminds me of a young Jennifer Hudson, looks like her as well. I love the message of the movie, "Stand up for what you believe in." Though it is a bit of a cliché' I find it to be a great message for kids that watch Disney Channel.
I found the acting to be good, but there was something i was skeptical on at the start. Being how CoCo Jones is Fourteen, and Tyler James Williams is nineteen, i was really wondering if they was going to make them kiss. I did not really find it that acceptable if so, then again. That 70's Show had a fourteen year old Mila Kunis kiss a 20 year old Ashten Kucher, so they say. Still did not seem right if so.
To some it up, the music was good, and the movie was overall very good. It is a movie you should watch, though i know a lot of you may be older than twenty, you may have a low tolerance for movies with cliché's, i recommend you to ease up. It's a Disney movie, not a Academy Award Winning movie. Its main base is for kids and teens, don't be so critical.
Thank You for reading. -
lofty_1413 July 2012I watched this film just because Disney makes a big hype about every film they air, my first impression of the opening was it was a knock of sister act due to that fact that choir singers start bursting out into song.
I couldn't really get into it but its a case of mistaken identity which makes the film, but a lot of places the lip singing is wrong, there completely moving there mouths at the wrong times, and the songs them self are very hard to understand because there is a lot of singing behind the feature voice
All in All it isn't a bad film but i wouldn't watch it again and I don't think it would every make it down as a major Disney Movie in the future -
So this movie is a Disney movie. It has a lot of music, it has morals, and all that Disney stuff that they put in their movies. It was definitely not a movie like Frenemies from Disney, which was not at all very good. I haven't seen one of those "Disney Original Movies" that I was like, "Wow, I really enjoyed that," recently, like years ago with Cheetah Girls and High School Musical. I'm glad Disney finally got one REALLY right this time. It's the best Disney movie I've seen. There was not a dull moment or a moment that I wasn't entertained. I loved it a lot, and it's probably my favorite movie now... so entertaining! I loved the music, and I can't tell you how much I loved this movie. I don't know why it's rated so low. <3 IT!
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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. 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 didn't like how Cyrus' father was critical towards hip-hop/rap and claiming it was considered "devil music" and that it was going against God, but his apology and turn to accept it made up for it and there were times where "Lord of Da Bling" would just mess with Cyrus and I was wishing he would just fight back and call him out with a freestyle but he didn't and that was really disappointing for me. Also Kris and Cyrus' fight I thought would've ruined their friendship for good, but I'm glad it didn't. The soundtrack was incredible and the songwriters were really good, my personal favorite songs were "Don't Run Away", "Guardian Angel" and "Moment of Truth". I expected this movie to be just OK, but it was awesome and really cool, so I give it a 9 out of 10 and it's one of the more mature and less childish and cheesy DCOMs and for the most part it didn't feel like a Disney channel movie at all. It has its flaws, just as every movie does, but those flaws weren't big enough to prevent me from enjoying it, but I don't think it was quite as good as Lemonade Mouth. This movie gets a 9/10 from me and it was great, but it clearly doesn't have sequel potential, however, these stars could easily go on tour and perform songs from the movie. Keep it up Disney!!!!!!!
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phonix67815 June 2012This movie was really great, and my whole family enjoyed it.This move has surprising twists and turns that all come back together to create a wonderful master piece. A lot of movies you see on Disney are usually Caucasian, but this movie was great including the fact that most of the actor were African American. It showed us idea of rap without the fowl language, women, and money. It showed us that rap and r&b can be about compassion, caring, and love. It showed us that if you set your mind for things and worked hard it can happen. I feel as if this connected to not just African Americans but people threw out America about the work of hip-hop.I loved this movie and i think it deserves a 8 out of 10.
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This film was exceptional for a kids film, especially for a Disney film at that! The intro with the choir was very refreshing especially since the youtube sensation singer-sisters, Chloe and Hailey, sounded amazing! I was became quite hesitant of the film, however, when it came to the first rap battle because I thought that it was another "High School Musical" with a cheesy group sing along but the raps were actually very clever! It was good, clean raps that I wouldn't mind listening to on the radio even at my age (early/middle aged, not gonna say)!
The message is relatable and can be utilized in any situation. Young kids/teens nowadays are feeling like they have to conform to the trends and this film instills in their minds the importance of standing up for what you believe in. In this contemporary world that is constantly changing its not hard for children to consumed by others opinions.
The songs are lyrically beautiful and the acting is genuine. Most people don't hear god, clean raps so this was very refreshing because rap is poetry and it can be meaningful but in this generation it seems that rap is only viewed by what is hear on the radio.
The actor from "everybody hates chris" does a wonderful job at portraying the loyal protagonist in the film. He adds humor to the film and enhances it in every other aspect. I suggest you watch this film because it will make your day. I would have expected a different ending but hey the film made me smile the entire time.
As for the comment pertaining to the cast with a rating of one star. You all can tell that a child wrote that. The many careless errors was appalling. Besides that, why would you criticize the ethnicity of the cast members. Is it because they're black or is it because it's one of the first recent films to feature a majority black cast with a few white people. Is it uncomfortable to sit on the other side because that comment was unnecessary and so hypocritical when many films were made with a majority white cast (with very few black people) and no one says anything about that. In fact people judged their acting skills instead. Why point out the obvious when it doesn't even matter. That comment made me sick b/c knowing that those type of individuals with closed and pitying mindsets still exist in the world. It seems that there will never be a time when a film like this won't be praised for "giving colored people a chance on the big screen" but solely on the concept and the message of the film. By the way her outfits look that way throughout the film because her manager was trying to "trendy", hence the last "Lady Gaga"-inspired look. did you even watch the film? (<-- to whoever wrote that comment). -
roger-holt1320 April 2013This film... This beautiful film, has showed me me how to live life. It taught me to be myself when I go to the club and to sing to my fullest potential. All the people that have not seen this film, not only does it give a message coming from the heart, but it teaches children how their life to the fullest. My little sister forced me to watch this film, I tried to resist. I ended up watching it. Expecting it to be awful, I sat and watched it. However, it was not awful. I am a twenty year old man, that cried during this movie, it was very emotional. It teaches that friends may or may not stay true to you forever. To all the haters of this movie, you don't know art, just pure art. You all probably like terrible movies such as Frost/Nixon or Citizen Kane or any other terrible movie. In my own personal opinion, I would go to the nearest Best Buy, go to the kids section, and pick up this masterpiece.
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justinfetters-2846228 January 2022Let me start by saying "Let It Shine" is a Disney Channel masterpiece! This film outlines a racially diverse cast while touching on complicated and mature topics that many adolescents don't know how to approach at a younger age. I've spent a sum of time watching and analyzing this movie to write an honest and realistic review.
Throughout the film, they sprinkled catchy music that even in 2022 has held up. Of course, some scenes were cheesy, but that's 2012 Disney writers. I thought that Tyler James Williams, Coco Jones, and Trevor Jackson portrayed their roles beautifully, and I wouldn't change the cast one bit.
In conclusion, this film set a bar high for Disney programming. Only one other Disney movie is ranked higher on my list than Let It Shine. I'll save that review for another day. All I can say now is watch the movie, and listen to the music, you won't be disappointed. -
Tisha75721 August 2018Let it Shine" is a great family movie and my entire family, young and old watched together and appreciated over six years ago. That same year, My daughter, three, at the time & myself pmet Coco Jones at Busch Gardens, Williamsburg. Her performance was awesome and she signed our C.D. She was so nice and gave my daughter a hug. In 2017, we had a "Let it Shine Reunion" invited friends, watched the movie and had appetizers......The music, the lessons, the premise of the movie is extraordinary. We will always remember this movie! One of Disney's greatest!
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ayoola-452178 June 2020I recommend I could watch it over and over. The story was typical but I still think it's worth. The watch. Songs are great
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sherrybedpost10 May 2015I understand any non-African American (particularly Caucasian) person who doesn't understand this movie. Its OK, I get it. I get it if you don't understand why there were no Caucasian leading characters in this movie like you're used to seeing from Disney. I get it if you don't understand the meaning of this movie, so let me break it down for you. This movie was a representation of Black Culture today, the Black Community and what goes on in numerous African American households. I'm not saying only African Americans will fully understand this movie, but again this movie isn't for everyone. Its not for the intellectually weak Disney Movie watchers who request a simple "Everybody Wins" ploy. It's not for anyone who typically watches movies with plots centered around Caucasian culture and issues in the Caucasian community. Its basically not for the closed-minded. Its OK if you get uncomfortable with some of the ideas introduced in tis movie, some of the "language" and even some of the music. Overall it was a great attempt by Disney to realize and show the struggles in the African American community, to show to the world that not only movies with all-white main characters deserve to be shown on their channel. Thank You Disney.
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nogodnomasters19 July 2018This film combines "Joyful Noise," "8 Mile" and "Footloose" into one film and does it fairly well. Cyrus (Tyler James Williams) is shy and has self esteem issues brought about by a domineering preacher father. 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. 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.
The music was good and the rap insults were light, nothing to shame the Disney logo. The film has its predictable heart warming ending. 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.
Criticism: It appears Cyrus ironically lip synced his rapping and singing parts. Also if you noticed the "church" never has a cross or mentions Jesus. 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. Disney is trying not to offend anyone. Let me know how that works out. -
RosanaBotafogo16 April 2023The plot follows 16-year-old Cyrus DeBarge (Tyler James Williams), a musician with a gift for creating rhymes but lacking the self-confidence to take the stage. After participating in a songwriting contest alongside his best friend Kris McDuffy (Trevor Jackson), Cyrus is named the winner. Due to her fear of the spotlight, Cyrus panics and allows Kris to take credit for her heartfelt lyrics, and while he is in anonymity, Roxie (Coco Jones), Cyrus' crush, begins to fall for Kris.
It started as a simple-minded, very musical rap battle, which was considerably boring, progressed to a teenage "change of characters", and gained more dramatic and critical contours as it went along... Ending with a scathing critique of traditional-conservative-religiousness. Extreme, message of vivacity or individuality, with its differences and freedom of choice, requests for forgiveness, reconciliation, all packed with lots of music, and rap battles... Gostoso...