Dolly Parton: A Musicares Tribute
By Jennifer Green,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Tribute concert docu is best for diehard Dolly fans.
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Dolly Parton: A Musicares Tribute
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What's the Story?
When Dolly Parton received the Musicares Person of the Year award, the organization put on DOLLY PARTON: A MUSICARES TRIBUTE, a concert featuring a range of artists performing Dolly's music. That 55-minute concert is captured here on film, and includes performances by, among many others, Willie Nelson, Katy Perry, Miley Cyrus, Shawn Mendes, Norah Jones, Mavis Staples, John Batiste, Chris Stapleton, Linda Perry, and Yolanda Adams. Dolly sits in the audience and reacts to each performance. She gives a thank-you speech and sings her classic "Coat of Many Colors" at the end. There's a short documentary about her life and career shown mid-concert.
Is It Any Good?
This filmed concert could appeal to a variety of audiences thanks to its diverse cast of performers, but the hour-long tribute will primarily draw fans of country music icon Dolly Parton. Some performances in Dolly Parton: A Musicares Tribute are stronger than others, but all are enjoyable and each offers a unique take on the original music. The highlight by far is gospel singer Yolanda Adams' rendition of "I Will Always Love You," Dolly's biggest hit ever, made famous by Whitney Houston and The Bodyguard. As a live tribute, this was probably a lot of fun to attend, evidenced by the audience reaction shots (where we see, among others, Nancy Pelosi).
As a filmed event, the picture has its shortcomings. It's distracting that many of the performers appear to be reading lyrics while singing. Group Little Big Town, introduced as the event's hosts, disappear from the film early on. Dolly's thank-you speech comes across as strangely stilted for such a natural performer and joke-teller. Miley Cyrus's asides -- mid-song about her short skirt ("Sorry, Dad") or in a closing speech affirming she likes getting high -- are unfitting for the occasion. If you're looking for films featuring Dolly's life story or music, there are better options out there, like documentary Dolly Parton: Here I Am.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why Musicares felt Dolly Parton deserved their award, celebrated in Dolly Parton: A Musicares Tribute. Who are previous award recipients?
How does Musicares show compassion? How does Dolly Parton? Why is this character strength valuable?
Who was your favorite performer of the tribute? Why?
What are some of the different musical genres embodied by the performers invited to participate in this tribute? Were you surprised by their willingness or ability to switch genres and perform Dolly's mostly country music?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: April 7, 2021
- Cast: Dolly Parton, Miley Cyrus, Willie Nelson
- Director: Christian Lamb
- Inclusion Information: Pansexual actors
- Studio: Netflix
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Compassion
- Run time: 55 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: February 17, 2023
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