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:)

This 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.

This 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.