Product Details

• Actors: Nigel Washington, Chloe Bailey, Demetress Long, Ann Nesby, Faith Evans
• Format: Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, NTSC
• Language: English
• Rated: PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount
• VHS Release Date: February 3, 2004
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (65 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00011ZBYI
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #294,956 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

The Fighting Temptations may not cure the common cold with its FFF (Familiar Feel-Good Formula), but it'll definitely cure what ails you. Here's an unassuming, well-cast comedy drama, filled with forgiving spirit and jubilant gospel music, and its lessons go down as smooth as a mint julep in summertime. Mostly it's just good, harmless fun, beginning when a deceptive corporate ladder-climber (Cuba Gooding Jr.) returns from Manhattan to his southern-fried Georgia hometown to attend the funeral of a beloved aunt, whose will stipulates a reward of $150,000 if he'll direct the local church choir to win a big annual gospel music contest. The outcome is obvious, but veteran comedy director Jonathan Lynn keeps things percolating with casual flair, especially when a lovely lounge singer (Beyoncé Knowles, in a nicely downplayed costarring role) agrees to rejuvenate Gooding's choir, which teams rapping convicts, a boozy barfly (on organ), and bible-thumping prudes. With musical appearances by the O'Jays and the Blind Boys of Alabama, among others, how could this be anything but delightful? --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars great cast and music highlight fun film, June 26, 2005

By 

Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)    (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (HALL OF FAME REVIEWER)   

This review is from: The Fighting Temptations (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

A predictable plot, and a script and editing that could have been better are saved by the talent and enthusiasm of a terrific cast, and some fabulous music that is full of joy and life. "The Fighting Temptations" is also family friendly by today's standards and has a balance between the religious and secular that should provide "something for everyone." The only disappointment is that it had the potential of being so much better, as in the audition scene, which could have been hilarious, but lags and at times falls flat.

The cast: Oscar winner Cuba Gooding Jr. has a charisma and energy that fills the screen, and is a marvelous actor. He deserved better direction and script here, but nevertheless always gives us 100% of his overflowing talent as Darrin Hill, a con man forced to face the truth of his superficial life. "Destiny's Child" Beyoncé Knowles, who gained a few pounds and became even more voluptuous for the role of Lilly, a single parent and lounge singer, is absolutely gorgeous, and does as well with her acting as she does as a singer. Among the many standout performances, some are memorable: Mike Epps as Lucius, Melba Moore as Bessie, Wendell Pierce as Reverend Lewis, Eddie Levert Sr. as Joseph the barber, and Rue McClanahan, Lou Myers, Angie Stone, Mickey Jones, and T-Bone.

The music: My favorite numbers are "Rain Down," with Angie Stone and Eddie Levert, Sr., and also with Eddie and his fellow "O'Jays" Walter Williams and Eric Nolan Grant, "Love Me Like a Rock." "To Da River" with T-Bone, Zane, and Montell Jordan is exceptional, being the rare combination of a rap song with a melody, and other fabulous numbers are sung throughout the film, including a sultry rendition of the Peggy Lee hit, "Fever," by Beyoncé. The Blind Boys of Alabama and Melba Moore are among the many other fine performances.
Weak moments don't stop this from being a very enjoyable film, and well worth its 123 minutes of one's time.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fun and inspiring, November 19, 2005

By 

warcon (Louisiana) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fighting Temptations (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

This movie is definitely NOT BORING. Cuba is offthechain hilarious when he's directing the choir, like a crazed lunatic breakdancing, pew hopping, chandelier swinging choir director. Beyonce is amazing, the Ojays are great. The performances are musically and visually captivating. "He still loves me" at the end was a perfect finale. And I am usually hard on movies, but this one was really enjoyable. I bought it to replay the musical sequences. Oh and there is a nice little storyline in there too. and dat gurl look-ted good 2...

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Oscar worthy? Certainly not. Sweet film? Wholeheartedly yes., November 7, 2005

By 

Janelle (New York, NY USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Fighting Temptations (Widescreen Edition) (DVD)

I glanced over some of the negative reviews for this film...just to see what's been said. I couldn't disagree more.

To be fair, this film is predictable, unbelievably corny at times, unrealistic perhaps, and does not have the best acting available in Hollywood. But I still give it 4 stars. Why? Because it's such a pleasant, feel good movie with a genuine sweetness to it. When it comes on cable (even though I've seen it numerous times), I can't help but watch it. I love the music, I love the humor (Mike Epps displays his usual comic brilliance) and I love the classic character types (the "holier-than thou" churchlady, the big city type who finds fulfillment in his small hometown, etc.).

That said, I have as many highbrow tastes as the next girl. Even though I cherish a first-rate filet mignon, it doesn't mean I can't appreciate a good, greasy burger every once in a while. :)