Customer Reviews

The Fighting Temptations (Widescreen Edition)

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(18)
3 star:		(6)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

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.

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...

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. :)

Cuba was great, even Beyonce was good (singing) not acting. I loved the supporting cast and the old school gospels were wonderful to hear. This is a light-hearted, feel good movie. If you don't like it or think it is boring, as one review said, they must be the boring ones.....or perhaps it was a bit over their heads.....maybe they didn't understand the black church or humor.....get over it.....this movie was da bomb!

Not what you would call an exciting plot, but who on earth cares? In this age of special effects and pretensions such as actors/actresses telling the press and their friends, "OH WELL IT'S METHOD ACTING YOU KNOW DARLING THAT MAKES IT SO REAL...."it's nice to watch a movie that is both fun and pleasing to the eye.

You could call this movie a poor man's "Sister Act" it certainly has that feel about it, but even that doesn't detract from the charm and energy of this very under rated movie that I found myself enjoying despite myself!

The plot isn't rocket science, thank God as it follows New York advertising executive Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) to a small Southern Town to the reading of his Grandmother's will which has him getting in involved with a gospel choir that couldn't sing their way out of a paper bag. Very soon the choir has new members which soon include three hysterically funny convicts and a beautiful lounge singer with an attitude as they strive achieve Darrin's deceased Grandmother's dream of making it big on the gospel circuit, especially the Gospel Explosion Competition in Atlanta.

However the salt in the sugar is that Darrin's not doing it out of the goodness of his heart, he's hard hearted city boy after all, he in it for the money because there's a $150,000 legacy up for grabs and he has his eye on the main chance.

However Darrin doesn't expect to fall in love with the lounge singer, the warmth of Southern Life and the food which to his disgust he can't get when he returns to the city and nor does he expect to grow fond of the misfits he has cobbled together in a bid to claim his inheritance.

Be prepared for gentle laughs throughout the movie, a few loud chuckles over some of the "ruder" aspects of the film and toe tap your way through a great gospel soundtrack that had me almost heading for church to join in and I'm of the Hindu persuasion!

The cast are crackingly good fun in this feel good movie, with Beyoncé Knowles proving she can act as well as sing, and you get some fun and energetic performances from the likes of T-Bone, (I love his hair in this movie!) LaTanya Richardson and the wonderful Melba Moore.

Look out also for Golden Girl Rue McClanahan giving it her all, and sit back and enjoy this easy to watch movie that is enchanting as it is naughty in places.

Though the movie had a predictable plot, it was still so fun and thouroughly enjoyable to watch and to listen to the great gospel music. Cuba and byonce were great and so were the other characters...they were all charming. Also, I liked seeing a church and a choir that was made up of both black and white singers. I was glad to see Rue (from "Golden Girls") play a part.

I borrowed the movie from the library and liked it so much that I decided to buy it. Cuba Gooding is such fun to watch and Beyonce is a listening pleasure, even though this must have been one of her earlier movies, her acting has improved. ("Cadillac Records" is a good one to buy) The music will lift your spirits and the dialog will tickle all your funny bones.

A New York advertising executive who is about to land a big account, has his life shaken up when it becomes known that he has lied about having a college degree. After being fired, his life is further shaken by his debtors who had counted on paying after landing the account. Having to go on the run, he is called back to his southern town roots, when his great aunt dies. At the reading of the will, he learns he has been asked to assume the mantle of choir director of his great aunt's church and if he can get the choir in the Gospel Explosion in Atlanta, he will inherit stock worth $150,000. Unfortunately the choir leaves a lot to be desired and he has to start recruiting. Among others, he gets three prisoners to join. More importantly, he gets a "sinner" from one of the local night clubs to join. While initially scorned and resisted, nonetheless her voice wins everyone but the hardcore church busybody. A delightful, surprisingly fresh comedy. Cubba and Knowls are great in this movie. The movie was a very entertaining movie. It is fun to watch.

This movie was one of those sleepers that didn't do particularly well at the box office, but it's really a great film. One you can enjoy over and over because of the great singing performances. The video transfer pretty good and the sound is excellent.

This movie is a really good one to watch when you're in a bad mood. Not only is it funny, has really good music, and good acting, this movie makes you feel really good! The plot of this movie is so simple, it's brilliant! I have this movie and it's soundtrack (which I also recommend--great music!) and I watch this movie almost once a week. I usually watch it when I'm kind of sad and whatnot. I listen to the music every night before I go to bed. I have nothing else to say except this: Get this movie right now. You won't regret it!