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 jubil... more »ant 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« less
"Wow...Hollywood has once again reinvented the movie musical with The Fighting Temptations, a funny and charming crowd-pleaser.
The film brims with plenty of rousing gospel choir music and charming humor. The wonderful star-filled cast is a pure delight and Beyonce Knowles once again shines on-screen and manages to hypnotize with her amazing vocal talent. This one had the audience at my special sneak preview clapping, cheering, and even dancing in their seats. Once it was over, the theatre filled with uproarious applause. This is the definitive crowd-pleasing film of the year--definitely not big on plot, but explodes with fantasic musical numbers that can brighten any mood. This was definitely an amazing movie-going experience. We all LOVED IT!!! See The Fighting Temptations, I highly recommend it."
Heart Warming and Uplifing
Lolita | Memphis,Tn | 10/05/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"My twelve yr. old and I went to see this movie we loved it. The casting was just perfit,hats off to the casting director.The gospel was uplifting from Shirly Cesear,O'Jays and surprising Beyonc'e.If you have any christanity in you and felt you have got lost along the way in life the movie certainly brought you back to your roots.I myself love gospel and church at time at the movie I forgot were I was.Will go see it again. 10 stars"
EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT, EXCELLENT!!!
F. Bailey | Queens, NY United States | 09/17/2003
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I'm an avid fan of Gospel music and I loved it! At first I thought I was going to be seeing some dry gospel movie with a deep spiritual message and a lot of tear jerky gospel singing. Although it did have a lot of gospel singing, it was very upbeat. The soundtrack is one of the best I've heard since The Wiz (and that was out in the 70's). I listened to it on their web site and I'm definately going to buy it. The movie did teach a good lesson about lying and true happiness, and at the same time, it was very funny and entertaining. If you're looking for a movie to take the entire family to, I highly recommend this one. One word of caution though, they did use profanity a couple of times and it had a few sexual references. Other than that, it was an excellent movie."
Great cast and music highlight fun film
Alejandra Vernon | Long Beach, California | 06/26/2005
(4 out of 5 stars)
"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.
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Fun and inspiring
warcon | Louisiana | 11/19/2005
(5 out of 5 stars)
"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..."