The Fighting Temptations

High-class New York advertising executive Cuba Gooding, Jr. is fired for lying on his resume (firing someone for that is about as dumb as firing someone for killing a cockroach). Immediately following that he learns that his elderly aunt has died. He decides to go back to the town of his youth, a place he has always been ashamed of, and finds out that she wanted him to take over the job of conducting the choir in the local Baptist Church. Gooding does not show much interest until he learns that $150,000 is involved. Thus he passes himself off as a musical specialist with hit-and-miss comedic results. Beyonce Knowles sizzles, as she always seems to do, as a cocktail bar singer who has been banned from the congregation for having a child out of wedlock. Needless to say, the choir needs her though and it becomes apparent that Gooding needs her as well. Wendell Pierce is impressive as the church's minister and his annoying sister (LaTanya Richardson) ends up being the villain here. Lots of energy from the cast and some admittedly great vocals are not enough to endear "The Fighting Temptations". The main problems are Gooding's uneven character (it is hard to always like him) and a seemingly endless running time (going just over two hours, too long for a movie like this). Knowles is the greatest reason to watch. She downs Pepsi Colas and sings her heart out with vigor and intensity. 2.5 out of 5 stars.

I got this dvd for free and it's been sitting in my "watch when nothing better to do" pile. When I finally watched it I was surprised it's actually a quite fun movie with good acting and a lot of music. The first half was better, then towards the end the momentum slowed down a bit but the movie is short enough to stay interesting. If you like movies such as "Blues Brothers" and especially "Sister Act" you might like this one too.

The song and dance and high energy expressions of faith and joy were a delight-- too bad the plot didn't have as much going for it.

Cuba Gooding is a remarkably talented guy, as in fact, were many of the cast members... the script just didn't give them much to work with. The plot is predictable and formulaic-- which isn't necessarily a terrible thing if it never-the-less shows you a really good time anyway. This movie tries to, but just falls flat whenever the music stops.

It was worth watching for the rousing good music, but certainly not something I feel any need to add to my dvd collection and ever watch again.

I can not believe I almost forgot to write about this film. It was a rare one that I really enjoyed. It had some funny moments and some great music. Now I'm not saying this movie was perfect b/c it was far from it but it was very entertaining and sometimes that is what a movie is supposed to be. The acting was okay and Beyonce is not bad at acting and is great at singing. The plot was nothing monumental but it dealt with something my wife was actually going through at the time. I will definitely own this movie.

This is one of Cuba Gooding's best performances in years. Mr. Gooding has been on a dry run since his Oscar win in the supporting category for Tom Cruise's famous line-Show me the money!

This is basically a fun film. Cuba Gooding, recently fired from his job, returns to Georgia for the funeral of his beloved Aunt Sally. That funeral scene in the church is just memorably realized.

Gooding captures the part of the not so competent worker, with a kind and understanding heart.

He can keep the inheritance providing that he does something is an old Hollywood line. This time, it's the taking up of the choir.

LaTanya Richardson gives a stoic performance as the holier than thou choir leader who looks to trip the Gooding character up so that she can maintain her position. She is just great as one who preaches reverence but has strayed herself.

Beyonce Knowles belts it out. Of course, her rendition of fever can't be compared to that of the great Peggy Lee.