I really enjoyed this movie. The casting was excellent. It had some of the Best Gospel and R&B singers. Also alot of Good actors & actresses. Even though you might not be a church goer. This is still a nice family movie. It is *HILARIOUS* with a great story line.

This was one of the most moving movies I've ever seen. I watched it over and over. One minute I was up praising God; the next couple of minutes I was in tears from laughter; then I was crying along with the characters. The music on the movie & CD was magnificent. Not only is it a great movie with excellently performed music, It has all kinds of life-lessons in it. Every time I watch it, it seems as if I'm watching it for the first time.

Okay, I admit: at first this movie seems like yet another clone in a long line of lead-the-choir/save-the-church type movies (eg. "Sister Act" & "Gospel"), it actually turns out to be more like the gospel version of "Catch Me If You Can" ... sort of. Okay, well at least it tries to be different ... sort of. Okay, nevermind. It fits the new cliched prodigal-leads-the-choir-to-glory movie-making formula to a T -- can we leave it at that?

And although Cuba Gooding Jr. doesn't seem exactly comfortable in his comedic role of a con-man-turned-choir-director &, standing next to Beyonce, he looks more like a cradle robber than an eligible bachelor (who did the casting?!), the movie has a lot of funny moments, a lot of great music & a great feel-good message ... sort of. Okay, I know it's the exact same feel-good message that all the other lead-the-choir/save-the-church films have, but what were you expecting -- originality?

It's fun. It feels good. It's musical. And it works. Thank you very much & have a nice day.

Darrin (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is hustler living in NYC. His youth was spent on the road accompanying his mother (Faith Evans) who was ostracized from their hometown church. It was found out one Sunday that Darrin's mom was singing R&B with suggestive lyrics. The strict rules of the church were enforced by Paulina who as the antagonist is successful in ridding of Darrin's mom.

Forward many years later, Darrin receives notice of his Aunt's passing. He makes the trek back to his hometown with big town attitude and swagger. He is revered as a hero, but in fact is a failure in sheep's clothing. His trip comes with an opportunity to cash (and save himself from debt) in on his Aunt's will. He is given authority to reconstruct the choir and enter them into a contest. With green on his mind, Darrin seeks out his quest to bring himself out of the red. He finds out more about himself, his family, and his hometown.

Though structurally not sound, the Fighting Temptations does provide funny moments with touching ones as well. Both Gooding and Beyonce Knowles play believable characters with substance. Mike Epps, Steve Harvey, Melba Moore, and Angie Stone round out a nice supporting cast.

Backed up with a joyous and emotional soundtrack, The Fighting Temptations is a good movie centered on the honesty (or dishonesty) of Darrin Hill and the hypocrisy of a small town church. When these negatives are ironed out though, the result is a congregation proud of their choir and proud of one of their own.

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. :)

A movie to just enjoy, and the music is wonderful. LIked the way they handled the story, too. Good movie to relax and let play.

This is a truly wonderful movie in spite of the one dimentional plot line. The music is sensational and inspirational and the actors are having a great time with their performances here.

The tone of the movie is definately not R rated so the content is suitable for families. Beyonce does an amazing job being sexy and spiritual and Cuba Gooding Jr. shows off his gymnastic capabilities with ease as well as his ability to poke fun at himself.

This is certainly no cinematic wonder nor is it a deep character study with contrasting plot lines - however, just watching Beyonce perform in the choir scenes and listening to the incomparable O'Jays is enough reason to buy this DVD. Just buy it to feel inspired and laugh.

The Fighting Temptations is more than what the title implies. One can't appreciate the title until almost the end of the movie. What it has is a good plot, allot of good humor, but most of all, a fabulous soundtrack with very talented, beautiful voices that are brought together for a great cause. The characters each bring great life to the movie because of their assorted backgrounds and crazy personalities. There is no way anyone can watch this film without loving it. Some of the performances are spirituals, but they are performed in a very modern, updated version that makes you want to listen to the music over and over. Women and men will love this for it's uplifting, feel good power that will definately make you feel better and keep smiling. I watch it over and over and never tire of it. You will love it too.

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.

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.

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.

The story behind the movie had some meaning, and that is all that this film could offer...I found the overall film to be boring, typical, and in some areas downright stupid...I found this film to have a low budget look to it. I did not care much for the characters in this film, as a matter of fact, in some spots, I just plain fell asleep!!

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.

We've seen this premise many times before but that doesn't take away from this movie's charm. There are no surprises here. We all know that Cuba Godding's character will undergo a change of heart but it's okay. The driving force behind this film is the music. It's upbeat gospel that really gets your feet tapping. Gooding is funny in this vehicle and although he is capable of much more serious work, he's very good at this kind of role as well. I must also mention that it was very nice to see Melba Moore who hasn't been seen anywhere in quite some time.

There is no nudity of sex in this film but it is mentioned a time or two. There is very little if any foul language.

The Fighting Temptations is a great Saturday afternoon movie. I also suggest buying the soundtrack. There are a couple of songs that were not including on the soundtrack. Shame, shame!!!

Enjoy!

I don't know if Cuba Gooding Jr. needs a new agent or new therapist, but for such a good actor it's hard to understand why he's doing such poor pictures. This picture is terrible. But having said that, much of the music is wonderful. Even the hip-hop, which generally I don't enjoy, was well done. But what really makes it stand out is the gospel. If you enjoy this style of music you must hear it here. But save yourself wading through a boring, unoriginal movie and get the sound track album instead.

This movies has to be Cuba Gooding Jr.'s best post-Oscar period movie. Most of the others have ranged from mediocre to bad stuff that bombed at the box office, but this movie did quite well in his run. Cuba is solid in his role of getting a struggling church choir to win a music contest to provide funds for his late relative's church. Beyonce is quite good in her role as she shifts from a sexy singing siren to a more spiritual gospel singer in that choir. Sometimes, she's not good in a few scenes, but this is one of her first movie acting roles, and she'll grow with time. And some of my favorite performers are in this movie, from my girl Faith Evans, to Shirley Caesar, who's still got it, to the mighty O'Jays, to my girl Melba Moore, who can still saaang it(!), and so forth! And a rare move in clashing the hard-edged,street grooves of rap with those jail convicts and the spiritual feel of gospel with the church choir that blend very well for that music contest they competed in! It's very moving, inspiring and uplifting, just makes you feel good at the end!

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!

Even though the plot of the movie can remind you of leap the faith and sister act 2, it was well put together and the soundtrack is awesome. Everytime the choir sings it makes you wish that you were in the movie singing with them. To understand the comedy in the church scenes, I guess you must have to be a true church goer. If it was just based on the acting I would give it two stars but the soundtrack is so good, I have to boost it up to four.

The Fighting Temptations is a hilarious comedy about a guy who 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 the big annual 'Gospel Explosion' music contest. Reluctantly, he decides to go through with it only because he was fired from his job in advertising and he needs the money. You find out along the way that he hasn't been truthful with his employers or, pretty much, anyone else for that matter but you can't help but like this guy for some reason. At any rate, the conclusion is like you imagine it to be where everything happens for the best and, in the end, he gets the girl.
The one thing that makes this movie stand out is the outstanding soundtrack. It uplifts even the most hardhearted. With music by the O'Jays and the Blind Boys of Alabama, Beyonce Knowles, T-Bone, Zane, Montell Jordan, Shirley Caesar and Ann Nesby, Faith Evans, Bilal, among others; it rises above that been there-done that kind of movie.
I really loved this movie and highly-highly recommend this movie to everyone. I even recommend people add this their collection...it's that good. We need more movies like these.

This was an average movie. The music was so fantastic and brilliant and you couldn't help but clap your hands with the gospel singers. Beyonce sings so well but the acting in this from her was only average - not because she can't act, but there wasn't a lot of emotion from her character.
The plot was so predictable in a 'seen it before' kind of way, but it was still somehow a feel good movie and enjoyable nevertheless.

This isn't the best movie I've ever seen, but it's definitely not the worst either. It's worth watching though. However, I do believe that if their weren't all those professional singers in this movie it would have been just mediocre at best. It was the singers and the soundtrack that made it actually pretty good. I absolutely love Cuba Gooding Jr, and Beyonce' may not be on the A-list as an actress yet, but she definitely shows potential.

What happened Cuba?! As for Beyonce, she can't act her way out of a bag and will yoddle her way through a song (which is ashamed because she does have a decent voice) but is hailed as THE star of now which is why I had to sit through her performance in this film. Too contrived and too corny.

Fighting temptations is a sweet, cool film, with so many amazingly talented actors who can not only act but r amazing singers too.
Although there are slightly cringingly corny moments the wonderful + light comedy of the film satifyingly over shadows it.
Beyonce adds a real sexy and classy touch to the film and the astounding sultryness of her voice is bound to hav u admiring her many a time. The funky and soulful songs not only makes u wana get up and sing and dance but go down 2 ur local HMV + buy the soundtrack!
The downsides r if ur not in2 gospel or singin, this movie is definetly not 4 u!
Although this is a real feel good movie all over, i did feel like there was Somthin missin.

Hope my review helped u make the right choice ***

When I picked up this DVD, I don't think I knew what I was letting myself in for. When I watch/ buy films, I don't always tend to look at the cast. And although I knew that Beyonce Knowles was in it, I had no idea about the other brilliant stars of this film. I kept saying, `Oh my goodness, its....' Which did get annoying for the people I was watching it with. The entire cast all had well suited roles in the film, which was exquisitely written and was complemented well by the music.
So to put it in a nutshell, this is one for the comedy lovers. I loved it, and I think you will too.

Music Music Music. The music was GOOD! Very comical movie and the actors did a good job as well. I think Beyonce has a lot of talent however, it seemed like her acting was a little shaky in this movie, nevertheless she came out on top! I thought Cuba's character was a little "hyper-active" at times but he played him well :-) . Don't rent this...buy it. I Promise that you would like to see it again.

I loved The Fighting Temptations! It was a great movie. The music was wonderful and the story was sweet and wholesome. :) I'd certainly reccommend it!

I just finished watching The Fighting Temptations and give it a solid 4 stars. The music was great and I wasn't worried about my son hearing or seeing anything inappropriate. Although Cuba Gooding Jr. may not win Best Actor for this performance, he held his own for what he had to work with. Beyonce' is an excellent singer, which makes up for her "just okay" acting in this movie. There was absolutely no chemistry between Cuba and Beyonce' but the movie needed a good singer and a good actor to try and balance the tastes of moviegoers. I'm not mad at that. I would recommend giving this movie a chance for the music and positive message.

You can't watch this movie and sit still! It has a good homespun story line about a young man who finds out he can go home again, and that a person's roots remain a part of him forever. It's filled with happy music and Cuba Gooding Jr's exhuberant performance is contagious. A great physical explosion of gospel music!

In the beginning of the movie you might thinks its lame, but you have to watch it for about five minutes until you get into it. Beyonce` and Cuba Gooding Jr. work together as actors very good.

Plot is predictable, but the songs and the singing is what I love most about this movie. Cute enough for you kids to watch, entertaining enough to keep you interested.

This is a great DVD. Performances by Gooding, the Ojays, Angie Stone, and the rest were wonderful. The music was off the chain. Its one movie that you can watch again and again and again!

This movie is the best! I can honestly give it 5 STARS and thats not only because of its talented cast and humor, it has a certain quality about it. There is enough of just about everything spread out, no audience member is left out. I love the movie!!

The movie might be a little unrealistic but it does have a strong message added with some humor. Cuba Gooding Jr. plays Darrin Hill who grew up in a small town in Georgia along with Lilly (Beyonce Knowles) who he had a crush on since day one but Lilly keeps telling him she's waiting for Michael Jackson to come along. Anyway, Darrin's mother was a member of the church choir and when she was outside of the church she performed in clubs to try and get a record deal. Paulina who i think is a secetary of the church claimed that his mother was an embarrassment for the church because the music she was singing was sexually immoral. Darrin's mother was giving a choice and that was to either to quit performing satan music at the club or leave the choir, she left the choir. Darrin years later was found working in New York at a marketing firm. Darrin literally lies to get want he wants. He misrepesented himself at work and at home by pretending that he graduated from a big university which I think they said was Yale and of course he said he graduated from high school, but that wasn't true either. Of course, Darrin's sins came back to haunt as his boss discovered these misrepresentations and Darrin was unemployed. To make matters worse, Darrin was in financial debt up to his ears and he constantly used up the limit of how much he could spent on his credit cards. The good news is (well kind of good) Darrin's aunt passed away and so he returns to his hometown to see the funeral which was the first time he had seen or talked to her in 20 years. Darrin discovered that in his aunt's will he is asked to take over the church choir and lead them into the gospel explosion, if he is successful he will be inherited 150,000. The problem is, darrin doesn't know jack about music directing, he doesn't know an upbeat from a downbeat. However, Darrin once again misrepresents himself just so he can get his hands on that money by claiming he has helped out musicians like P. Diddy and Dr. Dre. He has Steve Harvey's character, who is a liquor-swigging disc jockey to help promote the choir and get people to try out. Unforunately, noone made the cut. However, as Darrin is still trying to persuade Lilly to join he happens to meet a barbershop trio (O'Jays) singing and was able to get them to join the group and in the next coming weeks Darrin put together the oddest choir ever assembled but when they co-existed, they were awesome. Paulina of course tries desperately to break up the choir by not mentioning the deadline to when the choir was to sign up and pay the fees to get into the contest and always revealing the dirty sins of the group especially Lilly who is single with a son. Darrin did get Lilly to join along with ex-convicts, hillbilly pianist who happens to be a drunkard, rappers, blind boys, etc. Everything was going great until Paulina discovered about Darrin's new york job and that his boss would be willing to hire him back which really concerns the choir and puts Darrin in a morality check. Darrin claims that hey why not lie about all of this when it was the church that tore his family apart and he does go back to new york to promote his liquor product, but as he was promoting it the words of his aunt starting sinking in that he doesn't need to lie about who he is and decides he would rather direct the choir. That task wasn't easy as to deal with the mean Paulina and try to get the rev and lilly back in the group. Against all odds, Darrin did get to lead the choir into the explosion and they ended up winning the contest. Darrin ended up keeping his promise and successfully follow his aunt's wishes and ends up going back to his old church and lead the choir every sunday. Yes, he and Lilly were together and had a their own child. The movie had a very interesting cast and tons of humor. From drinking to Mike Epps pimp lifestyle that he has portrayed in all his movies, to seeing old folks brawling in the church this is definatly a touching but still funny flick. If you liked Bruce Almighty and the 2001 movie "Kingdom Come" you should enjoy this!!

This musical comedy falls short of the mark. After watching the previews, I was looking forward to this movie since I thought that it was going to be highly entertaining. The truth is that it has some entertaining value, but that's about it, there is not much else.

Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is climbing the corporate ladder in an advertising agency in New York years after his mother, Mary Ann, is forced to leave the Church's Choir in their hometown when she had to choose between the choir and singing "profane" R&B as a recording artist.

Things are beginning to look good for Darrin in the Big Apple until he gets the boot for lying about his education on his job application. At this point, he finds out that his Aunt Sally passed away and when he goes back to Monte Carlo, GA for the funeral, he receives the shocking news that she left him $150,000 on the condition that he directs the Church's Choir and gets it accepted into the Annual Gospel Explosion. With creditors pressing and out of a job, Darrin has no choice but to embark in this enterprise, which is harder than he realized.

I have always enjoyed the performances of Cuba Gooding Jr., but in this case I think he does not deliver at the level at which he usually does. The movie is "stolen" away by Beyonce Knowles and her singing. She plays a single mother (Lilly) who was Darrin's childhood sweetheart. As I stated earlier, the movie has its entertaining moments, but at some points it gets boring and senseless. The director, Jonathan Lynn, could have cut thirty minutes of scenes without losing any real value or substance. I like Gospel music, but it is not my favorite genre, so I acknowledge that if you really love this type of music you will probably enjoy the movie a lot more than I did.