The Fighting Temptations (2003)
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42% of critics liked it
(106 reviews) -
67% of users liked it
(32,545 ratings)
Director Jonathan Lynn followed up the surprise hit The Whole Nine Yards with this musical comedy starring Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. Gooding plays Darrin, a shallow New York advertising executive, who travels to a small town in the deep south upon receiving word that his aunt has passed… More Director Jonathan Lynn followed up the surprise hit The Whole Nine Yards with this musical comedy starring Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. Gooding plays Darrin, a shallow New York advertising executive, who travels to a small town in the deep south upon receiving word that his aunt has passed away and left him a sizable inheritance. But once Darrin gets into town, he is informed that he will only receive the money if he successfully leads a local gospel group to victory at an upcoming competition. Reluctant but strapped for cash, Darrin takes on the task of finding the best singers in town and shaping the group up. Along the way, he becomes acclimated to the town with the help of his cousin Lucius (Mike Epps) and meets Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles), a single mother who not only possesses an incredible voice but also the ability to warm Darrin's cold heart. Along with Knowles, the supporting cast features a number of other real musicians, including Faith Evans, Melba Moore, Angie Stone, Montell Jordan, and The O'Jays. ~ Matthew Tobey, Rovi
- Directed By
- Jonathan Lynn
- Written By
- Elizabeth Hunter, Saladin K. Patterson
- Genres
- Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy
PG-13,
- In Theaters
- Sep 19, 2003 Wide
- On DVD
- Feb 3, 2004
- Studio
- Paramount Pictures
Critic Reviews
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Richard Roeper, Ebert & Roeper
This is an exhilarating musical -- but it's dragged into Thumbs Down territory by a dreadful story that creaks along between the rousing gospel numbers.
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Michael O'Sullivan, Washington Post
The only real question in this flaccid narrative ... is when everybody will stop talking and start singing again.
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Ann Hornaday, Washington Post
May not be great cinema, but it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
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Geoff Pevere, Toronto Star
Has practically nothing to recommend it save its music: Take that away and Jonathan Lynn's movie is as ordinary as an unsold TV pilot episode. But what music.
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Moira MacDonald, Seattle Times
The Fighting Temptations exists for its rousing gospel soundtrack, which is at times so good that you can forgive the movie its flaws.
See more critic ratings and reviews on Rotten Tomatoes
Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)
Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)
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Cast
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Cuba Gooding Jr.
as Darrin Fox
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Beyonce Knowles
as Lilly
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Melba Moore
as Bessie
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Mike Epps
as Lucius
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Shirley Caesar
as Rev. Shirley Caesar
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La Tanya Richardson
as Paulina Pritchett
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Steve Harvey
as Miles the DJ
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Montell Jordan
as Eric
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T-Bone
as Bee-Z Briggs
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Mickey Jones
as Scooter
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Rue McClanahan
as Mrs. Stringer
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Wendell Pierce
as Reverend Lewis
- Mickey Rooney
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Lil' Zane
as Jume Bug
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Angie Stone
as Alma
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Faith Evans
as Maryann Hill
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Dave Sheridan
as Corny Dog
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Chloe Bailey
as Young Terri
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Eric Nolan Grant
as Samuel
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Eddie Levert
as Joseph
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L. John Myers
as Homer T.
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Ann Nesby
as Aunt Sally Walker
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Darrell Vanterpool
as Dean
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Nigel Washington
as Young Darrin
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Mitchah Williams
as Jimmy B.
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Wanda Williams
as Lilly
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Walter Williams
as Frank
