The Fighting Temptations

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

The Fighting Temptations
Directed by Jonathan Lynn
Produced by MTV Films
Written by Elizabeth Hunter
Saladin K. Patterson
Starring Cuba Gooding Jr.
Beyoncé Knowles
Rue McClanahan
Distributed by Paramount Pictures
Release date(s) September 19, 2003
Running time 123 min.
Language English
IMDb profile

The Fighting Temptations is a 2003 comedy film produced by Paramount Pictures and MTV Films. It stars Cuba Gooding Jr. and singer Beyoncé Knowles as they attempt to revive a town's choir traditions in a modern society.

Contents

[edit] Plot

New York City advertising executive Darrin Hill (played by Cuba Gooding, Jr.), who is about to land a big account, has his life turned upside down when it's revealed that he has lied about having a college degree. After being fired, his life is further shaken by being unable to repay his debts. Now on the run, he is called back to his southern town roots when his aunt dies. At the reading of the will, he learns he has been asked to assume the mantle of choir director of his aunt's home church and if he can get the choir in the Gospel Explosion in Columbus, GA, he will inherit stock worth $150,000. Unfortunately the choir is not in very good shape and he has to start recruiting townsfolk, not all of whom are interested. He also finds himself competing with one of his aunt's friends and sister of the town preacher Paulina Pritchett (played by LaTanya Richardson) who is secretly scheming to take over the choir herself and has a grudge against Darrin's mother for not staying true to her church roots and singing "secular" music. Among others, he gets three prisoners to join but his biggest coup is recruiting secular singer and childhood friend Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles) who sings at one of the local night clubs as his mother did, to join; he also starts dating her. While Hill's efforts are initially scorned and resisted, he and Lilly eventually whip the ragtag crew into shape and win the Explosion-and each other's hearts. 18 months later, they are married and have their own baby.

[edit] Reception

The movie was a moderate success, with a worldwide gross of US$32,445,215. Critics panned Cuba Gooding Jr.'s performance and thought Knowles' performance was underacted.

[edit] Cameo appearances

The movie has cameos from some of today's most talented and respected names in the music and acting industry, including comedian Steve Harvey as the town DJ, Faith Evans (appearing in a dream as Darrin's mother), Shirley Caesar, Ann Nesby, Eddie Levert & Walter Williams from the O'Jays, Rue McClanahan (from The Golden Girls), Mike Epps, Lou Myers, and singers Montell Jordan, Bilal, Melba Moore, Angie Stone, Lil Zane and T-Bone. The Mississippi Mass Choir was scheduled to appear in the film, but dropped out after disagreements with the choir's manager.

[edit] Awards and nominations

  • Black Reel Awards
    • Best Actor: (Cuba Gooding Jr.) Nominated
    • Best Actress: (Beyonce Knowles) Nominated
    • Best Screenplay Original or Adapted: (Elizabeth Hunter & Saladin K. Patterson) Nominated
    • Best Film: Nominated
    • Best Film Soundtrack: Winner
    • Best Film Song: "He Still Loves Me" (Beyonce Knowles & Walter Williams Sr.) Winner
  • Image Awards
    • Outstanding Motion Picture: Winner
    • Outstanding Actress in a Motion Picture: (Beyonce Knowles) Nominated

[edit] Trivia

 This 2000s comedy film-related article is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it.