The Fighting Temptations (2003)

Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding Jr.) is a junior advertising executive in New York City. A compulsive liar and con-man, he has managed to work his way to the top (almost). With a controversial new idea to increase liquor sales into poorer communities throughout the regional United States, he hopes to be made a senior partner with a corner office.

But his lying ways are discovered by his boss, and he is fired. On the same day that he loses his job, he receives word that his only surviving family member, Great Aunt Sally has passed away, and he must return to his hometown of Montecarlo, Georgia, to attend the funeral and reading of the will.

As the will is read, he learns that Sally’s dying wish was for him to lead the church choir she had been a part of at the Beulah Baptist Church, and assist them to win the Gospel Explosion competition in Columbus, Ohio.

Initially, he is hesitant, having no musical knowledge whatsoever. But when he discovers that if he succeeds, he will inherit her stock portfolio valued at $100,000, he quickly changes his mind, and agrees, telling everyone in town he is a record producer and has plenty of musical experience.

Unfortunately, the woman who thought she would be leading the choir, Paulina Pritchett (LaTanya Richardson), an overbearing woman who basically runs the entire church (and even the community), even controlling her brother, the church pastor, Reverend Lewis (Wendell Pierce).

But Sally’s dying wish takes precedence, and Darrin begins leading the choir, completing revitalising their stale image by bringing in new lead singer Lilly (Beyoncé Knowles), a single mother whose presence in the choir greatly angers Paulina to the point that she storms out, and tries to bring the whole choir down in flames.

It should come as no surprise that the clear highlight of this film is the music. Written and produced by Jimmy Jam, Terry Lewis, Big Jim Wright, every single musical moment in this film will have you tapping your toes (even unconsciously at times). I would have to say my favourite song in the film is the one that sums up the film’s overall message. The chorus says:

“Seems like I always fall short
Of being worthy
‘Cause I ain’t good enough
But He still loves me.”

In fact, this film has a lot of very positive messages: messages about forgiveness, redemption and strongest and clearest of all, honesty even when it hurts.

The screenplay, written by Elizabeth Hunter and Saladin K. Patterson, is well structured and very funny. The characters are all very well constructed and developed; this film won’t just make you laugh and make you think, it will probably make you cry as well.

Victoria Paul’s production design is also excellent. All the sets and locations are wonderfully constructed, and give a clear idea of both place and character, supporting the script and supporting the director.

Speaking of the director, this film is directed by Jonathan Lynn, the co-creator and co-writer of classic British comedy series Yes, Minister and Yes, Prime Minister. His comic timing here is just as important as the timing and delivery of the actors, and he is definitely in his element here.

The entire cast give great performances here, including Knowles, who at this time hadn’t really acted in anything big before, being primarily known as a singer (and an amazing singer at that). There are some great cameo performances in here, too, including Golden Girl Rue McClanahan as choir member Nancy, and Steve Harvey as a local radio presenter who isn’t afraid to speak his mind at any opportunity.

I had such a great time watching this film again, and I’m sure you will, too.

7 out of 10.