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Brothers and sisters, please join me in giving
thanks for THE FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS, the first
movie this year to deliver sheer musical pleasure.
Glorious gospel singing and joyful dancing fill
the screen without the interruption of cut-away
shots -- and, praise the Lord, we're allowed to
see entire numbers from beginning to end! Let
those "Amens" be heard on high.
Clap your hands for Destiny Child's Beyoncé
Knowles, who sings with all her heart and soul -
even while performing a definitely "non-gospel"
hit like Peggy Lee's sexy "Fever." And for the
other heavenly voices assembled here to make up
the film's exuberant gospel choirs - people like
Melba Moore, Shirley Caesar, Eddie Levert, Faith
Evans, Angie Stone, and T-Bone (who performs an
incredible gospel rap while in handcuffs!).
Give a shout out for Cuba Gooding Jr. in another
frenetically funny turn. He's better than ever as
a dishonest New York advertising executive who
falls for Knowles after inheriting his Aunt
Sally's gospel choir down in Georgia -- plus the
chance to win big prize money at the annual Gospel
Explosion competition, if he can put together a
decent choir.
Sing hallelujah for the terrific barbershop
quartette version of "Loves Me like a Rock" and
for the film's hilarious choir audition scenes,
especially a kooky duet by Justin Caudill and
Steven Huie and D'Wayne Gardner's self-absorbed
rendition of "Isn't She Lovely?"
Offer praise for the comic timing of Steve Harvey
and Mike Epps in their roles as a tippling radio
announcer and a small-town "player," respectively.
And for LaTanya Richardson's amusing portrayal of
a mean-spirited church member.
Forgive those who complain about the movie's
predictable plot and thin narrative substance, for
they know not what they do. They've forgotten
about those simple stories featured in most movie
musicals, even Oscar-winning ones like GIGI. Love
beckons, then seems lost - but is found again and
makes someone a better person. Anything more
complicated than that could detract from great
song and dance numbers.
Above all, brothers and sisters, don't fight the
temptation to see this rousing musical flick.
Directed by Jonathan Lynn from a story by
Elizabeth Hunter, it's a treat for the ears, eyes
and soul.
(Released by Paramount Pictures and rated "PG-13"
for some sexual references.)
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