“The Fighting Temptations”

By Anne Navarro
Catholic News Service

NEW YORK (CNS) -- An unemployed ad executive gets more than some much-needed cash from an inheritance in the enjoyable romantic comedy "The Fighting Temptations" (Paramount).

After a few cinematic bombs such as "Snow Dogs" and "Boat Trip," Cuba Gooding Jr. is on his way up again. In "The Fighting Temptations," he hasn't quite reached his "Jerry Maguire" stride, but he's on the right path.

Gooding plays New York ad man Darrin Hill, who has just been fired and has the bill collectors at his heels when he finds out he's inherited a tidy sum from his aunt that could solve his money woes. But there's a catch, of course, before he can receive the inheritance. His aunt's last wish was that he create a choir for the Beulah Baptist Church in his small home town of Montecarlo, Ga., enter it into the annual Gospel Explosion competition and bring home the victory cup.

The only problem, aside from the fact that Darrin has no experience in the music field, is that the community is woefully lacking in any singing talent. That is until Darrin meets Lilly (Beyonce Knowles), a sultry jazz singer and outcast single mother. It is Lilly who helps Darrin realize who he really is (and mend his conniving ways) by rediscovering his small-town roots while bringing out the talent in others. Naturally, love is in the air for these two.

Director Rick Famuyiwa's film has definite shortcomings, such as a predictable story line, some canned humor and a few needless sexual references. However, the film also has an endearing charm that is peppered with lessons of redemption, forgiveness and looking beyond outward appearances to see the goodness in people.

The real reason to watch this film is the great toe-tapping, finger-snapping gospel music. It leaves the audience humming as they walk out the theater door. And that's no wonder, since the film features some of gospel and R&B's most well-known artists, such as Faith Evans, the O'Jays and Melba Moore. This is real down-home Gospel-music inspiration. The rousing last number is particularly stirring as it imparts the message that although we may not be worthy God loves us just the same.

Pop singer Knowles is a natural on screen, particularly in this role which showcases her golden voice and good looks. She is energetic and bubbly while still being down to earth. She and Gooding make a nice match. Although Gooding doesn't sing, he does bounce around the screen in his familiar zany way, but it fits the character well.

"The Fighting Temptations" is not a perfect movie, but it may just be the perfect antidote to the big-budget shoot-'em-up actioners that have crowded the theaters this past summer.

Because of a few sexual references with sporadic crass language, the USCCB Office for Film & Broadcasting classification is A-II -- adults and adolescents. The Motion Picture Association of America rating is PG-13 -- parents are strongly cautioned. Some material may be inappropriate for children under 13.

* Navarro is a part-time reviewer in the Office for Film & Broadcasting of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops.