The Fighting Temptations (2003)

A New York advertising executive travels to a small Southern town to collect an inheritance but finds he must create a gospel choir and lead it to success before he can collect.

Director:

Jonathan Lynn

Writers:

Elizabeth Hunter (story), Elizabeth Hunter (screenplay)

Stars:

Cuba Gooding Jr., Beyoncé, Mike Epps

4 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Nigel Washington	...	Little Darrin
Chloe Bailey	...	Little Lilly
Demetress Long	...	Church Usher
Ann Nesby	...	Aunt Sally Walker
Faith Evans	...	Maryann Hill
Melba Moore	...	Bessie Cooley
Rosalie Washington	...	Faye Jenkins
Ricky Dillard	...	Choir Director
Larry John Meyers	...	Homer T. (as L. John Myers)
Shirley Caesar	...	Herself (as Reverend Shirley Caesar)
LaTanya Richardson Jackson	...	Paulina Pritchett (as LaTanya Richardson)
Wendell Pierce	...	Reverend Lewis
Lou Myers	...	Homer T.
Cuba Gooding Jr.	...	Darrin Hill
Lourdes Benedicto	...	Rosa Lopez

Storyline

A New York advertising executive who is about to land a big account, has his life shaken up when it becomes known that he has lied about having a college degree. After being fired, his life is further shaken by his debtors who had counted on paying after landing the account. Having to go on the run, he is called back to his southern town roots, when his great aunt dies. At the reading of the will, he learns he has been asked to assume the mantle of choir director of his great aunt's church and if he can get the choir in the Gospel Explosion in Atlanta, he will inherit stock worth $150,000. Unfortunately the choir leaves a lot to be desired and he has to start recruiting. Among others, he gets three prisoners to join. More importantly, he gets a "sinner" from one of the local night clubs to join. While initially scorned and resisted, nonetheless her voice wins everyone but the hardcore church busybody.

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Plot Keywords:

taxi driver | cell phone | church | advertising | gospel choir | 

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Taglines:

Don't fight the feeling.

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Genres:

Comedy | Drama | Music | Romance

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG-13 for some sexual references

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 September 2003 (USA)

Also Known As:

Borilačko iskustvo

Filming Locations:

Georgia, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$15,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$11,758,372, 21 September 2003, Wide Release

Gross USA:

$30,238,577, 21 December 2003

Company Credits

Production Co:

Paramount Pictures,Handprint Entertainment,MTV Films

Technical Specs

Runtime:

123 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital DTS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Beyoncé gained weight for the role.

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Goofs

When Darrin and the others arrive at the Gospel Explosion, Lilly is wearing a white top with blue jeans. When she goes out to perform, she is wearing an all-black outfit with high heels.

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Quotes

Darrin Hill: Booty is in the eye of the beholder
Lucius: No, booty gonna be in my hand.
Lucius: Check it out now, you see, now your Louisiana booty, it gets its renowned buoyancy from its heavy seafood diet, while your Alabama booty, it's characterized by its density. You're talking about a quarter-bouncing ping. And as for your Mississippi booty, it's been an ongoing debate, but consensus say that the Indian genetic contribution gives us its beautiful tone. And as for your Georgia booty, it's been known for ages that the ...
[...]

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Connections

Featured in Beyoncé Feat. Walter Williams Sr.: He Still Loves Me (2003)

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Soundtracks

Amazing Grace
Written by John Newton
Performed by LaTanya Richardson Jackson, Mitchah Williams, Melba Moore, Lou Meyers and Dave Sheridan
Melba Moore performs courtesy of Shout Glory! Music

User Reviews

Excellent Music Barely Saves This Film

Excellent gospel music and some other musical gems highlight this otherwise poor excuse for a film. The music is as good as it gets. So good I just might buy my first gospel cd ever. But the goods stop there, with the possible exception of Beyonce who manages a decent acting performance to go with some superb vocals. Actually, the supporting cast is likable for the most part and do an okay job. However, Cuba Gooding Jr. was completely abysmal, almost as bad as the screenplay. The story itself is implausible, the jokes are stale and the dialogue is boring. Yet, the music was so much fun, I am glad that I saw it and would recommend it to others. Just fast forward through all parts where they are not singing. Believe me you won't miss anything worth seeing.