Review of The Fighting Temptations (2003) by Rick E — 09 Feb 2004

Cuba Gooding, Jr. is an interesting study in wasted potential. Since his Oscar caliber turn in Jerry Macguire, Gooding has chosen roles in films that have seen little to moderate box office success i.e.

Radio, Men of Honor, What Dreams May Come. Others have been downright disappointing such as the overblown Pearl Harbor and the utterly forgettable Boat Trip. Gooding is a terrific actor, when he doesn?t give himself over to shameless mugging, but I?m afraid he may have lost the ability to sniff out a script that will showcase his talent.

The Fighting Temptations is an excellent case in point. Gooding may be the star of this film, but it is ultimately a showcase piece for Beyonce? Knowles (after all, this is a film from MTV studios) with Gooding relegated to the role of court jester.

Which is not to say that Fighting Temptations is a bad film. Knowles meets the challenge wonderfully ? she?s sweet, sexy, and boy can she belt out a gospel tune! Knowles seems very relaxed in front of the camera and her performance is very natural and charming.

The film also features some fun performances from supporting cast members including LaTanya Richardson as Gooding?s disgruntled antagonist, Wendell Pierce as the browbeaten Reverend who finally finds his voice, Mike Epps as a self-described ?playa?, and T-bone as a rapping convict.

And the music is outstanding. Along with Beyonce?, we are treated to the musical talents of Melba Moore, Angie Stone and others. If you don?t feel a stirring in your soul during numbers like ?Down By The Riverside?, ?Swing Low?, or ?Loves Me Like A Rock? well?.

Heaven help you. The script borrows too many elements from ?Sister Act? to be dubbed original, but it moves along nicely with enough chuckles to be engaging. Which brings me back to Gooding. It is his performance that I feel bogs the film down somewhat.

Though he has moments where we can actually see him acting, for the most part he?s just playing the part of loveable goofball complete with silly facial expressions and manic dancing during musical numbers.

He is an actor capable of so much more and I hope he realizes it soon.