Film
The Fighting Temptations
- Musical
- Light-hearted
A smooth-talking New York ad man returns to his small Georgia hometown to collect his inheritance—but there's a catch: he has to form a gospel choir first. It's a feel-good comedy that leans hard into music, charm, and the redemptive power of community. Perfect if you want something warm, undemanding, and full of heart.
If you liked this
Dreamgirls2006
Ambitious, musically thrilling drama about ambition and performance in the music industry. Features powerhouse vocals, stunning production design, and a story that swells with genuine emotional stakes alongside the spectacle.
But Heavy and sometimes melodramatic; the runtime stretches long, and the tone is far more serious than the lighter feel you might expect from a music-driven narrative.

Hairspray2007
Joyful, energetic musical comedy set in 1960s Baltimore. John Waters' story of integration and acceptance has infectious charm, incredible ensemble chemistry, and an irresistible soundtrack that makes you want to move.
But Very silly in places; the social commentary can feel light-handed compared to the weight of its actual subject matter. Not for anyone who finds broad comedy exhausting.

Sister Act1992
Whoopi Goldberg leads a convent choir and finds her groove. Hilarious, heartfelt, and genuinely funny with excellent character work. The choir transformation is satisfying and the supporting cast is delightful.
But Very much a product of early '90s comedy sensibilities; some jokes have aged stiffly. The plot is thin and predictable underneath the charm.

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The wildcard
Something you would not have found on your own.
Lilies of the Field1963
A stranger arrives and teaches a community to sing together, finding meaning through music and shared purpose—but this film trusts silence and subtlety where Fighting Temptations reaches for energy and spectacle.
Sidney Poitier as a wanderer who helps a group of nuns build a chapel, singing as he works. Quiet, genuinely moving, and completely assured. The faith is sincere without being preachy; the music serves the story.
But Glacially paced by modern standards; nothing happens in the traditional sense. The sentimentality could feel slow or slight if you're not in the mood for genuine gentleness.

More like this (6)
Mamma Mia!2008
A joyride through ABBA songs in a Greek island setting. Utterly committed to its own happiness and completely unconcerned with critical approval. Cast clearly loved making this; the energy is infectious.
But If you're not already charmed by ABBA or willing to embrace pure escapism, this will feel like torture. The plot is perfunctory and the acting is theatrical to the point of camp.

Bad Boys II2003
Exactly the same year as Fighting Temptations but the opposite energy: loud, fast, ridiculous buddy-cop mayhem. Will Smith and Martin Lawrence have genuine chemistry and comedic timing that keeps the absurdity moving.
But Aggressively stupid in places; the runtime is bloated and the action sequences prioritize noise over coherence. The humor is juvenile and sometimes mean-spirited.

The Best Man1999
Ensemble comedy about a group of friends, wedding weekend drama, and relationship entanglements. Sharp writing, strong cast chemistry, and genuine humor that works for both comedy fans and people who want actual character development.
But Some subplots feel dated; the pacing stumbles in the middle act. The humor occasionally tips into territory that lands differently now than it did in '99.

Coming to America1988
Eddie Murphy in his prime, charming, funny, and committed to a sweet love story wrapped in comedy. The fish-out-of-water premise is executed with real warmth, and the supporting cast is excellent.
But Episodic structure means momentum dips between set pieces. Some of Murphy's impression work is now cringey, and the gender politics are pretty dated.

Uncle 'Bar' at Barbershop2000
Ensemble comedy set in a Chicago barbershop with Cedar the elder (Cedric the Entertainer) delivering some of the funniest monologues in modern comedy. The film balances humor, heart, and genuine community warmth beautifully.
But The plot is thin and serves mostly as scaffolding for comedy bits. The main romantic storyline lacks genuine development, and pacing sometimes stutters.

Madea's Family Reunion2006
Tyler Perry's Madea character in full force: hilarious, outrageous, and oddly wise. If you're in the mood for broad comedy and don't mind the theatrical energy, there's real entertainment and unexpected emotional payoff here.
But Tyler Perry's style is an acquired taste; the acting outside Madea can feel wooden, the script is clunky, and the tone whipsaws between slapstick and melodrama.

People
Cast
Cuba Gooding Jr.Darrin Hill
BeyoncéLilly
Mike EppsLucius
Faith EvansMaryann Hill
Steve HarveyMiles Smoke
Wendell PierceReverend Lewis
LaTanya Richardson JacksonPaulina Pritchett
Dave SheridanBill
Angie StoneAlma
Rue McClanahanNancy Stringer
Melba MooreBessie Cooley
Shirley CaesarHerself
Directing
- Jonathan LynnDirector
Writing
- Elizabeth HunterScreenplay
- Saladin K. PattersonScreenplay
- Elizabeth HunterStory
- Elizabeth HunterWriter
Production
- Robi ReedCasting
- Van TofflerExecutive Producer
- Benny MedinaProducer
- David GaleProducer
- Jeff PollackProducer
- Loretha C. JonesProducer