Fighting Temptations, The MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: +1

New York ad executive Darrin Hill (Cuba Gooding Jr.) loses his job and has bill collectors after him in this romantic comedy. He thinks all is lost until he learns he has inherited $150,000 from his late Aunt Sally. He returns to his hometown of Montecarlo, Ga., to attend her funeral and discovers that a condition must be met before he can receive any money: He must make the local church choir good enough to enter the Gospel Explosion. Hardly an easy job since he has no music background, but he is desperate for the money. Darrin discovers there is little singing talent in the small town and doesnt know where to turn until he meets Lilly (Beyonce Knowles), a talented singer at the local club who also happens to be a beautiful single mom. Darrin finally pulls together a talented choir and names them The Fighting Temptations, but he falls for Lilly and suddenly life takes on new meaning.

Beulah Baptist Church is the backdrop for the funniest supporting cast of characters put together in some time. Add Steve Harveys comedic touch, Cubas energy and Beyonces magical voice, and youve got yourself a good movie. Darrin, who is lacking in morals, is inspired by Lilly to mend his ways and learns the joy of bringing out talent in others. And the singing that comes out of those choir pews would make anyone want to get up and go to church! The film is worth watching just to take in the lively gospel music. Especially moving is the last song, which contains the line, Im not worthy, but He still loves me. Even though you can predict the ending, its fun to watch. This movie gets a plus for entertainment and an overall Preview recommendation with a caution for some negatives elements: alcohol and tobacco use, girls in sexy clothing, some sexual references, and some mild bad language. It has positive themes on forgiveness and looking beyond outward appearances.

Preview Reviewer: Lynn Nusser
Distributor: Paramount