The only real question in this flaccid narrative ... is when everybody will stop talking and start singing again.
Looking Closer
January 15, 2005
You might think this prodigal would learn to take responsibility for his lies ... or humbly accept the consequences of his crimes and change. Nope.
Common Sense Media
December 28, 2010
Great music, mediocre plot and acting.
Ebert & Roeper
September 22, 2003
This is an exhilarating musical -- but it's dragged into Thumbs Down territory by a dreadful story that creaks along between the rousing gospel numbers.
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
January 27, 2005
...the plot's stupid, the writing's bad, the acting is barely professional, but the movie isn't evil.
Seattle Times
September 19, 2003
The Fighting Temptations exists for its rousing gospel soundtrack, which is at times so good that you can forgive the movie its flaws.
Although there are plenty of positive, feel-good elements to this movie, they are outweighed by missed opportunities to do something more valuable.
Washington Post
September 19, 2003
May not be great cinema, but it's a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Toronto Star
September 19, 2003
Has practically nothing to recommend it save its music: Take that away and Jonathan Lynn's movie is as ordinary as an unsold TV pilot episode. But what music.
As a romantic comedy...neither exceptional nor groundbreaking. But as a musical, the movie bursts with foot-stomping, arm-swaying, finger-snapping gospel music.
