The Fighting Temptations – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Fighting Temptations

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2003

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Cuba Gooding Jr. returns to Georgia to lead a gospel choir and claim his inheritance—predictable but harmless early-2000s fare.

42%

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The Fighting Temptations

movie

PG-13, 2003

52%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Cuba Gooding Jr. returns to Georgia to lead a gospel choir and claim his inheritance—predictable but harmless early-2000s fare.

42%

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Screenwise Verdict

Look, this is a perfectly harmless early-2000s comedy that your family won't hate watching together, but let's be real—it's not great. The 42% critic score tells the story: predictable plot, mediocre execution, saved only by some genuinely good gospel music performances.

If you're looking for faith-based entertainment or want to expose kids to gospel music tradition, there's some value here. Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé do their best with a formulaic script about a city guy learning to appreciate his roots.

But here's the thing—this movie is over 20 years old and it shows. Modern kids will likely find the pacing slow, the humor corny, and the whole thing a bit... underwhelming. It's not bad enough to turn off, but it's not good enough to seek out either. There are better options for both faith-based films and music-centered comedies.

If it pops up on Tubi and you need something safe and inoffensive for family movie night? Sure. But don't go out of your way.

Age Fit

Best for tweens and teens (12-16) who enjoy feel-good comedies or gospel music. Younger kids will be bored; older teens will find it cheesy and dated.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Faith-based comedy centered on redemption, community, and personal growth. Protagonist learns humility and reconnects with his roots through gospel music and choir-building. Models themes of second chances and coming together for a common purpose. Some romantic comedy elements and mild deception plotlines keep it from being squeaky clean, but overall tone is positive and uplifting.

Imaginative

Fairly formulaic fish-out-of-water comedy with predictable story beats (city slicker returns home, learns life lessons, gets the girl). Gospel music performances provide some creative energy, but the narrative structure is standard rom-com territory. Doesn't invite much creative thinking or exploration beyond enjoying the musical numbers. Letterboxd 3/5 and middling critic scores suggest it's competent but unremarkable.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it 14+, suggesting some mild adult content but nothing shocking. As a PG-13 comedy from 2003, likely contains some mild language, romantic situations, and adult humor, but no graphic violence, gore, or explicit content. The faith-based gospel choir premise suggests generally family-friendly territory. No platform safety concerns for a traditional theatrical film.

Enriching

Offers exposure to gospel music tradition and themes of redemption, community, and finding purpose beyond material success. The protagonist's journey from shallow ad exec to someone who values relationships and heritage has some merit. However, the 42% critic score and 5.6 IMDb rating suggest execution is mediocre. Entertainment value appears mixed—66% RT audience score shows some people enjoyed it, but it's not particularly memorable or impactful.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gospel music performances bring genuine energy and cultural richness to the film
Positive messages about community, redemption, and valuing relationships over money
Faith-based themes without being preachy—accessible to families looking for wholesome entertainment
Cuba Gooding Jr. and Beyoncé (in an early role) bring star power and charisma

⚠

What to Watch For

Rated for age 14+ by Common Sense Media—likely some mild language and adult humor
Romantic subplot and some deception-based comedy may require context for younger viewers
Early 2000s production values and humor style feel dated—modern kids may find it slow or corny
Mixed critical reception (42% RT critics) suggests it's not particularly well-crafted despite good intentions

Conversation Starters

"What do you think changed Darrin's mind about staying in his hometown?"
"Have you ever had to work with people who were really different from you? How did that go?"
"The movie shows how music can bring people together—what's something that brings your friend group together?"
"Why do you think Darrin's aunt wanted him to start a choir instead of just leaving him the money?"

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