The Temptations (1998)

Good concept, poorly executed.

It’s not bad or unwatchable but despite the amplitude of the spectacle, the end result is underwhelming.

Blistering performances.

It is encouraging that the film ends so strongly.Otherwise, it wouldn't have been a particularly memorable film

I did not have TV, so I rented movies, and found this TV mini-series at a used media outlet. I have watched it over 20 times over a 5 year period. I felt alone in my obsession until I checked online for other reviews. The music makes my heart feel glad, and the acting and special tone of the relationships and cadence of the speech pleases me no end. I read everything you can find on the Tempts. They were a favorite in college, lying on my dorm bed with earphones on -- however, the mini-series which honors the music, dancing, and stage appearances has earned, in my heart, top honors. If a famous actor had been in it, it would have won an Academy Award. And probably not been as good as it is. Congratulations to everyone involved.

The Temptations (1998)This is an very good "bio-pic" about The Temptations. All of the performances are excellent. The performance by Leon as David Ruffin is particularly engaging. While the character of Ruffin is sometimes ugly, the performance by Leon injects sympathy for the man while never being apologetic. Leon is an outstanding talent.The "bio-pic" formula sometimes plays loose with the real history and while The Temptations does have many omissions and distortions these are made possible because the writers really knew their subject.It can be said that this is a revisionist history according to Otis Williams and some scenes do venerate the man, such as his parting scenes with his Mother and Mama Rose. Yet the character of Otis as played by Charles Malik Whitfield is not that sympathetic. He cheats on his wife, fires band members and appears solely interested in the Temptations continued success even at the detriment of those around him.If one aspect of The Temptations is lacking it is with the groups relationship with their hugely talented producer Norman Whitfield. Whitfield only features in the story quite late in the day, when in fact he was a great part of their initial and continued success. A single scene tries to encapsulate, not too unsuccessfully, The Temptation's relationship with their all-important producer but Whitfield is portrayed as no more than a musical pimp, which is unfortunate because he really should be regarded as the George Martin and Phil Spector of R&B production. If there is one single genius attached to the legacy of The Temptations then it is most certainly Norman Whitfield. The director also allows the music to speak for itself and it permeates the whole movie, which is a really good thing. The performance by the actors of famous Temptation performances are very well done. The director also does a very good job at disguising the limited production budget.If you are a fan of Motown and The Temptations then this is an excellent celebration of their music and career. Highly recommended.

Since i've been knocking on the door of the music industry for years, I've become a voracious watcher of music biopics. Anything from bix Beiderbecke to Glenn miller to Mozart to little Richard i've seen and enjoyed while trying to take something away from those movies that will help me in my quest. In fact, at this very minute i'm watching Beyond the Sea for the umpteenth time.I had actually forgotten about the temps. My deepest memory of them was the mistake i thought they had made when they recorded, Ball of Confusion. I thought they had lost their crossover appeal with the song, because it seemed a bit too bitter, unlike Marvin Gaye's album, Inner City Blues which was more of a cry for help, than Ball of Confusion's complaints and accusations. And I still think that that song along with the departure of David Ruffin ruined their 'pop' appeal and afterwards they were consigned to their base... 'soul', category.Although I am quite positive that much of information in the movie contained facts that I had long forgotten. One of the revelations to me were the number of things that I had never known. The main problems with biopics is that a life or should I say, lives, rarely conform to the plot points we have become used to when watching movies. This movie does. And does it with a twist. And does it with humour and tragedy and spirit and drama and most of all, humanity. I was mesmerized by this movie. It seemed to me that a big part of my childhood was being explained to me for the first time as an adult. And for the first time I understood it.Extraordinary talented performers, being able to both act and sing at such a high professional level. I did remember the temps songs enough to tell when the actors were singing and when they were lip singing. My only disappointment being that it was a TV movie as opposed to a real movie. All in all, though, it was a first rate movie, a must see for ANY music lover and a should see for anyone who likes good movies.

I love, love, love this movie. It's awesome and the actors who played the Temptations were incredible! I loved Christian Payton and Terron Brooks, and the others were great too. It's a sad movie, and also a funny one too. I know every single line of that movie, and every time I watch it, the part almost at the end when Paul kills himself makes me cry every freaking time. I just love that movie, it's my favorite. The director did a great job. I would definitely recommend this movie to everybody who loves The Temptations. I have two copies of this movie, so I have a backup if the other one gets scratched up. This movie is so good that i watch it almost every night and I still don't get bored by it, it's that good.