It's more than 20 years later and the makers of musical comedies that followed "The Blues Brothers" still haven't learned the lessons they should have from that picture's rather spectacular box-office failure.
For example, you can't make such a film two hours long — or longer — and expect people to sit through it. And then there's that thing about learning when to shut up and let the music do the talking. . . .
The latest to repeat these numerous mistakes is "The Fighting Temptations," which, at two hours on the dot, feels more like two years. They should have started shaving off time by trimming Cuba Gooding Jr.'s scenes to concentrate more on the music.
And what music it is! Among those who perform on the soundtrack are the O'Jays, Beyonc Knowles, Shirley Caesar and the Blind Boys of Alabama.
Gooding stars as Darrin Hill, a fast-talking New York adman who suddenly finds himself back in tiny Montecarlo, Ga., after the web of lies he's spun catches up with him. He's actually there for his long-lost aunt's funeral, but he quickly seizes on some opportunities.
His aunt has left him $150,000 — provided he helps create a choir that can win a prestigious gospel music competition. Easier said than done, obviously. But Darrin finds further incentive when he renews his friendship with Lilly (Knowles), a beautiful single mom who just might help him win the contest and collect the cash.
It's not a bad premise, but given director Jonathan Lynn's treatment, the material seems thin. Also, the set-up takes up nearly two-thirds of the movie, leaving the filmmakers to scramble as they try to bring things to a fitting conclusion.
It doesn't help that we never really warm to Gooding's character, who is actually a bit of a creep. (At least some of that has to do with Gooding's rather abrasive, in-your-face performance.) As for Knowles, her acting hasn't changed appreciably since her debut in the third "Austin Powers" movie. But she can belt out a song with the best of them.
"The Fighting Temptations" is rated PG-13 for crude sexual references (innuendo) and scattered use of sexual slang terms and strong profanity, as well as some slapstick violence. Running time: 120 minutes.
E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com