The Temptations (1998)

I got a chance to see the present day Temptations in concert just this past August, and have been on the lookout for a copy of this movie which I've known about for a long time but just never had the chance to see. This past weekend it turned up on the VHS1 cable channel and I had to decide if the two and a half hour run time would be worth sitting through as it was turned into a four hour endurance test with commercial breaks. For the most part, I would say it was time well spent, with great music and an inside look at how the group formed and went through it's history of personnel changes.I'll have to agree with some of the other posters on this board; since the book by Otis Williams formed the basis for this movie treatment I'm sure much of what appears is preferential to Williams himself. But over all, the picture seems to offer a reasonable treatment of the diverse personalities that formed the original group and later on, some of the replacement members. For me, David Ruffin is the voice of the Temps, but I never realized how his aura of self importance led to an early departure. Throughout the ordeals the group went through with Ruffin, Eddie Kendricks and Paul Williams, I had to admire Otis Williams' philosophy that no one member was bigger than the group.What was really cool for me was seeing how the early 1960's Motown sound came into being with the backdrop of Hitsville U.S.A. and all those great personalities in proximity with each other, never knowing who would make it and who wouldn't. Martha Reeves working the switchboard, that was a blast! Smokey Robinson coming up with hit after hit and Berry Gordy sizing up the talent. On top of that, you get a sense that the Motown sound helped break down barriers between the races which was a great thing to see.What I did know at the time but completely forgot about until seeing the film was how for a time there were actually two groups using the name Temptations when Ruffin and Kendricks struck out on their own with new members. The picture doesn't venture into or try to explain any of the legalities involved with copyrights and such, so that would be interesting to research. The other thing, if you were around for the Temptations from the beginning, you'll notice that their big hits weren't presented in chronological order in the film. For example, 'I Wish it Would Rain' was recorded before 'Psychedelic Shack', but the picture used the songs to complement what was going on in the personal lives of the band at times instead of following their release date. That was a small departure from historical accuracy that doesn't take away from one's enjoyment of the picture.Regardless, if you're a Temptations fan, you really need to see the picture for an inside look at what hopefully is a fairly accurate account of the group. To me, they were the embodiment of the Motown sound and my favorite Motown group, and every time one of their early songs comes on the radio, I just have to join in.

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.

*Spoiler/plot- 1998, This singing group were a rhythm and blues sensation, five singers who created a sound and style that redefined the boundaries of a popular song. But there was a price to be paid for their meteoric rise, and when the pressures of staying in the spotlight became too great to bear, egos flared, giving rise to rivalries that threatened to tear them apart forever. But through it all, from triumph to tragedy, The Temptations forged a musical legacy that brought the country together….and audiences to their feet.*Special Stars- Terron Brooks, Christain Payton, Charles Malik, OB Woodside, Obba Babatunde, Jennifer Lewis, Alan Rosenberg, and Leon.*Theme- Family and artistic talent, when nurtured will produce greatness.*Based on- Detroit's Motown Records history.*Trivia/location/goofs- TV NBC miniseries re-cut to a feature film.*Emotion- An unforgettable film of good acting, interesting story and drama for anyone to watch. This film was full of great musical performances. It told the plain truth about the times that gave a chance for inner city Detroit black youth to get into the music business producing their huge success. A feel good movie.

In my opinion, this movie was so captivating, my soul soared every time they sang,my heart sunk every time when chapters in their lives were going pretty bad, i felt their joy and even their pain its just like i said its Captivating. I have a younger sister shes only 13 yrs, shes very much in to R&B and Hip hop but the reason why i mentioned this is because after watching this movie, she not only boasted about the movie to her friends but she also sings the songs while walking to school, i just thought that was nice to see and at least the lyrics she was singing was clean lyrics and not hardcore cursing with the hip hop she listens too lol. Just want to say is there anyway The Temptations would come to little ole New Zealand, you have such a Fan club :)