The Temptations (Full Screen) motown: Amazon.ca: DVD

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Conceived as a television miniseries, this portrait of the epochal Motown vocal group scores as one of the most detailed re-creations of the '60s pop milieu ever filmed. Told largely through the eyes of founding member Otis Williams (Charles Malik Whitfield), The Temptations portrays its protagonists as soul Everymen whose early triumphs closely followed, and helped expand, Motown Records' emergence as "the Sound of Young America," providing an inspirational fable for black Americans.

Inevitably, of course, the story is also a cautionary tale about the price of success for both the Temps and their mentor, Motown founder Berry Gordy (Obba Babatunde). With hit records and tours, Williams and his partners grapple with drugs, alcohol, depression, jealousy, and delusions of grandeur. In particular, the galvanic lead singer David Ruffin (Leon) serves as both a focal strength and potential destroyer for the group, as his ego combines with a mounting cocaine habit to create a monster. At the same time, Gordy's eventual decision to leave his and the label's home, Detroit, for Los Angeles marks a loss of innocence for the group and their label-mates. The film provides ample insider detail about how the former Ford assembly-line worker created and controlled his unique hit factory.

Based on the biography coauthored by Williams and former manager Shelly Berger, the project gets a vital boost from behind the camera, thanks to executive producer Suzanne DePasse, herself a former Motown exec, and director Allan Arkush (Rock 'n' Roll High School). That lineage probably pulls some punches in terms of individual characters and Gordy's machinations, but it also affords The Temptations its convincing detail, as does the generous running time--a mixed blessing, due to the original two-part broadcast, which might have benefited from tightening for this video version. Giving the show its greatest kick are the group's original hits, performed and choreographed convincingly in lip-synched sequences. --Sam Sutherland

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Customer Reviews

193 Reviews

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4 star:		(19)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(3)

Average Customer Review

4.8 out of 5 stars (193 customer reviews)

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5.0 out of 5 stars Probably The Best Movie Ever, April 20 2004

By

"trebo12" (Olympia Fields, IL United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Temptations (1998) (DVD)

I don't know where to begin. This movie is so unbelievably awesome on so many levels. I rank it up there with Titanic and Pretty Woman, no, you know what - this movie is better. The cast is superb, not only acting but dancing AND SINGING. Props should be given to the actors who re-recorded basically ALL of the songs in THEIR OWN voices, especially Terron Brooks and Christian Payton - this fact seems to be overlooked often or not known.

Along with the great performances from all of the characters, especially Leon, Christian, Terron, Charles and DB, the film-making was top notch.

Scenes so unforgettable that point out the skill of film-making is of course the wonderful part where the Tempts are in B/W on TV performing 'My Girl' and then they fade into color. This is so genius and gets me every time.

Also the scene where they kick David out of the band and the four of them are facing the window. Then Paul turns the other way, and you can see the camera in slow motion pausing for effect as if to say, 'Paul, you are next'. Pure genius.

And of course my favorite part of all, the nostalgic end, where after all of the original Tempts have now died except Otis, it is haunting how they are seemingly 'resurrected', shown in all of their purple glory. They are performing 'My Girl' as if from heaven along with sad narration from Otis. After their exquisitely choreographed TO-THE-NINES performance, they bow, and Otis saying, "Temptations (pause -voice breaks) Forever" makes me tear up every time. That is so awesome. This is what filmmaking should be about.

I know that there are people complaining about the accuracy of the film and I understand their gripes, but all films based on real life usually change stuff up for 'dramatic effect'. In this case, it works extremely well and is probably the factor that makes this movie a TOTAL CLASSIC.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Movie--From the Heart, April 16 2004

By

S Donahue (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Temptations (VHS Tape)

I must admit, I was just a kid when the Tempts hit their stride, but became a fan in later years, and a fanatic after I saw the movie last year(2003). I think I have watched it to the point where I could play a few roles myself, and I have showed the movie to friends as well, and will NOT let anyone borrow it. This is a warm, feel-good movie that brings forth heartfelt joy, as well as the ability to draw tears, as at Melvin's funeral. It also draws multiple watchers of the movie into strong unity and solidarity. One of the positive features of the movie is its ability to show how drugs and alcohol can not only ruin unity but friendships and careers as well. It is a powerful movie to show to addicts, who can see for themselves the heights, as well as the depths that are brought on by these two curses to humanity. The music is, of course, fantastic and nostalgic. The acting is superb, and choreography the bomb. It is basically "safe" to show anyone, as it is not overwhelmed by cursing and vulgarity, and there is no nudity in the film. I recommend this movie to everybody. It's a true joy.

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5.0 out of 5 stars Superb movie, Feb 23 2004

By

Frances Braun (Philadelphia, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Temptations (VHS Tape)

I have seen this movie on TV in its entirety. Also when I bought this movie I was surprised that some of the scenes were missing. Still it was a great movie. Leon who played David Ruffin did a fantastic job. That goes double for Terron Brooks. All the songs are my favorites. I must have seen this movie over and over at least 20 to 25 times. My grandaughter loves it, so I let her see it also. Would really like to see the reunion tour they had in 1982. Not sure if they have one out in VHS. Anyway I thing the movie was fabulous.

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Most recent customer reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Leon Is Great as David Ruffin
I have always had a soft spot for The Temptations with David Ruffin and Leon gives a chilling performance of the man - all of the actors portraying The Temptations are excellent... Read more

Published on Feb 15 2009 by Roscoe09

5.0 out of 5 stars an amazing movie
i have to be honest i really wasn't all that interested in the movie,at first anyway...i first saw the movie while i was in the wonderful city of detroit, michigan... Read more

Published on July 13 2004 by kelsea stevens