Tyler Perry's Temptation

In the sermon “Living As If There Are No Secrets,” a pastor and evangelical leader who has faced national disgrace for conduct unbecoming, urged congregants to avoid the pitfalls of mediocrity and compromise and to be honest about our struggles. In that strongly worded message, the minister stated, “Sin will take you farther than you want to go; it will cost you more than you want to pay. It will keep you longer than you want to stay.” Never were words so true for that pastor, for his former congregations, for Christians worldwide, and for the young couple in Tyler Perry’s newest film, appropriately titled, “Temptation.”

Life has changed significantly for Judith (Jurnee Smollett-Bell—“The Great Debaters”) and her childhood best friend turned high school sweetheart turned husband of six years, Brice (Lance Gross—Calvin on “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne”). They have moved from their meager beginnings in the deep south to the booming metropolis of the nation’s capitol, Washington, DC, in hopes to get a fresh start. Brice hopes to one day own his own corner pharmacy, while Judith has her heart set on becoming a licensed marriage counselor. Sadly, for her, she feels trapped in her current position as an in-house therapist for a millionaire matchmaker (played by former Miss America, Vanessa Williams).

A plain Jane who has been steeped in her Christian faith by her hellfire and brimstone mother, Judith is constantly hounded by her co-worker (played by Kim Kardashian) to get a makeover and update her looks to be a better representative of the company. Judith has no interest in helping her boss play the role of madam, and wants to be taken seriously as a mental health professional.

Her husband, unfortunately, takes her for granted and ignores her cries for attention and recognition. When Judith is introduced to Harley Madison (Robbie Jones—“One Tree Hill”) a handsome and charismatic potential investor in the matchmaking club, he introduces her to the possibilities of a “better” life of extravagance. Of course, there is a cost—she must be his. The forbidden fruit is offered—how will Judith stand up to the Temptation?

In recent years, Tyler Perry has come under tremendous attacks from his loyal fans and other critics for his dramatic films that seem to stray away from his Christian heritage. In films like “For Colored Girls,” “Why Did I Get Married Too?,” and “Good Deeds,” Perry, who came to fame through his gospel-oriented stage plays, uses mature themes including sex, physical abuse, drugs and alcohol, and coarse language to tell his stories. Many have challenged his position as a Christian artist. “Temptation” will, no doubt, leave many people asking the same questions, making the same assertions. [In previous reviews of Perry’s films, I too have asked these questions.] This is part of the enigma that is Tyler Perry, and partly why this review may, itself, be difficult.

Despite the notations above about the offensive nature and lack of Biblical morality, “Temptation” is a must-see film for adult Christians (ignore that PG-13 rating). Yes, it does portray mature subject matter (no nudity; sex scenes are silhouetted or screened with steam or low light), but the film’s message rings loud and clear. We need to divorce-proof our marriages, we need to pay attention to our spouses and significant others, and above all, we must be on guard against the wiles of the enemy! (Ephesians 6:11; Proverbs 4:23; Matthew 26:41; Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19). We must turn the tide on protecting our marriages! Will a movie cure the divorce rate—NO! But it does open the door to having real, extended conversations with our spouses about what it means to be “very happily married.” Dating singles, this is your movie, too. You will just need to be on guard for your own temptation triggers.

Tyler Perry generally makes quality movies; I do question some of his choices (especially the comedies). When he steps behind the camera, he is a genius. His dramas are captivating; “Temptation” is also. The cinematography is great (lighting plays a significant role in this film; the music choices are well done. All in all, one of his best.

Violence: Moderate to heavy / Profanity: Heavy—OMG (3), damn (5), hell (3), ass (9), including 2 “*sshole,” s-words (2) / Sex/Nudity: Heavy

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