Obsessed (2009)

Everything is going well for asset manager Derek (Idris Elba). He and his wife Sharon (Beyonce Knowles) have just moved into a new house. They have a cute kid named Kyle (Nathan and Nicolas Myers). Derek is up for a promotion at his job. Then temporary worker Lisa (Ali Larter) shows up.

It's clear from the get-go that Lisa likes Derek. We soon learn that Lisa's feelings about Derek are way over the top. After Derek rebuffs Lisa's sexual advances during an office Christmas party, he thinks that's the end of the matter. But Lisa's antics become more bold. When Lisa attempts suicide, Sharon instantly suspects Derek of cheating on her. Resse (Christine Lahti), a police detective, is also not believing Derek's claims of innocence. He is in danger of losing everything, not only at home, but at work. Lisa leaves town, but just when Derek thinks the nightmare is over, it begins again.

If you've seen Fatal Attraction (1987), you've seen this movie. The only difference is that the married couple victimized by the stalker is African-American. Beyonce has more to do in her role than she has had in her previous films. I liked how she stepped up to quash the nonsense that Larter's character was putting out. I couldn't help but think that's how a lot of African-American women I know -- including myself -- would have handled that. However, the trailer gives away the ending, and the plot follows a predictable path.

Idris Elba, who's from England, has appeared in several films including American Gangster (2007). He does a good American accent. Ms. Knowles is primarily a singer, but has added acting to her resume in prior films such as Dreamgirls (2006) and The Fighting Temptations (2003). Ms. Larter is a cast member on the sci-fi series "Heroes". Ms. Lahti was a cast member on "Chicago Hope" (1995-1999). Jerry O'Connell (Stand By Me, 1986) and Bruce McGill (Animal House, 1978) also appear in the film.

The Fighting Temptations (2003)

Paulina (LaTanya Richardson), a small-town catty church member, has discovered that choir member Maryann (Faith Evans) has put out an album of secular music. Paulina forces her brother, Pastor Lewis (Wendell Pierce) to make Maryann choose between the choir and a music career. Maryann quits the choir and leaves town with her little boy, Darrin, to pursue her dreams of stardom.

Years later, Darrin (Cuba Gooding, Jr.) is an up-and-comer in an New York advertising agency. He's promoted to junior executive, but is fired later when it's discovered that he faked his educational credentials. Darrin is also up to his ears in debt. He receives notice that his aunt has died, and he returns to the small town for her funeral. His aunt has left him an inheritance that depends upon Darrin entering the church choir in a major singing competition. The choir needs a makeover. Darrin believes a childhood friend, Lilly (Beyonce Knowles) could help put the choir over the top. But first, he has to get past snooty, conservative Paulina.

This is a pleasant, feel-good movie with easy laughs and a predictable ending. The music is good, with performances by The O'Jays, Pastor Shirley Ceasar, The Blind Boys of Alabama, Montrell Jordan, Beyonce, Mary Mary (Erica and Trecina Campbell), Ann Nesby, and T-Bone. Mike Epps and Steve Harvey work well with their small roles.

Cuba Gooding Jr. is an Oscar winner for his role in Jerry Maguire (1996). Beyonce was in Dreamgirls. Rue McClanahan, who appeared in the series "Maude" and "The Golden Girls" is on hand as one of the choir members. Melba Moore also appears as a choir member.