The plot really doesn't do the premise justice at all, but the performances are really good, and the singing is top quality (of course!). These - along with the heart-warming core, are what make this a solid 'Sunday watch'. Its snagging points and inconsistencies are what kick this down a rating point or two...

Fine movie, theatrically. Hated the plot. God sent an angel to orchestrate an affair in order to fear monger a hard working, God fearing man to change his ways?? Yeah, no that sounds like the devil.

WELL, basically it seems like a VERY watered down version of The Bishops Wife with Cary Grant as the Angel! , this one has hardly any supernormal powers in it........ some parts of the film were adequate, but overall had a feeling of unsatisfied relief when it ended! The Bishops Wife in comparison is WONDERFUL! lots of supernormal powers done in a rich feeling way that gave you a tingle of heavenly power! I watch it every year at Christmas, while this Preachers Wife, never again thankyou!

The Preacher’s Wife is a fun watch for the holidays and while lacking in a few plot points, it’s made up by the strong energy of the cast led by a striking performance including a few musical numbers by Whitney Houston and a charming performance by Denzel Washington. Perfect Christmas family-friendly film.

Ok but pointless remake

This Touchstone release is about an angel who answers the prayer of a preacher to help him see the light once more during the Christmas season. This is a remake of the 1947 film The Bishop’s Wife. Denzel Washington plays the angel and he is dripping charisma in every scene he is in. The preacher is played by Courtney B. Vance and his performance is well done. This movie is well put together and acted well. The highlight of the film is the soundtrack, but here is where it went off the rails for me. Whitney Houston plays the preacher’s wife, and the part was written specifically to highlight her ability to sing. Houston is a fabulous singer and she plays her part in this movie really well (in fact she won an Image Award for best actress for this film), but the movie felt like I was watching a Whitney Houston concert with a plot instead of a film. The soundtrack is filled with gospel and Christmas music and I highly recommend checking that out. I would recommend this movie to you if you are a huge fan of Whitney Houston or Denzel Washington, or you need a Christmas movie fix.

I love everything,Denzel, but this remake of The Bishop's Wife drops the little moments that made the original great. Without them its just flat and predictable. B-

The Preacher's Wife, The Bishop's Wife and It’s A Wonderful Life have been euphoric holiday staples for every Christmas family get together, since they were available to watch at home. We also have a Christmas in July Gathering and binge watch all three movie films again.

This is the best feel good Christmas Movie of all time! It deserves to be up there with Its A Wonderful Life

My Favorite Christmas Movie!!!!!

The first version of this movie, starring Cary Grant, David Niven, and the luminous Loretta Young is so much better. It lifts you. This version is just a bit more negative, a bit darker. This is a Christmas movie, and lifting is what I personally seek. Although I put Denzell Washington more or less on the same plateau as Cary Grant, he is really not right for this role. Dudley (Grant), the angel at the center of the piece, emits truth and love when someone pushes into his motivations. Not so much with Mr. Washington's portrayal. Just a little more cynical, and I don't want my angel to be cynical.

There have been numerous films depicting angels coming to Earth to help troubled souls. Good, even great, ones ("It's a Wonderful Life") and some not so good. Like this one. Denzel Washington plays the celestial visitor, come in answer to a prayer by a minister (played by Courtney Vance) who is experiencing troubles both in his ministry and in his marriage (to Whitney Houston). Only Denzel, Jennifer Lewis, Loretta Devine, and Gregory Hines did not seem to be acting. The child actors were cringeworthy. However, the film was painless overall, and would be appropriately watched around Christmas.

Too long in its longest run, The Preacher's Wife ends up becoming a comedy full of clichés and doesn't bring anything new to the business.

Great music, but a shambles of the classic 1947 film! Story is "dumbed down" at every possible point, making sure that everyone gets it, not leaving any need for brainpower on the part of the viewer. Examples? In the original, (mild spoilers) the Bishop finally realizes that his dream of a new cathedral is contrary to the best interests of his community. In this one, the preacher is plotting with ‘evil businessmen' (boo! hiss!) to put in a shopping mall (boo! hiss!) after the inner city church is destroyed. Don't ANYONE argue or think something complex! Skip this (or just FF until each music segment shows up) and catch "The Bishop's Wife@ on TCM on demand!

Denzel is great but overall the film lacked diversity.

Remake of a classic. Good actors, think the directing could use some work. Cute scenes with children. A few good songs.