Dreamgirls
Most people are familiar with the story of Dreamgirls, which was a popular Broadway show 25 years ago. The tale is of three young women from Detroit who form the group known as the Dreamettes. The play/movie is said to be based on what happened to Diana Ross and The Supremes.
Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) have hopes of becoming a successful singing group. Effie definitely has the most powerful voice of the three. She also happens to be a bit overweight. Her brother CC (Keith Robinson) has written many songs for the group and especially with Effie in mind. The girls start off as backup group for a popular blues singer named James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy) as Marty Madison (Danny Glover) takes them under his wing. But Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who is a slick and ambitious promoter, has other ideas for the group. He tells them that they should no longer be backup singers but instead should go out on their own. He changes the name of the group to The Dreams. Taylor also decides Effie's voice is too powerful and replaces her with the blander sounding (and thinner) Deena (who he eventually marries). It doesn't take Effie long to get fed up and she is soon out of the group. She is replaced by Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris). And that is all of the plot that I will tell you.
Dreamgirls is a big, old fashioned Hollywood musical. The production design is outstanding and the costumes are beautiful. And, yes, it is an entertaining film. Bill Condon does a nice job of directing it. However, the script does sag at times and not all of the musical numbers work. Foxx is just okay in his role - we've seen him do this type of acting before. Knowles has a good number towards the end of the film but for the most part she is overshadowed by Rose and, especially, Hudson. Glover's role is totally underwritten. Rose is very good and Murphy is really terrific. But the movie belongs to Ms. Hudson. Yes, it is a showy role. But she carries it out with style and sass. And she definitely has sex appeal and a powerful set of pipes.
Many people think that Dreamgirls is the frontrunner to win the Best Picture Oscar next year. I certainly think that it will be nominated but I am not sure about a win. Even though I liked it it is not one of my top films of the year. And I am quite sure that Hudson (and maybe Murphy) will get an Oscar nomination but, again, I wouldn't necessarily pick her for the win. But my taste goes in the direction of a bit darker and edgier. In any case, if you are looking for some old fashioned entertainment (albeit a bit schmaltzy at times) this holiday season then I suggest that you check out Dreamgirls. You will be glad that you did.
Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) have hopes of becoming a successful singing group. Effie definitely has the most powerful voice of the three. She also happens to be a bit overweight. Her brother CC (Keith Robinson) has written many songs for the group and especially with Effie in mind. The girls start off as backup group for a popular blues singer named James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy) as Marty Madison (Danny Glover) takes them under his wing. But Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who is a slick and ambitious promoter, has other ideas for the group. He tells them that they should no longer be backup singers but instead should go out on their own. He changes the name of the group to The Dreams. Taylor also decides Effie's voice is too powerful and replaces her with the blander sounding (and thinner) Deena (who he eventually marries). It doesn't take Effie long to get fed up and she is soon out of the group. She is replaced by Sharon Leal (Michelle Morris). And that is all of the plot that I will tell you.
Dreamgirls is a big, old fashioned Hollywood musical. The production design is outstanding and the costumes are beautiful. And, yes, it is an entertaining film. Bill Condon does a nice job of directing it. However, the script does sag at times and not all of the musical numbers work. Foxx is just okay in his role - we've seen him do this type of acting before. Knowles has a good number towards the end of the film but for the most part she is overshadowed by Rose and, especially, Hudson. Glover's role is totally underwritten. Rose is very good and Murphy is really terrific. But the movie belongs to Ms. Hudson. Yes, it is a showy role. But she carries it out with style and sass. And she definitely has sex appeal and a powerful set of pipes.
Many people think that Dreamgirls is the frontrunner to win the Best Picture Oscar next year. I certainly think that it will be nominated but I am not sure about a win. Even though I liked it it is not one of my top films of the year. And I am quite sure that Hudson (and maybe Murphy) will get an Oscar nomination but, again, I wouldn't necessarily pick her for the win. But my taste goes in the direction of a bit darker and edgier. In any case, if you are looking for some old fashioned entertainment (albeit a bit schmaltzy at times) this holiday season then I suggest that you check out Dreamgirls. You will be glad that you did.
posted by Film Fanatic | 8:26 PM
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