Dreamgirls

Audiences have been blessed with a surge of movie musical extravaganzas since 2001, when the success of Moulin Rouge first brought back the genre. 2002 had the Best Picture winner Chicago (which was, incidentally, written by Dreamgirls helmer Bill Condon), 2004 saw the release of the highly anticipated (and underrated) The Phantom of the Opera, and 2005 gave us the disappointing adaptation of the stage sensation Rent. Dreamgirls continues the trend with first-rate precision and execution. Based on the little seen Broadway production, it chronicles the rise of a Supremes-like trio throughout the 1960s, beginning with their stint as backup singers to James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Before long, conflict arises within the group when lead singer Effie (Jennifer Hudson) is forced to swap positions with the prettier, but less talented Deena (Beyoncé Knowles). Pulling the strings from behind the scenes is the girls’ shady producer Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) who, amidst his underhand deals with the mob and Hollywood heavyweights, jumps from having a relationship with Effie to marrying Deena. It is certainly the most unsympathetic character Foxx has ever played. The same can be said for Knowles who, although does a fine job of acting, is stuck in a character the audience will care very little about. Murphy fairs far better with his portrayal of the James Brown-like Early, a new kind of role for the talented star. But the real standout here is newcomer Jennifer Hudson. Not only does she deliver the best acting performance, but the passion with which she sings her numbers completely overshadows everyone else in the picture. In the end, it is because of her and Murphy that the film succeeds, to some extent, on the same level as Chicago. Otherwise, there wouldn’t be much to hold the interest of the audience.

Directed by Bill Condon.
Written by Bill Condon.
Starring Jamie Foxx, Beyoncé Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Keith Robinson and Danny Glover.

Rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content. 131 min.

***½ so says The Fish