Movie Review:

Dreamgirls

by Lynn B

Remember The Supremes? Well, ask your parents if you don’t. They were a hot girl trio in the ‘60’s and ‘70’s and they had their share of in-group fighting. Twenty-five years ago, there was a Broadway musical based on their story called “Dreamgirls”. Now, there is a fantastic feature film. Earlier in the year, TeenHollywood got to visit the set in downtown L.A. where the actors were filming a big production number. Christmas Day the film will be in theaters and it will be your turn. We’ve got the scoop…..

In the late 1960s and early '70s Dreamgirls follows the bumpy career of a Motown trio; Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) who call themselves The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by ambitious manager Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who asks them to sing back-up for big headliner James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis starts to control the girls’ look and sound and they become The Dreams. Although Effie has the most powerful voice, Curtis zeroes in on beautiful Deena to be the lead singer finally pushing Effie out of the group altogether. Personal relationships are effected and life changes radically for three young women struggling for stardom.

This movie rocks in more ways than one. Jennifer Hudson, former “American Idol” star, is amazing as Effie. Her show stopper song “And I Am Telling You (I’m not Going)” is full of pain. Jennifer acts right through one of the most amazing R&B, Blues, simply soul-melting and song belting performances I’ve ever seen. Wow! Beyonce lights up the screen with her beauty and her voice isn’t anything to push aside either. Broadway’s Anika Noni Rose is delightful as the more “funny” of the trio but it’s Eddie Murphy who racks focus as a falling star. His performance really says Eddie is back!! There may be an Oscar in his future.

The story of manipulated talent and show biz evil ruining lives is still applicable today but the movie isn’t perfect. It jumps around through various years, skipping over some needed explanations, but the musical numbers are awesome, performances are solid and costumes are fantastic so you can’t watch a better, more emotional and talent-packed film over the holidays. Grab your date or best buds and head for the multi-plex for a Motown-inspired blast at the movies!!

 

This movie is rated PG-13

Official Movie Web Site - DREAMGIRLS

Pictures courtesy of and copyright Dreamworks Pictures and Paramount Pictures, 2006