Vol. 4, No. 6, June 2007
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DVD Review
Dreamgirls Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy. Directed by Bill Condon
The media hype, paired with a big-name cast, sets the bar high for
Dreamgirls, but this movie surpasses all expectations. Based on the 1981 Tony Award winning musical,
Dreamgirls gives viewers a front-row seat to the Broadway hit.
Based loosely on the career of Diana Ross and the Supremes, the actors make the movie. Beyonce Knowles (Deena), Anika Noni Rose (Lorrell) and Academy Award winner Jennifer Hudson (Effie) play childhood friends in the early 1960s finding their big break as backup singers for Jimmy “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Discovered by Cadillac salesman-turned-talent manager Curtis (Jamie Foxx), the three young girls embark on a roller-coaster rise to fame in a time when R&B didn’t top the charts.
Just when the threesome seemed to be riding the gravy train, emotions are strained as Effie—with a voice that would make Aretha Franklin weep—is replaced with a skinnier, less-talented replica. Loyalty, friendship, love, stardom and deceit are the shifting emotions throughout the film that bond the audience to each character.
Offering a glimpse into the singers’ lives, director Bill Condon cleverly transitions between time and place. Detroit riots during the turbulent civil rights movement are juxtaposed with the girls’ singing career.
Hudson’s performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” was strong and moving, yet borderline over the top. Constant energy and slight romantic insight does this Broadway musical justice with costumes and stage design that would make any headliner jealous.
While the vocals and plot make
Dreamgirls worthy of its Oscar nominations, Anika Noni Rose’s character development fell short of the rest of the star-studded cast. The movie surpasses the last big screen musical,
Rent, but does drag in some scenes where dialogue could have replaced songs. As the last note is sung,
Dreamgirls makes you want to give a standing ovation in the middle of your living room.
