classicsoncall
Set as it is in the Motown era of the Sixties, it's not hard to draw a comparison between the Dreamgirls of the title and the hit-making Supremes, along with a character like Jimmy Early, who seems to be a composite performer based on Little Richard, James Brown, and Smokey Robinson. But with Eddie Murphy in the role, a bit too much of Eddie Murphy's personality comes through, almost as if he's doing a parody on Saturday Night Live. There's also a late film addition of a Jackson Five knock-off. But with all the Motown elements, it didn't feel like a story set in the era, but one designed for the year in which it was made.All of that is not necessarily a bad thing. As movie musicals go, this one was entertaining enough for this viewer, even if I'm not a fan of the genre myself. What I found particularly interesting were the scene transitions, like when Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) auditioned for Max Washington (Ken Washington) in a small room, and the setting changed to a night club performance in front of an attentive crowd. There were a few scenes like that, that were nicely done.Of course, all the singers were quite good, but when the stage dynamic switched to the actors and actresses singing to each other, both the song lyrics and situations seemed awkward at times. I guess the biggest surprise for me was hearing what a powerful voice Jennifer Hudson has. Since my personal Golden Age of music occurred during The Sixties with the British Invasion, The Surf Sound, and of course Motown, I'm not as in tune to current singers like Hudson and Beyoncé. As entertaining as they are, their musical style is just not my favorite type of listening pleasure.But overall, if you like movie musicals, this one ought to satisfy. At just over two hours, I never got an antsy feeling while watching, so for me, that's saying something. Visually it's also a great experience, as the costuming and stage presentations are quite colorful. The dynamic among the characters is also compelling enough to keep one's attention, right up until the final curtain.
Python Hyena
Dreamgirls (2006): Dir: Bill Condon / Cast: Jamie Foxx, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy, Beyonce Knowles, Danny Glover: Provocative musical about fame and disappointment. Jamie Foxx plays a record producer who signs three woman as backup singers. Director Bill Condo highlights the film with courageous musical numbers as well as showcase R & B and soul music with racial elements within the industry. Foxx is excellent as a charming producer whose motives are questionable and sincerity lingers. He uses seduction and false promises of fame and fortune to lure talent towards his benefit. Jennifer Hudson makes an impressive debut as a gifted front singer who is demoted to backup in favor of women of less weight and greater sex appeal. She will set out to prove that she is the more gifted vocally and that talent should be rewarded. Beyonce Knowles plays a new singer whom Foxx becomes involved with and attempts to control. Eddie Murphy plays soul singer Jimmy Early who demands recognition as an innovator. This is Murphy at his very best as he combines humour with soul music but ultimately gets caught up on drugs. Danny Glover plays Early's manager until Foxx enters the scene. Now Glover turns to managing Hudson. They are involved in the corrupt worldview of music, fame and the price paid to place dreams in the wrong hands. Score: 10 / 10
Thanos Karagioras
"Dreamgirls" is a nice musical movie in which we are back in 1960's where we have a trio of black female soul singers who are trying really hard to succeed. Also we get into their lives and in their relationships.I pretty liked this movie even though I do not like musicals because of the cast and their interpretations. Jamie Foxx who played as Curtis Taylor Junior was for one more time magnificent such Eddie Murphy who played as James 'Thunder' Early was. I liked also the interpretations of Jennifer Hudson (won the Oscar for Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role), about Beyoncé Knowles I have to say that was not as good as I hoped to but it was OK. One more thing that I liked in this movie was the costumes of the actors and of course the music.Finally I have to say that "Dreamgirls" is a good musical movie and a simple one. If you are a fan of musicals then I believe that you will love it, if you are not then it would be something different but nice.
FilmBuff1994
Dreamgirls is a great movie with a very well developed storyline and a fantastic cast.The films plot is very basic and easy to follow,but the cast is really what brings it to life,everyone delivers brilliant performances,Jennifer Hudson did a great job and definitely deserved the Academy Award for Best Actress in a Supporting Role,as well as Jamie Foxx,who is always great,Beyoncé Knowles,I didn't expect her to be very good because she is mainly a singer and I've only seen her in comedies (Austin Powers,the Pink Panther) previously but she really was a very good dramatic actress.My favourite performance was Eddie Murphy,I thought he was only in this movie for comic relief,which he was for a while but eventually his character becomes very serious and he was acknowledged for his spectacular performance with a Golden Globe win and an Academy Award nomination,I wish he had continued to do more dramas after this movie but sadly he is still just doing comedy,I know him best for that but it would be nice to see him deliver some more serious performances every now and then because he proved in this he is very good at it.The music in this movie is also beautiful,particularly the song Listen,and a lot of the actors that I didn't expect to sing did and were very good.My only real problem with this movie is that it is a bit longer than it needs to be and can be s little boring at times,however,Dreamgirls is a very enjoyable movie that I would recommend to anyone looking for a good drama or musical. A trio of soul singers are catapulted to fame when they become the backing vocalist for an established star.Best Performance: Eddie Murphy Worst Performance: John Krasinki
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