I promise this will be my last thread on Dreamgirls (at least for a little while). I got a chance to see it tonight, and here are my thoughts. I’m assuming since this is a musical, posting in Music: Non-Prince is a-okay?

I’d hear that in many showings of the film the audience would burst into a round of applause during certain sequences of the film. I knew for sure this wouldn’t happen when I saw it, because the Midwestern audience version of excitement is to sit with arms crossed, maybe smile out of the corner of your mouth a little bit, lean over to one another and whisper, “That was kinda good, wasn’t it?”

Don’t think I’m excluding myself from these tendencies. I’m an emotional moviegoer, but when it comes to joining in on the fun I’m usually the one rolling my eyes while concertgoers are gleefully waving their hands in the air or ceremoniously lighting their Zippos during a particularly rockin’ power ballad. To my surprise, the audience wasn’t the least bit apprehensive about showing their enthusiasm and love for Dreamgirls. They gave ovations not once, not twice, but three times during the movie. And, yeah, I clapped along, too. I couldn’t help myself. It’s that kind of movie and I was feeling randy.

As a film, Dreamgirls was a long time coming with a history of preproduction starts and stops. There’s good reason for that; it’s a revered Broadway classic, features a career-defining performance by Jennifer Holliday and it’s a (gasp!) musical. Where do you even begin with that? It’s the same dilemma Disney faced when adapting Chicago to the big screen, and Bill Condon follows in Rob Marshall’s footsteps to make it work on screen. It’s smart the way Condon adapted the musical to the screen to work his way around current moviegoers’ jaded take on song and dance numbers. It’s a gradual process and the movie only occasionally leaps headlong into musical abandon. There’s still song and there’s still dance but it’s more about stage performance than anything else.

Dreamgirls – both as a film and a stage show – works despite the fact that it’s a Broadway show about a Motown-esque female vocal trio with songs that sound only remotely like anything that ever came out of the Motor City. This is the reason shows like Rent don’t work for me; it’s Broadway trying as hard as possible to sound authentic but still ending up overblown and soulless. Not to say that the songs in Dreamgirls don’t have heart and soul, because they do. It’s just not Motown. Maybe it’s the energy of the performances, the time period and the production design, but I was able to look past any of that and immerse myself in all of its swagger and shimmer.

There’s not a bad performance in Dreamgirls. A sizable portion of the dramatic tension is built around Effie’s relationship with the other Dreamgirls, so the film would do or die based on casting for this role. Condon took a big risk in casting unknown Jennifer Hudson, but the risk carries off major league payouts. She owns the role, and I feel comfortable saying with some certainty that hers is destined to become a classic scene-stealing performance. It’s rough around the edges, but I think it calls for a certain degree of rawness to work fully. The temptation may be there for some to dismiss the performance before seeing it as one-dimensional, but she’s just as effective in her dramatic scenes with slimy record executive Curtis (Jamie Foxx) and as she is in the musical sequences. The It’s All Over/And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going scene is so well-conceived and overwhelmingly powerful that it’s near impossible not to get caught up in it. There’s no way around it – I cried, then I applauded.

This is a role that jumpstarts a career, but it’s anybody’s guess what will happen to Hudson in Hollywood. She doesn’t fit any of the molds they’ve created for working women, and that she’s both heavy and black (one or the other is limiting enough) can only work against her choice of roles that aren’t geared toward being the brunt of a one-liner.

If you’re hoping Beyonce’s performance will put a nail in her film livelihood, you’re likely to be disappointed. She actually delivers the goods in her role as Deena, the spotlight hungry would be lead singer of the trio. It’s not a performance that’s going to garner her a mantel full of awards, but she gets the job done and competently so. I’d half expected to wince when the time called for her to do anything but preen, but that just was not the case. The film also has a bit of fun with her Cover Girl image during a pseudo-camp photo shoot sequence that brings Mahogany to mind. I have a sneaking suspicion she’ll also be able to call herself an Oscar-winner for her schmaltzy ballad, Listen. The little golden man loves that sort of crap. It’s not a great song but it works well within the context of the film as Deena goes it on her own.

Eddie Murphy’s turn as James “Thunder” Early is equal parts comic relief, stage showman and channeled pathos. It’s sort of a role he’s hinted at and joked about his entire career, but given this material he’s able to flesh it out and ham it up. I’ve given up on caring who Oscar decides to hand nominations to, but I’d be surprised if Murphy didn’t land a nod. It’s the best he’s been in a long time, perhaps the best he’s ever been.

You’d think that in a movie virtually bubbling over with household names, that Anika Noni Rose – an accomplished Tony Award-winning actress but not as well known outside of the New York theatre scene – would get lost in the shuffle. She does not. She’s afforded plenty of screen time to make Lorrell stand out from the other Dreamgirls, and holds her own against all of them.

On occasion, scenes loose some of their effectiveness in the changeover to the movie screen. We Are a Family works well onstage but transitions a tad corny and contrived on film. After Effie gives her showstopping number about halfway through the film things slow a bit. However, the pace quickens once Curtis’ schemes come to light during the last 30 minutes or so of the film.

When I stepped into the theatre, I was hoping at the very least to be entertained. I knew the music, I knew the story and I knew that I liked Condon’s two previous films (Gods & Monsters and Kinsey). I expected I might be razzled and dazzled with fantastic costumes, flashy editing and light bulbs popping left and right. I wasn’t sure if I’d be won over emotionally by it or if Condon could make the material feel fresh. Much to my pleasure, I was completely satisfied with it as a moviegoing experience. It’s a stirring film that satisfies on many levels.

3.5/4 stars

Pretty good review.


All I can say is...WOW to Jennifer Hudson...WOW!!! I understand that Beyonce is the "star" but Jennifer made me take notice. I do agree that Beyonce does give a pretty good performance. I didn't want to smash her face in at all.

I think what will play out will be the same theme in the movie. Talent wise Jennifer has the chops, both acting and singing over Bouncy, but Bouncy will get most of the love. It is what it is. The movie so speaks to what is happening to day in the industry.

And much props to Eddie Murphy. He did well. My daughter was like, "Eddie Murphy can sing?"

The ovations also happened in the theater I was in.

I was also very happy to see Loretta Divine in the movie, even if was for a small moment.

I was once looking forward to this, but at the moment I seem to have lost all interest in seeing it. Perhaps it's because this is really a story I've seen a thousand times before in different permutations. I really gave up on contemporary musicals after the Chicago hype. I saw it, and yeah, it was okay, but nothing special. Absolutely nothing special. That turned into one of the most overrated Best Picture winners since Titanic, and this probably will, too.

VoicesCarry said:

welllll....go into for the performances and you won't be disappointed. If you start doing character studies and comparing it to the broadway show...you will want to beat beyonce with a stick...

Rhondab said:

Beyonce is essentially playing herself, so I'm sure that she will be competent.

The thing is, there is a truly vicious story waiting to be told about Diana, Florence & Mary, and I think I'll wait for the movie that tells it like it is.

Rhondab said:

I haven't seen the film yet so I can't speak to how things are portrayed, but Beyonce is not the star and she never was. They just used her notariety (I'm having trouble spelling with the fear of my boss sneaking up behind me ) to advertise the film.

On the one hand this has made ppl think that this movie is about Beyonce's character, Deena, and taken away from Hudson who is the star and always was, but on the other hand it just makes good sense. It's my understanding that the role of Deena was expanded just to explore that side of the story, not to give Ms. Knowles more to do.

Ppl keep saying Jennifer is stealing the movie. You can't steal what was yours in the first place!

When they first started looking for cast members for this film, everyone was asking who will get the coveted role of Effie, the character who the original story centers around.

Ur right that B will probably get more attention for her performance, which I've heard is surprisingly good though not as good as Jennifer's, but Hudson is getting her due as well. I've heard more about her than anyone else. As soon as I get some money I'm gonna get the whole scoop.

I saw this movie yesterday and all I could say is WOW!!!!!

This movie had the whole audience applauding, crying, cheering, etc.

It's a very emotional story. Yes it's been told a million times, but the way it was written its something we can all relate to: family, friendship, loyalty, the ugly side of fame, hitting the bottom and starting over, forgiveness, closure, etc.

I don't want to pit Beyonce against Jennifer Hudson. In my opinion Jennifer and Jamie Fox were the two most crucial characters to the story, the others including Beyonce, played their parts quite well but only in a supporting manner.

If you have not seen this movie, go!! You're not going to be disspointed.

VoicesCarry said:

Why go into it expecting anything other than to be entertained? You may or may not like it, but it sounds like you're already expecting not to like it based on hype. I don't think it's the best movie of the year but it is very good.

PurpleRighteous1 said:

as far as the story line goes...yeah...we know its all about Efie BUT I think the movie was definitely pushed as Beyonce being the "star".

Rhondab said:

Studios operate under the pretense that it's the star the brings in the moviegoers. Beyonce is the star of the moment, much like JLo for a couple years ago. Studios always seem to forget a star can't even save you from a bad script.

How long is the movie?

ABeautifulOne said:

Just over two hours.

i tried to see this last night but there were no seats together. we had to get a refund and went to see in pursuit of happyness instead. i would have rather seen dreamgirls. i think we're gonna go tonight.

the crowd will probably not be as fun tonight, though. last night there were drag queens in line and tons of flamboyant gay guys. surely that was the crowd to watch this movie with!

I just saw it. Sorry, but I think it's the most overrated movie of the year, easily. The performances are terrific, and pretty much save it. But the director has no clue how to shoot a musical. Someone starts singing on stage, and then it cuts to a montage of them doing something. Over and over. That's why part of why Hudson's song is so good...it flows out of the narrative. Otherwise, the movie is like watching the world's most boring music video.

TommyRoss said:

If I thought I'd be entertained, I'd probably go. But this one reeks of Chicago for me, so I will reserve it for a video rental where I can shut it off after 5 minutes.

i thought it was great. really, really entertaining and probably more true to the industry than i'd like it to be.

and everything that is being said about hudson is accurate. she should have top billing. she is "dreamgirls."

I just got back from seeing it. We tried to see it last night, but it was sold out. We tried to wait for the later showing, but it sold out while we were in line waiting to pay

I loved it! I wasn't priviledged to see the original musical, but this movie was really good. I cried when I saw Jennifer Holiday's And I am telling you performance on the Tony's and I cried when I saw Hudson's tonight. Eddie's character was very entertaining. Jamie's character was ruthless, but smart. I don't understand why Beyonce got top billing over Eddie. I suppose because his role was smaller. I think some Beyonce fans are going to freak when they realize she's not the star of the movie

I'm going to see it again this weekend

Janfriend said:

Maybe it was just me, but didn't his role have a little more resonance given the death of James Brown? It's sort of a composite character but I couldn't help thinking of him.

I don't want to read too much into it but I can't get over the irony over JB's death and the emergence of James "Early" Thunder @ the same time.

Then again, I've always thought of James as Marvin Gaye. The Dreamgirls are "Martha & the Vandellas"(since they sang back-up for MG) and Curtis is of course "Berry Gordy".

Speaking of Eddie, I'm hearing all kinds of talks about this role being the ultimate one of his career(considering how predictable his roles were, this one is def a step-up).

im just going to the movie to critize beyonce....
anyways... if beyonce wasnt the lead actress why did she get nominated for it.... I think she doesnt deserve hardly anything that comes her way.... she is starting to turn into another mariah...

I think that beyonce got the role because of her name, and her songs hit high on the charts because of her popularity.. everything seems to be handed to her... and its annoying...

TommyRoss said:

Composite indeed.
I'm seeing bits of James Brown, David Ruffin & Little Richard.
(Even though Richard wasn't a Motown act, his claim to the origins of falling out, screaming & shiny suits reminded me of him. )

His refusal to be tamed and trained for the audience "Berry" was going after said James Brown all the way.


tA

Tribal Disorder

http://www.soundclick.com...dID=182431

all i have to say is this...

my wife wanted to see it...she loves musicals i don't mind em here and there but i don't seek em out. I love Jennifer Holiday and her original versions of the songs that were popular when the Broadway show hit back in the day (though i never saw the show myself back then)...

so i figured we'd go, and i figured it would be ok...i fugured all the big hype would make the actual experience somewhat of a letdown...

well i was kinda wrong...

as a Movie, it was just ok for me, glad i went don't feel like i was ripped off or anything, but as a Movie it was ok. got pretty much what i expected there story-wise...and production-wise...no suprises really...(though pretty obvious, i did like the fact that they showed some of what soul artists back in the day had to deal with...the re-doing and sanitizing of their art by and/or for the broader less tolerant audiences of the times)...but again, all said and don, as a Motion Picture it was ok...perhaps a B grade.

now...here's what surprised me...yeah yeah...i had heard that Jennifer Hudson gave a great performance and all..and i knew that she could sing...but honestly i thought 'i'm sure she's good, but really...how good can she be?'

THAT good

...suprprisingly, i was one of those in the crowd applauding at one of 'her' fine moments in the film (she had several)...in the showing i went to the entire audience, of mixed races were applauding and cheering at several of jennifer H's moments...

and folks...it wasn't 'just' her breathtaking, starmaking singing that blew me away...her acting was by far the most impressive of the group as well...through & through Jennifer Hudson gave a flat out star performance, and i remember saying to my wife in the film right after one of her 'moments'...

"THAT right there was MORE than worth the price of a ticket ALONE"

and it was.

The other performance that impressed me was, as many have mentioned, Eddie Murphys composite role...both the comedic, vocal and dramatic elements of Eddie's performance were extremely well done...congrats to Eddie on that.

so there ya go...the Movie isn't great it was good...but some of the performances, particularly Jennifer Hudsons WERE GREAT without a doubt, and Jennifer Hudsons moments are DEFINITELY worth the price of admission alone...

...thats an unbiased unjaded opinion...
[Edited 12/27/06 15:38pm]
[Edited 12/28/06 3:36am]

Eddie, Eddie, Eddie.

theAudience said:

I loved Eddie's character. He lit up the room. he was funny, but in a real way. I think we all have known someone like him. I love his chest voice. He should use it more rather than his falsetto. Eddie should definitely get some awards for this

liked it didn't love it i was expecting more of it i guess.

Jennifer and Eddie were the stars of the show.

this movie is unbelievably good. Acting singing, production, it looks good, sounds good blah blah blah

Outstanding!!! If you don't clap after Jennifer Hudsons performance you weren't actually there....the movie was far beyond good. What a breath of fresh air so desperately needed.

Hudson'sperformance is Oscar worthy!!! Beyonce was very strong...shockingly strong. Jamie Fox is an actor and perfect for the role of Curtis who wanted to be a singer performer but didn't have the chops. That is Jamie Fox! Eddie Murphy was the weakest link in my opinion. The role he played was not a stretch for him at all. They should have gotten an unknown to play that part. But he was decent...not bad. In other words he was the weak link on an outstanding production.

Run to see thsi movie....take you wife, husband family!! Just great great great

real highlight of the show.


Tina Knowles was kept away from the costume department!!!

ehuffnsd said:

Dead wrong

ABeautifulOne said:

are you a fan of the ummm "designs" of Tina Knowles?

Dreamgirls is my favorite Broadway show of all time.

Saw it 3 times in the 80s and once with miss Holliday in Atlanta a couple years ago.

I"m sorry to say that the movie is a dissappointment.

I really wanted to like it, but it just pales in comparison to the show:

* the actors (with the exception of Jennifer Hudson) are not very good singers compared to the broadway production (listen to either the original cast album or the more recent concert peformance).

* the music production doesn't sound very good

* they made weird changes from the original sgtory that didn't add anything and actually detract (James Early a drug addict who dies???)

* they didn't stick to the "pop opera' format of the show, but sometimes they do sung dialog, sometimes not. It just doesn' work.

Bottom line: They should've done it as a filmed version of the play.