Arts and Entertainment
Film Noir Review
"Dreamgirls" is simply a movie to enjoy!
by Judy Marker, Movie Critic
"Dreamgirls" is a well-put together musical drama that successfully transfers from its original Broadway stage show to the big screen thanks in part to a top-rated cast and screenplay.
After watching this two hour and 11 minute spectacle, the only question you may have is who steals the top cast spot.
Jamie Foxx ("Ray") Foxx is manager Curtis Taylor Jr., who discovers the "Dreamettes," a three-piece girl ensemble of Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles "Pink Panther"), Effie White (Jennifer Hudson) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose "From Justin to Kelly").
Soon they are offered a job as backup singers to big time super-star James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy "Shrek 2").
As in the 1981 original stage show, Taylor is able to establish the trio as a separate act known as "The Dreams."
Loosely based on Detroit’s Supremes, "Dreamgirls" focuses rare attention on the problems and competition that faced the many girl groups of the time.
As for its presentation, writer and director Bill Condon takes us back to the 1960s and ’70s with Motown realism and the music that attracted the attention.
However, with its story and impressive vocal cast, you may be disappointed with the soundtrack.
It has been four years since we were treated to "Chicago" making it to the cinema version and "Dreamgirls" is a worthy addition, one you will probably want to have in your DVD collection.
The real dream in "Dreamgirls" is the cast. "Dreamgirls" is rated "PG-13" for language, some sexuality and drug content.
"Dreamgirls’ receives my second highest rating of "4-J’s/Don’t miss it!"
