Dreamgirls (2006)reviewed by Benn "Where's the Humanity?" Farrell
Based on the 1981 Broadway musical, “Dreamgirls” is a story of three young singers who meet a used car salesman-turned-manager, played by Jamie Foxx (Ray), who books them to back up the legendary James “Thunder” Early, played by Eddie Murphy (Bowfinger). The trio soon has problems when they strike out on their own and their usual lead singer, Effie, played by Jennifer Hudson, is replaced with her backup Deena, played by Beyonce Knowles (The Pink Panther). This musical is basically a very thinly telling of Diana Ross and the Supremes, but the movie version adds more to it, like appearances by many familiar groups; like a Jackson-five-esque performance. Despite being a musical, the movie did a great job of placing the numbers in appropriate and diagetic settings. For instance, many musical numbers were placed as stage performances or doing a studio recording. Only a couple of numbers were actually performed by characters breaking into song. The story is well plotted. The movie is well acted, and if you like Motown and its pseudo-history, you’ll like this picture. Beyonce, Eddie Murphy and Hudson were all jaw dropping both vocally and as actors. They deserve every accolade thrown their way over this tail end of the 2006 awards season. (Jan. 23, 2007); however, Foxx lends nothing to the picture. His role could have been played by anyone with some a semblance of talent. Overall, this is worth seeing in theaters for the glitz and the sounds. I think it may lose something on DVD. Benn - Where's the Humanity?
The best reason to see this movie is the tunes and Jennifer Hudson’s debut performance.