Dreamgirls, the Broadway play, comes to the big screen. Set in the early 1960s to mid-70s, Dreamgirls follows the rise of a trio of women—Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose)—who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the back-up singers for headliner James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis gradually takes control of the girls' look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams. That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether. Though the Dreams become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.
I absolutely loved this movie. I wasn't quite sure what to expect going in. Basically I never really am when it comes to musicals. However, this movie was phenomenal. The acting performances were great all around - even Beyonce and Eddie Murphy. I could see all of them getting Oscar nominations, especially Jamie Foxx and Jennifer Hudson. I actually think that Jennifer Hudson is a lock for Best Supporting Actress. She sang one song in the middle of the movie that actually had the whole crowd applauding after it was done. This movie is a definite must see by all.
I fully recommend this movie to all readers. As of right now it stands as number two on the Best of 2006 on the soon to be posted list. Get out there right now and see this one, people!
