DREAMGIRLS

A supreme trio tries to turn their small nightclub act into a household name in the musical DREAMGIRLS. Effie, Deena and Lorrell make up the trio known as the Dreamettes. Following a performance in a local nightclub competition, the girls are spotted by Curtis Taylor, Jr., an aspiring music producer played by Jamie Foxx, who needs to land back-up singers for R & B favorite, James “Thunder” Early, played by Eddie Murphy. The Dreamettes agree to tour with Early, and their work as background vocalists eventually leads to bigger and brighter things.

Filled with wonderfully written Motown-style music, beautiful costumes, sets and actresses, and terrifically choreographed dance sequences, DREAMGIRLS provides one of the most entertaining and feel-good pictures of the year. The film, written and directed by CHICAGO scribe Billy Condon, adapts Tom Ewyen’s Broadway production into a nostalgic and upbeat musical in the spirit of some of the genre’s finest. Although light on substance, this lively production boasts some wonderful, and dramatic performances. Jamie Foxx is on the mark conveying a slightly cold, always calculating, producer who makes several personal sacrifices for professional success. Murphy is also good, displaying a rare knack for drama and conveying a charismatic individual who hasn’t quite mastered his craft, or personal life. If Foxx is calculating, and Murphy somewhat clueless, former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson is uncompromising in her role as Effie. Not only does she bring the best pipes to the table, but Hudson is the heart and soul of DREAMGIRLS, providing an unflinching, flawed and stubborn woman who lets her emotions get the best of her. I don’t applaud films, but if I did, DREAMGIRLS would make me stand up and cheer.

Grade: A-