A Rave Review And A Brief Complaint!!

Rating: 9/10 (30 December 2006)

First of all, this movie can be described in two words: simply spectacular. First with "Chicago" and "The Producers," the rise and success of "Dreamgirls" affirms that we are seeing the revival of the "great Hollywood musical" and I think it's just fantastic. I could go and on about how great this movie is, how phenomenal the music is, how well the script is crafted, how brave a white director is to take on (and succeed at) telling a story that is part of the African-American journey in the history of the music industry. I could continue applauding the actors for stepping up to the plate to tell what is essentially, a true story without commenting on their characters during their performances. I am so pleased that the excellence of this cinematic experience is being recognized by multiple nominations for multiple awards. But most of all, I am outraged. Absolutely outraged that Jennifer Hudson is nominated for a Golden Globe as Best SUPPORTING Actress. It is intolerable. Ms. Hudson was virtually the entire movie. Her presence is unlike any other I have seen. It is rare that a newcomer can outshine, let alone hold her own while sharing the screen with an Academy award-winner and a pop-singing favorite. And never, in all my years of going to the movies, has an entire audience erupted in applause in the middle of a film as they did after "And I Am Telling You I Am Not Going." Ms. Hudson's nomination is well-deserved, it is simply in the wrong category. She ought not only be nominated, but should WIN the award for Best Actress.