The Dream Team deserving of a Silver Medal!

Rating: 8/10 (11 January 2007)

Keep dreaming if you agree with some moviegoers and critics that Bill Condon's "Dreamgirls" is the finest cinematic feast of 2006. However, I must state that the storyline and screenplay was capturing enough to be a bit dreamy. The film centers around The Dreams, a Supremes-type of black trio soul-singing gals, and their rise to prominence and stardom. Jamie Foxx stars as a shady musical manager named Curtis Taylor. He gives The Dreams their embryonic phases of recognition by contracting them to sing backup to a renowned James Brown-type soul singer named James "Thunder" Early. Some have called Eddy Murphy's performance as Early the best of the year. Even though it was a vibrant performance, I think it is too early to categorize it in that echelon. OK, here is where Dreams come true (Yea, I know! It was a very Mickey Mouse statement!) : The Dreams eventually do mature to break out of the background singer supporting world and reach the apex of lead recording artists success, but not with some nightmares along the way. One of the Dreamies named Effie leaves the trio because of jealousy and stubbornness, another Dreamie named Deena marries Taylor and reaches Divaland but also "divas covering" the ruthlessness of the music industry. I will not wake you up in the middle of your 'Dreamgirls" dream and spoil the rest for you. Writer-Director Bill Condon does "Condonly" protect "Dreamgirls" from a musical cinematic epidemic by orchestrating some thrilling scenes featuring the amazing Jennifer Hudson, who plays Effie. However, I think Condon played risky movie musical business by not wrapping it up fast enough in some elongated conversation-musical scenes that was the nightmare of "Dreamgirls". As far as the leads, Beyonce Knowles was middling as Deena and Foxx was not his usual "foxtrotting" acting self as Taylor. No doubt that "Dreamgirls" was Jennifer Hudson's acting & musical showcase! The J. Hudson River has channeled its waters in Tinsletown and it might be sailing with a potential Oscar statuette for Best Supporting Actress. Jenny, I think Hollywood is got your production number and they want to make you theirs. Though it did a have a few yawns, "Dreamgirls" is one film worth waking up to. **** Good