All you have to do is dream!!

Rating: 8/10 (11 July 2007)

Dreamgirls Director: Bill Condon
All you have to do is dream? I definitely wish it was that easy! This double threat ensemble proved that fulfilling their dreams were not as simple as the song "Dreamgirls" suggested. This film was the bittersweet musical/drama/comedy of the characters reaching their dreams in the entertainment business. Although the film follows the pattern of The Five Heartbeats, where everyone had their eyes set on one prize, Dreamgirls interestingly individualizes the characters' dreams to add complexity in song, to the traditional rags to riches story.
Effie's (Jennifer Hudson) dream is to be a first class diva (and absolutely not a back-up singer). Yet, Effie's lover and the group's manager, Curtis Taylor's(Jamie Fox) dream is to be a successful businessman no matter what the cost may be. He even goes as far as putting Effie on the back burner, and gives a backup singer Deena ( Beyonce Knowles) the lead because of her cross-over qualities. All Deena is striving for is to be taking seriously. Once they have left their door opening act, Jimmy Early (Eddie Murphy) that is when the drama begins!
Dreamgirls is a film that displays the traditional story of the early R&B days of the 1960s moving well into the 1970s. During the sixties the colors of the backgrounds and costumes were soft and simple. This helped the contrast along when the seventies hit with sharp, bold, and defining colors. What also helped the decade change run smoothly along was the Detroit riot scene. This scene shows a clever way to set the transition from one decade to another, and a clue of what was to come. The balance of drama and comedy gives you a realistic yet objective view of the struggles and triumphs of the Dreamgirls.The musical aspect was done with precise that moved the story right along, without wanting to fast forward the musical numbers anticipating to get back to the jest of the movie. The music also enhanced the emotional value of the film as well.
Even if your dream has been deferred, this film will make you proud that you ever had a dream at all.