Over-hyped musical. Not as great as touted.

Rating: 6/10 (2 May 2007)

A Tony Award Broadway musical comes to life in Bill Condon's movie. I just didn't find this film the hottest thing since The Supremes. Interesting enough to watch though. Curtis Taylor, Jr.(Jamie Foxx)is a car salesman that needs to find the right product to sell in order to make his mark in the music world. Enter three friends from Chicago that call themselves The Dreamettes. Lorrell Robinson(Anika Noni Rose), Deena Jones(Beyonce Knowles) and arrogant lead singer Effie White(Jennifer Hudson). In tow is Effie's brother C.C.(Keith Robinson),who dreams to be a big songwriter. He, like The Dreamettes, just needs a break. By hook or crook, the trio gets a gig singing backup for James "Thunder" Early(Eddie Murphy), a pioneer in a new sound out of Detroit...his explosive blend of soul and rock 'n' roll. Curtis finally is able to launch the Dreamettes into a solo career as The Dreams. To make the group more palatable to the "white" market, he moves the ravishing Deena to lead singer. This throws the plump Effie into a jealous tirade and she eventually is replaced in the group. The Dreams rise to international fame; however the adulation, money and stardom just doesn't measure up to what they dreamed of. I was most impressed with Murphy and most irritated with Hudson. She may have talent...I just don't like her. The outstanding soundtrack should get star credit itself. Also in the cast: Danny Glover, Michael-Leon Wooley, Loretta Devine and Yvette Cason.