Almost wonderful

Rating: 8/10 (2 February 2008)

This film did what it was supposed to do: Entertain. For the most part, it was fast-paced, extremely clever and engaging. What I found interesting is that I came away from it with a "lightweight" feeling. I'm not sure why.
The most solid performance in the film is Eddie Murphy. It was blazingly honest. And he did his own singing, and sang the hell out of the songs. As for Jennifer Hudson, Jennifer is an American success story, and I'm thrilled she got this opportunity. But having read some background about how she was directed, I got this feeling: She was told not to be so nice and to show up on the set acting like a diva. So, she got that down and she never let go of it. The problem for me is that I feel that with all that she goes through in the film, there should have been at least ONE moment where she breaks down, even if it's just in private. It would have given her the one soft touch she needed to round out her otherwise generally fine performance. Now, when she sings her big number, "I'm Telling You..." -- all you can do it tip your hat to her. She knew quite well that Jennifer Holliday made that song the reason why people came to see the show back in the '80s and she knew that everyone would be looking at her and comparing her. I think she did an excellent job and the way they shot the number and clothed her, in this brilliant muted bronze dress and jacket -- it was fantastic. No one can top Jennifer Holliday, and I don't think Ms. Hudson was trying to; but comparisons will always lurk. Anyway, she did a wonderful job.
The other pleasant surprise is Beyonce Knowles. She is totally natural as an actress and although she wasn't asked to go too deep, she just glided onto that set like she was born to it.
The main problem I have, as others have had, is the music and lyrics are very connected to a Broadway sense. I don't feel they are really songs that would be sung in the true R&B world. But on the other hand, Billy Condon took all those songs and put them on some fantastic carousel... and you are jumping on for the ride because you want to know where everything is going.
Jamie Fox was saddled with an unlikeable character and in the last two scenes of the movie, I simply could not buy what they asked him to do. Totally unbelievable emotionally. But he did the best he could with someone who not many people would find appealing.
Sharon Leal was stunning as the new Dream, and she and Beyonce could have a battle for the most beautiful black woman on the planet. They're both drop-dead gorgeous.
Overall, again, the movie entertains you and I give it thumbs up for that. Perfect? No. But considering how many years it took for this story to get to the screen, they all get A+s for trying. Definitely worth a view.