Below Average

Rating: 4/10 (22 May 2007)

I gave this movie a 4 out of 10, because it wasn't good or horrible. Its one of those weird movies where in spite of having EVERYTHING going for it it messes everything up. I mean this film was basically GUARANTEED a best picture nomination if it just would prove to be BEARABLE and it couldn't even come across in that manner.
The problem in my opinion is Jennifer Hudson, all due respect to her accomplishments on American Idol (ive never watched the show) but shes not a good actress. In this movie we are meant to believe that she is the better singer than Beyonce but since Beyonce is more attractive shes gonna get the front stage. OK heres the problem, I like Beyonce I believe she is extremely talented and certainly more talented than Hudson, so when they try to tell me that Hudson is the better singer I just don't buy it.
Also there's this thing where they try to turn Jamie Foxx into a villain, that doesn't come across well at all. First off Foxx's character basically puts up ALL his money to get this group going and all Hudson can do is hate him for "holding her back" or whatever. Welcome to reality, thats business, if someone pays for you to become famous, and continues to pay for everything they USUALLY have some say in how the groups functions.
Now the good parts, basically every scene with Beyonce is great, she saves the movie (or at least saves it as much as she can). Shes the reason this film gets a 4 out of 10 and not a zero out of 10. Jamie Foxx is also great in his role, he isn't given much to chew on but he still delivers the goods. As for Eddie Murphy, he was alright, it was an average performance, personally I think if anything he should have been nominated for his performance in Shrek rather than in this film.
Jennifer Hudson - ruins film Beyonce - salvages what is left and makes it great Foxx - delivers the goods even with this crappy role Murphy - lukewarm
How would this film have gone if Rob Marshall had directed it?