"You Stopped Me Once, But You'll Never Stop Me Again." --- Effie White (Jennifer Hudson)

Rating: 10/10 (14 April 2007)

"Dreamgirls" (2006)
Directed By: Bill Condon
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Eddie Murphy, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover, Keith Robinson, & Sharon Leal
MPAA Rating: "PG-13" (for language, some sexuality and drug content)
For the first time ever, I heard thunderous applause during a movie in theaters. I have heard people clapping at the end of movies before and even at the beginning (yes, at any of the "Star Wars" films), but never in the middle. If you have seen "Dreamgirls", then you know which scene of which I speak. It is Jennifer Hudson's powerhouse rendition of "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". This crucial scene in this uplifting movie is when I realized that "Dreamgirls" was not merely a movie, but the birth of a superstar. Hudson may have lost the "American Idol" crown, but she gained so much more. During her season on the popular reality show, Hudson was my pick and I was devastated when she was eliminatedand far too early, I might add. Ironically enough, the winner of that season, Fantasia Barrino, was also up for the role of Effie White. Barrino did not get the role. Hudson didand thank goodness for that. Hudson aced the role with her powerful vocals and her straight-forward, vulnerable acting ability. "Dreamgirls" may not be the best movie of the year (though, it is up in the top tier), but Hudson may very well have given the performance that will be remembered for years to come. She's aiming to win over the hearts of movie lovers everywhere--and I know she has won mine even more so than before.
Deena Jones (Knowles), Effie White (Hudson), and Lorrell Robinson (Rose) are members of a struggling girl band who get the chance of a lifetime when Curtis Taylor Jr. (Foxx) gives them the chance to do back-up for legendary James "Thunder" Early (Murphy). As the three girls skyrocket into fame and fortune, Effie soon finds herself being edged out in exchange for Deena. As tensions reach a climax and the three best friends find themselves drifting apart, drama erupts and once-sturdy friendships crumble--all for the price of fame. But, through all the arguing and even a tragic death, the girls will learn that fame isn't everything and that the dreams they had been struggling to fulfillare only true if they are together. Fame comes and goes, stars rise and fall, but dreams live forever. Based on the Broadway musical, "Dreamgirls" tells its story with spectacular performances, an all-star cast, and powerful music. This triumphant film will have you clapping, crying, and smiling when you leave. It is the epitome of an uplifting film that will have you seeing stars.
The performances in "Dreamgirls" are easily the highlight of the movie. Jamie Foxx, fresh off of the decent "Miami Vice", the ho-hum "Jarhead", and the amazing "Ray" (for which he won an Academy Award), gives one of his best performances here. He dominates the role of the sleazy Curtis and exudes arrogance and corruption. Beyonce Knowles is probably best known for her amazing voiceand for starring in an Austin Powers movie, but she proves here that she really can act. Forget "Goldmember". Knowles is Deena Jones. The star of this show, however, is Jennifer Hudson who garnered much applause throughout the movie. She has put her "American Idol" loss behind her and has proved that she is a multi-talented superstar that can give a powerhouse performance. Her voice is awe-inducing and her acting is mesmerizing. Eddie Murphy gives his best performance in a very long time. I didn't know what to expect. Murphy has always been an iffy actor for sometimes. Sometimes he is good, but, other times, he just doesn't work for me. Here, he is very good. Someone who hasn't been getting much press for her role, but certainly deserves more is Anika Noni Rose. Rose did a very nice job and should be commended. Somehow, unfortunately, she got lost in all of the star power behind this movie. Don't worry, though, she hits every note flawlessly.
"Dreamgirls" is a movie fan's dream and one of my favorite movies of the year. But, it isn't completely perfect. The movie starts off with a very rapid pace, but it loses steam a little too early. Thus, the second half is a little long-winded. But, overall, "Dreamgirls" is a massive achievement in movie-making--the best musical since "Chicago". It's breathtaking, wonderful, and beautifully-told. With amazing performances and beautiful direction from Bill Condon, every aspect comes together flawlessly. If you haven't yet, then you must hurry out and see "Dreamgirls". It is one of the most triumphant movies of the year and will definitely have you smiling by the end. If I didn't make my point earlier, Jennifer Hudson is the cherry on top of this sundae. Her commanding performance completely enthralled the audience. "Dreamgirls" is the best musical in years.
Final Thought: "Dreamgirls" is a must-see movie with excellent performances and wonderful music.
Overall Rating: 10/10 (A+)