Over-hyped but entertaining.

Rating: 4/10 (5 February 2007)

Several noted critics (armond white comes to mind) have already torn into this film (probably as backlash for all the hype that's been whirling around it). While it's not a bad movie, and actually a very entertaining film with great production values, Dreamgirls never treads further than some great theatrics and very limited character development.
We already know what's going to happen but the film is single minded in it's approach, wasting the opportunity to throw some insight into the tumultuous time period and build a deeper understanding of the characters and their motivations.
The performances were okay. Eddie Murphy's singing (if that is really him) is not bad but his choreography reminds me of his SNL impressions of Stevie and Prince. Beyonce is strangely akin to Diana Ross (who the character was based on anyway), but really doesn't have much to do aside from take the brunt of Jamie Foxx's overly-slick Berry Gordy-inspired Curtis Taylor.
As every one has already said, the magnet of this movie is Jennifer Hudson, who for a first timer applies just the right amount of sass and measure to her role, remaining dignified and powerful even during the movie's soppiest moment ("And I Am Telling You"). Which leads me onto the music itself which is pretty faultless and lends the film the depth and freshness it lacks in direction and storytelling.
The things that work best here are the pacing, production design, and music. The film moves very fast, almost too fast to notice its flaws, which in this case, is a good thing. Could have been more, but it will satisfy most viewers, especially lovers of Motown.