a big mess of a film

Rating: 3/10 (6 January 2007)

As far as i am concerned, the only reason to view this mess of a film is Jennifer Hudson. Her musical performances are bewilderingly good. In the now famous "I ain't going'" number, her passion and emotion swell to a near unsettling fervor. I have never seen audience members give a standing ovation to a movie screen. While not quite as moved to do the same, I can easily understand. She entrances the audience with an unbridled vocal power and proves a musical force to be reckoned with, far out performing Beyonce, who while competent in this film comes across as a cardboard cut out in comparison.
The film speeds through decades, tracing only quickly carved character arcs that are prevented meaningful insights due to the amount of time that must be covered.
musical numbers are initiated at rapid fire speed, lest the audience forget the film is a musical, and delivery of these too numerous interludes is highly inconsistent. It lacks a cohesive style that would otherwise tighten the films's structure and allow it to flow naturally. the result is a feeling of force.
Eddie Murphy's character falls victim to this trap, as he develops a nasty heroin addiction and the root of the pain is rarely revealed, being quite trite in the few moments time is alloted to address it. I was quite disappointed by his performance having heard so many grandiose Oscar predictions, which perhaps stem from a non comedic performance, not his normal perception as a popular performer. The accolades I feel are nothing more than that very reaction.
all in all a very disappointing let down considering the massive hype encircling it.