Superb musical, based on the stage musical, MoTown singers in the 1960s and 1970s.

Rating: Null/10 (15 May 2007)

"Dreamgirls" is almost a pure musical. There is very little spoken dialog, instead characters more commonly break out in song to speak their minds. This surely is a turn-off to some viewers, but I rather like it. The whole production is very well done and high profile actors like Foxx and Murphy are very good "stage" singers. I was only disappointed that I didn't get to hear Glover sing.
The story is clearly inspired by other singers and groups that came out of Detroit, "motown", in the 1960s and 1970s. The group that became the "Dreamgirls" has a clear resemblance to "The Supremes" and the lead singer Deena Jones (Knowles) was made to look and sound much like Diana Ross.
Jamie Foxx is Curtis Taylor, Cadillac salesman and budding musical manager. He sees an opportunity to get the girls exposure as backup singers for unpredictable star "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy), and eventually helps get them into solo performances. But Curtis is also untrustworthy, in his love life and in his business dealings.
The real treat and surprise of the movie is Jennifer Hudson (American Idol contestant) as Effie White, the best singer among the girls who becomes upset at having to take a supporting role and is replaced. Hudson won an Oscar for supporting actress and she is just a marvel to watch and hear. She gives a stunningly meaningful performance, and when she sings makes everyone else pale in comparison.