And I am Telling You...

Rating: 9/10 (27 October 2007)

This one is a winner. I was blown away by the music, the performances, and the bold statements made about the music industry that this film provides.
The sound track helps to tell the story, with songs that would make you tap your feet...or will bring you to tears. Jennifer Holidays voice had me wondering why the heck she didn't win American Idol in season 3. Their loss is Dreamgirls' gain, I suppose. And Eddie Murphy proves he's just as good of a singer as he is a comedian, going from James Brown-esquire, to crooner, to Sam Cooke style vocalist, and then back to James Brown. Beyonce was spot on as a Diana Ross-type. But the biggest surprise came from unknown Keith Robinson (Power Rangers) as Effie's brother CC.
The plot had plenty of emotionally-driven ups and downs as it exposed the different types of people and situations you encounter in the music industry. Every character represented a different persona. Those who would sell their soul for fortune and fame like Curtis (Jamie Fox); or those girls like Effie (Hudson) who have the voice and the talent but are shunned because of their looks. There are starlets, wannabees, and Divas... There are some people like Jimmy (Murphy) who wind up getting hooked on drugs. There are artists like CC (Robinson) who just want to express themselves.
People get hurt, people use each other, and people pay the high price of fame--all in pursuit of their dreams.
It will bring you to tears, and make you think.
I definitely give it 9/10.