Movie Review: Dreamgirls

Paramount bought the rights to produce a film version of the hit Broadway musical Dreamgirls back in the 80s, but it's taken this long for the project to come to fruition. Maybe they were waiting for the right director, maybe they were waiting for the right talent or time, or maybe it was just difficult to convince someone a movie about three black girls pursuing their dreams would sell to the mainstream public. But even if it is many years later, fans of the original show are no less delighted that the legendary production has finally made its way to the big screen.

The movie doesn't come out nationwide until Christmas day, but I was lucky enough to catch one of the $25 roadshow screenings in New York city, complete with costume pieces, a program and mini-poster, the works. Being in a room full of people who obviously really wanted to see the movie enhanced the experience, especially for a film like this, which is built to be an audience-pleaser. People clapped, danced, sang along if they knew the words, and cheered on the stars of the movie.

It's often difficult going in to view a film that's been so ridiculously hyped, because it's unlikely that the movie will meet your expectations, and this was no exception to the rule. The story revolves around three young black girls in Detroit with aspirations of being a famous singing girl group a la The Supremes. Many people on the record have claimed the film is not based on The Supremes, but it's been made obvious time and time again that it clearly is. Though one of the members of the group recently appeared on Access Hollywood stating the movie does not accurately portray Diana Ross - the real person was much worse. Ouch.

Nonetheless, the film is essentially centered around Effie White, who is clearly the most talented of the three girls, as made clear by one of the early numbers where newcomer Jennifer Hudson (think third season of American Idol) sings her face off while the other girls stand behind her singing Oohs and Ahhs. Singing "Oohs and Ahhs" is something Effie later claims she doesn't do, once approached by sly-as-a-snake manager Curtis Taylor, who offers them a chance to sing back-up for a male singer. The girls eventually convince Effie to do it, as it could lead to them hitting it big, and she reluctantly obliges once Curtis butters her up a bit.

Article Author: Film Laureate

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