Review: Dreamgirls

Set during the 60’s and 70’s, DREAMGIRLS is loosely based on the all girl group, The Supremes. The story follows three talented women known as “The Dreamettes”, who get their chance of a lifetime to become back-up singers for a popular R&B star. Their manager quickly realizes their potential as superstars and takes all measures, even “little” illegal ones, to take his girls to the top of the pop charts. Love, betrayal, great singing, catchy songs and all that other great stuff you expect from a good musical ensue.

I’m a sucker for musicals. This film felt like I was watching a great theater performance and I thought it was a whole lotta fun!! The story, however, wasn’t original compared to any other musical group’s trials and tribulations. They start with nothing and they go through hell to get to the top…a pretty standard storyline. The driving force behind DREAMGIRLS were its singing performances though, all of which were just outstanding, so you don’t really mind the basic storyline. Compared to other musicals like CHICAGO or WEST SIDE STORY, this film didn’t have that stage feel where everything looks like a moving set and is ready to reveal the back of a stage. DREAMGIRLS felt more like a “real” movie with real locations, believable dialogue and more feeling for the characters.

The overall acting was alright, with some better than others, but that’s to be expected when you get professional singers trying to cross over into the movie industry. OK, I’m talking about Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. They’re both beautiful in their own way but their acting chops…just passable. But acting aside, these two women can certainly sing like angels and should definitely consider doing Broadway shows rather than focusing on movie careers. Jamie Foxx was good, but I expected a little more power with his singing voice, he showed off his chops in Kanye’s “Gold Digger”, so what gives?

That said, the one who really stole the show was Eddie Murphy! He plays James ‘Thunder’ Early and his character is a mix between James Brown and Marvin Gaye. Quite simply, Eddie was born to play this role. It felt like he went back to the Eddie we used to love. Fast talking and fun to watch! I’ll never understand why he shifted his career to family movies. I guess the man’s gotta eat, right?

The one thing that really bothered me was that just after a long chorus they would quickly get into a smaller one. I wish they would have at least tried to give us a little time to absorb the last performance before they jumped right into another one. At times, it was just too much.

Great music, amazing singing and fun characters make this movie an afternoon delight! If you’re into musicals, you’ll certainly enjoy this. I’m actually tempted to go see the Broadway show, if it’s playing somewhere. I’m going to regret writing this and I’m ashamed to say it, but I actually found myself clapping along with the audience after certain performances during the film. Yes, it’s that kind of movie…bring a date.

— by Tim
Goernert