Dreamgirls: A Review...or an attempt

For some who have no idea what this movie is about, this is a thinly disguised biography of Diana Ross and The Supremes. Originally conceived and shown Off-Broadway, with Nell Carter in the role of Effie White, it was put on the shelves when Carter starred in a comedy show on TV. Dreamgirls was later shown on Broadway with Jennifer Holliday reprising the role of Effie White. 25 years later and one of the best musicals finally geta a movie treatment.

Jennifer Hudson IS "Effie White". The role was meant for her. She's fat but can sing up and down eight octaves. She just blew everyone away. Her versions of "And I Am Telling You" and "I Am Changing" are the highlights of the movie. Yes, Beyonce gets her star turn with "Listen" and the duet "When I First Saw You" (specifically written for the movie) with Jamie Foxx, but it is Jennifer who brings the house down. I have seen the movie three times and, every time, people hoot and holler and clap and cheer for Jennifer. This is the role of a lifetime for her. I am glad she didn't win the American Idol competition because there is no way they would let her do this if she was the AI winner.

Jennifer "owned" "And I'm Telling You"... I'm sure the AI judges will agree to that. What was lacking in her performance was Holliday's more-emotional delivery of the song. Although not meant to be over the top, Hudson's and Holliday's versions more than goes over the top. And you're glad that it does because the play and the movie needed something like it. Unlike Regine's version, which is just all high voice and no emotion, both Jennifers' versions more than satisfies. Another comment regarding the difference between the movie and the play is the movie version was more rhythmically pleasing while the play was more harmonious to listen to. Maybe that's because the movie director is Bill Condon... no stranger to musicals since he conducts the Academy Awards orchestra every year.

Anika Rose was another surprise. Originally from the Bay Area, she has won a Tony Award and the Drama Circle Critics Award (same as local favorite, Lea Salonga). And so was Sharon Leal. I didn't know she can sing!

A great movie...with a musical as source. Although there are no original thoughts (it's about greed, love, power and obsession), it still is in the running for the year's best picture. And Jennifer Hudson will surely get nominated for her performance. There are some negative reviews about the movie, some of which I understand, but for the most part, I would
recommend seeing this one. Coming on the heels of "Chicago" is another handicap it faces in the awards season. If nothing else, it'll make you wonder how Jasmine Trias remained in the final three in season 3 of AI if it weren't for text voting.