Dreamgirls An Instant Classic

By Keith Boykin, in movies
Thursday, November 30 2006, 12:04PM

It happens about 20 or 30 minutes into the movie. That's when it hits you that you're watching a classic film. With a hit Broadway pedigree and an all-star cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Danny Glover, Loretta Devine, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose, Dreamgirls was headed for success from the day it began filming. But because the bar had been set so high from the Broadway production, the movie could have been a disastrous folly. Fortunately for fans, it is not.

Dreamgirls not only lives up to the hype, it also exceeds many of the expectations and answers some of the critics' toughest questions. Can Beyonce act? Yes. Can Jennifer Hudson sing "And I Am Telling You"? Yes. Does Eddie Murphy still have it? Yes. And can Jamie Foxx appear on screen for two hours without being annoying? Well, yes.

The Story

The movie follows the story line of the Broadway musical, a fictionalized account of the rise of Diana Ross and the Supremes. The Dreams sign up with manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who helps them launch their career as backup singers for James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Eventually, the group outgrows Early and they become stars in their own right. Meanwhile, conflict arises between pretty girl Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles) and big girl Effie White (Jennifer Hudson).

When Effie gets bounced from the group, she storms onto stage and confronts her cohorts in the classic dramatic confrontation that sets up the most memorable song of the musical. The set up itself is brilliantly constructed, raising the level of anticipation for Hudson's performance of Jennifer Holliday's classic song. From the first few soft notes, you realize that Hudson has slightly re-interpreted the song, but it's a tour de force performance nonetheless.

The screening audience of media insiders and New York taste makers erupted in spontaneous applause in the movie theater when Hudson finished singing the signature song. If there was any doubt before that performance, Hudson made it known that she is a force to be reckoned with. In fact, for all the attention on Deena Jones, the musical is all about the rise and fall and rise again of Effie White, and Hudson appropriately steals the show in scene after scene.

The Performances

Despite all the criticism of the casting decisions, in hindsight the cast seems perfect. Beyonce was born to play the role of Deena Jones, Hudson owned the role of Effie White, and all the other principal characters were right on the mark. Jamie Foxx was excellent as the business-minded Curtis Taylor, a character based on the career of Motown founder Barry Gordy. Also impressive, Eddie Murphy was believable as the womanizing, drug-abusing James "Thunder" Early. Even Danny Glover cast a sympathetic figure in his supporting role as Early's first manager Marty Madison.

Director Bill Condon, who was present at the December 20, 1981 opening night of the original Broadway show at New York's Imperial Theater, successfully transforms the Broadway musical into a mostly convincing movie musical. Except for one or two scenes where the singing seems out of place with the narrative, for the most part the musical elements are blended effortlessly into the story.

Also noteworthy, the costume designer deserves an Academy Award nomination, if not an outright Oscar, for the period clothing that was created. The Dreams' outfits alone were incredible, but the outfit that Beyonce wore in the scene were Deena walks into Curtis Taylor's office was amazing.

Dreamgirls is an ambitious project, but it is one of those ambitious projects where the creators got it right. This movie will be the biggest and most important black film since The Color Purple. You will see it many times over the course of your life, and tomorrow's generations will surely appreciate it for the classic that it is.

Dreamgirls will be showing for a 10-day special engagement in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The show opens to wider audiences on Christmas Day, December 25, almost 25 years to the day after the musical debuted on Broadway.

Comments (54) reveal

Comments conceal

Tyler
November 30 2006, 1:03PM

Although I have yet to see this production of Dreamgirls, I was privey to the origional production on Broadway, with the Origional Broadway Cast (O.B.C.). This movie has ALOT to live up to. Judging from every review that I've read, it does.

In the origional production, the STAR of the musical IS the Effie White (Jennifer H.) character. I hope the movie does not shy away from that because of its highly endorsed headliner (Beyonce K.).

I understand completely, the operations of the "machine" and know that before anything else is considered, the potential profit margins is what ultimately matters. This is understandible given that this is a business, so my concerns are not there.

Given again that I have yet to see this production, everything that I am feeling may very well be moot. I just hope that the essence of talent desplayed, is recognized, supported and appreciated. I think so far, that it has been... THANKS OPRAH!

GD
November 30 2006, 1:18PM

Saw a screening a week ago, and J Hudson's "And I Am Telling You" definitely got the biggest applause. Loved every number she did, especially "One Night Only" only wished the song was a little longer b/c I wanted to hear more! She's the frontrunner for an Oscar nomination, and it's well-deserved!

s25
November 30 2006, 1:44PM

Well I heard Ms Jennifer Holiday is upset about her not being involved in the project. But Ms Holiday was mad at Whitney for singing I Am Telling You at AMA 1994, but Whitney replied Girl please! I know Jennifer Hudson did spectacular and did you hear Clive sign her to Arista I think around the same time as Whitney's appearance. Jennifer sung I Am Changing I think that night too.

C. Baptiste-Williams
November 30 2006, 1:55PM

I don't understand all the controversy surrounding the Broadway actors that were or were not involved in the play. Yes they may have been the first to bring the show to life but they do not own the show. If they were that pressed to be involved they had 25 years to work on a movie project.

People and their false rights of entitlements kill me.

Matthew Rettenmund
November 30 2006, 2:28PM

Sat right next to Keith (sorry that I didn't introduce myself...I did the same stupid thing a month or so ago when I saw Jennifer Hudson nonchalantly strolling in Macy's in Chicago, totally unrecognized by anyone but me) at this screening and could not agree more. I blogged about it. (I think my review is longer than the movie's script) and just loved this film. I will be very interested to read negative reviews just to see what on earth anyone could have against the movie. It's just about as perfect as any movie can be.

saint james
November 30 2006, 2:39PM

Everyone involved in the movie keeps claiming "It's not really about Diana Ross or The Supremes.." Of course it is (kindasorta). The same was true of the Broadway production. The photo in this story has a spoof of the old "Supremes-A-Go-Go" album from the 60's in the background. Jennifer Holiday and that large mouth, Sheryl Lee Ralph need to keep quiet. They capitalized on Mary, Diana and Flo while pretending not to, now they are angry that they can't do it again! HA!
Some trivia: Loretta Devine was the only principal in the Broadway cast that did not recieve a Tony nod. She is the only one who consistently works in film and TV. Real talent always wins. Does anyone know where Beborah Burrell is? She played the replacement of Effie (Cindy Birdsong?)

Ron Lee
November 30 2006, 2:48PM

DreamGirls the Play was awesome, I remember seeing on Entertainment Tonight the Deane character recieving applause when she merely walked on stage. We seemed to have forgotten it was the high voice of the lead singer,their choreography,pose and Glammer that made the play a hit on Broardway. The American public remember those legs in their advertisement. And Sherayl Lee Ralph & Lorette Devine went on to become Stars in their own right not Jennifer. As in real-life Diana Ross became the most successful female singer of the 20Century World wide and Mary Wilson the most successful backup singer ever!!! Both of them still are selling out concerts as we speak.

allegro
November 30 2006, 3:29PM

C. Baptiste-Williams...while the original actors of the Broadway Show don't own those roles.....it is not uncommon when there is a remake or an updated version of something original to pay homage to those who originally played those characters in some way. NO....they are not obligated to....but it would have been nice. Loretta Devine does have a cameo at least.

Larry
November 30 2006, 3:37PM

Actually that album cover is a spoof of "More Hits By The Supremes" in design and "Supremes A-Go-Go" in the three individual members dancings in individual frames. And I know this is exagerrated by Dreamgirls, but Florence Ballard wasn't "Fat" as she was only 2 dress sizes up from Mary Wilson during most of her tenure from the Supremes. Anyways, despite my quibbles, I can't wait. May Diana Ross, Mary Wilson and Florence Ballards kids cat fight to bring the "actual" story to the screen.

playboyadonis
November 30 2006, 4:05PM

I will be there for the first showing on Christmas Day. I hope this will be the next addition to my "in need of something new" Musical DVD collection.

Which reminds me I am overdue for my personal viewing of Temptation's Story and Lady Sings the Blues

Robert
November 30 2006, 4:38PM

Cant wait!! Cant wait!! I saw the Broadway Play (road version) in Chicago. I was never so blown away by a performance and haven't been since!! Yes Jenniffer sang her song, but I have to say that what moved me the most was the glamour, the costume changes, the choreography, and the energy!

I told my mother we were going on Christmas day and she tried to suggest we go the day after! NO WAY! I am pushing away from the table, picking up my gifts and hittin' it for the theatre!!

chicagoangel
November 30 2006, 5:48PM

Jennifer Hud did her own im telling you? I thought it was just dubbed from The original person who did it? From what I have read some different publications

saint james
November 30 2006, 5:49PM

Why Larry, you are absoultely correct! I didn't think anyone else would recognize the blending of both album covers so I didn't even bother to mention it. I thought that I was probably a good deal older than many of the posters. So glad to find another Supremes sleuth. Good eye. I'll be watching the movie to find any other not so subtle signs of the "Original Dreamgirls".

G-man
November 30 2006, 7:54PM

After seeing the cast on Oprah last week I'm now even more anxious than ever to see this movie!!! I am SO HAPPY for Ms. Jennifer Hudson and all the rave reviews she's received so far. I hope Jennifer Holiday can move on and allow this young black woman her time to shine. I saw her interview on Inside Edition last week and I don't fully understand what she's upset about. She said they used her voice in the original summer promotion of the movie. If they did, I believe they should have gotten her permission. But when she started talking about she created the character like she owns it, that I don't understand. She said she has suffered years of depression and I actually remember seeing an interview of her about ten years ago in which she said that she had to "kill" the character of Effie White. She said her life started to immitate art so she had to let Effie go!! I wish I could remind her of that statement now.

lsaunders
November 30 2006, 8:50PM

The movie will be a dream I know. I saw the play five (5)times many years ago and I enjoyed it each time. There is also a special benefit CD featuring Audra McDonald as Deena Jones, Heather Headley as Lorrell Robinson, Lilias White as Effie and Tamara Tunie as Michelle the singer who replaces Effie in the group. This CD finally put the original music that the original broadway cast album did not have. It is a joy also and has the same sparkle of the orginal play. Like everyone else, I cannot wait. This is truly an event. I will probably add the new cast CD to my collection.

Celebrity Gossip - Mal
December 1 2006, 5:08AM

This will be a really good one! Ive seen it a few times as well and love it!

-Scott
www.malibu.in

Blue
December 1 2006, 11:41AM

I'm glad I'm not the only one who noticed that hybrid of "Supremes a Go Go" and "More Hits." I have both of those LPs on vinyl. It's amazing just how authentic they made that look. I'm probably younger than everybody who mentioned the LP jacket at all, LOL. I can't wait to see this film though. Though, if I were Beyonce I would have been reluctant to do it since folks view her as a real life version of that character. No matter, she's cool in my book.

Larry
December 1 2006, 4:40PM

Blue, I'm 24 and both Albums on Vinyl and CD also, so I dunno if you cn claim the prize for youngest ( I also have all the Vandellas albums on vinyl save "Come & Get These Memories, which runs high since it never charted). I personally prefer More Hits Tho, with the exception of "Ask Any Girl" all the material was "original" (minus the 3 Mary Wells recycles, minus finger snaps or The Andantes going all "holy ghost" in the background). $5 to the first person that can tell me the those 3 songs!

Blue
December 3 2006, 6:27PM

Larry, you're my new best friend, ha ha. You actually do beat me - I am 27. It's funny I read this just now, because I've been listening to 70's Motown all weekend, particularly things associated with Smokey. His anthology, the first Miracles LP without him, and the 70s Supremes "Floy Joy" LP he produced. (That one is on now.) I hope the movie really does capture the joy of the era ... they don't make music like that anymore. I like the Supremes A Go Go LP primarily because of those James Jamerson basslines ... classic!

Omar Marks
December 3 2006, 8:00PM

When I first heard that this movie was coming I was excited. I loved the play. I remember what a phenonimal time is what. I remember seing Sheryl Lee Ralph, Loretta Devine and Deobrah Lorell on every other late night show pefoming the song Dreamgirls. dreamgirls made stars out of Jennifer Holiday, Loretta Devine and Sheryl Lee Ralph. I have been following the updates on this film. I am saddened though that none of the actors sought out their research by contacting the people who made it famous. In my opinion it is a way to pay homage to the people who came before this movie. I just hoped that this is not going to be a movie about Beyonce. I have read the prior comments and I am glad you guys mentioned that it is not about her. I like beyonce dont get me wrong but I would like to see other people shine.

saint james
December 5 2006, 1:13PM

If you all are interested, in the latest PREMEIRE magazine (Will Smith is on the cover) there are several more examples of Supreme albums adapted for the Dreamgirls movie; "Touch", The Cream of the Crop", and "Let The Sunshine In". I believe I am correct though Larry and Blue may have better memories than I. Check it out. Smile.

Larry
December 5 2006, 3:49PM

Haha, Blue I just spent the last 90 minutes explaining the massive influence Motowns major female artists had on Pop music in the 60's, and the plethora of soundalikes that they inspired, sparked by The Toys "A Lover's Concerto" coming on the radio, to a very,very confused boyfriend. And I still hold "More Hits" in a higher esteem, cause I think the singing was stronger, i.e. Florence and Mary hadn't been drowned out yet (30 feet back Flo, thanks!). And quite a few of the tracks on The Supremes A-Go-Go were recorded in L.A. during Spring 1966, and don't have the Funk Brothers on it, they have the same session musicians as Brenda Holloway's California output.

nreeldeep
December 6 2006, 3:29PM

Jennifer Hudson's rendition of "I am telling you" has been reworked slightly to suit the new film. I happened to run across an audio of the entire soundtrack while googling reviews of the movie. Jennifer Hudson doesn't remake the song. She sings it almost exactly as Jennifer Holiday did. In that regard it's almost a carbon copy of the original. But as i mentioned, there are a few phrase reworkings, I guess to fit some plot changes from stage to film. It's a breathtaking performanace though. Jennifer Hudson's vocal range is staggering. I don't recall her taking it that level during her Idol stint. I found myself whispering, "Wow!" during parts of the song! And the raw emotion she brings to the song is incredible. You definitely feel it. The rendition doesn't make you forget Holiday's original,but it certainly does it justice. By the way, there are a ton of songs in this movie, some of them original, such as "listen" by Beyonce, which was just released as a single on radio.

Omar Marks
December 9 2006, 7:24PM

Hey you guys. If you get a chance please read the new Jet magazine with Ludacris on the cover. Te original cast of Dreamgirls give their opinion about being left out of the movie. PLease read. We need to start paying homage to our own classics.

Craig
December 13 2006, 12:31PM

There is an article athe the LA Times where JENNIFER HOLLIDAY feels as if she is being swept aside. The artilce quotes her as sayin "I had just felt like they had taken everything away from me, had ripped my legacy from me."

This is so sad because if it had not been for Jennifer Hollidayand others I really doubt there would be a movie today.

Here is a link to the story I was refering to.

http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/news/la-et-jennifer12dec12,0,5591554.story?coll=la-home-entertainment

saint james
December 27 2006, 12:15PM

Miss Holiday is starting to sound a little crazy. Dreamgirls was not a one woman show. Hollywood has been turning sucessful plays into movies since the beginning. It's show BUSINESS! I saw the movie and I don't think her legacy is in any jeapordy at all. I have read almost every review and I was very underwhelmed by the movie. The performances were good but I did not find the movie the phenom folk thought it was.

Leslie
December 28 2006, 10:54AM

All of the performances were excellent and it was the phenom that I thought it would be. The entire cast made me proud. The scenery, the choreography, the direction, the singing and the costumes were just fantastic. Keith, I have to agree with your review totally -- we have ourselves a classic. I absolutely loved every minute of it. People actually applauded after several performances and they again applauded at the end of the movie as if the actors could hear them. It was just great. Anyone when you go don't hate ---- enjoy!!! I am going again and cannot wait for the DVD.

LB
December 31 2006, 1:24PM

I have seen the movie Dreamgirl twice an it was absolutley awesome. . Dreamgirls was perfectly cast and performed.

Ms. Hudson(Played Effie White) was superb. Her song and perfomance was full of soul and heart. You can see and feel her energey and untapped potenial to becoming one of the world greatest singer and actress.If Ms. Hudson continue to be cast and promoted based on her gift and not what society at hand think is hot at the time, she will be the Bomb.

I love Beyounce, Eddie and Jamie because they all stepped to a new level in life, helping and being apart of someone else's break through to fame.

saint james
January 4 2007, 3:11PM

To each his/her own. I saw the Broadway show. The movie was good entertainment but I was not overwhelmed. I hope that doesn't translate as "hate". Here are some of the reasons I was disappointed. There is no explanation as to why Deena would have stabbed her friend in the back with Curtis. The reason Effie was tossed from the group was more clear in the show. Some of the musical numbers deserved a better set-up than they were given, such as; the sequence near the dumpster as they sang "Steppin'... Have your view.

Ron Lee
January 4 2007, 7:49PM

The Movie was O.K.;however at no time did I though, I was watching the DreamGirls. #1. The Broadway production always advertised with the legs,the gowns three beautiful Black woman all with nice curves and height running toward you. The Effie character wasn't though of as a DreamGirl, but as one who had a big voice and should have been a solo act. The Deena character had a sound similar to Diana Ross,and usually bed room eyes to boot. GLAMOUR,GLAMOUR,GLAMOUR was what we thought when the word DreamGirls was mentioned. Sherayl Lee Ralph,Loretta Divine,Jennifer Holiday ,as well as, Diana Ross & Mary Wilson can all rest in peace as their legacy hasn't been touched. Although the male characters on broardway were seasoned performers they didn't get the attention they should have as have Eddie & Jamie. However I'm Glad today that Black entertainers can make a movie thats over hyped and get paid,rewarded and remembered all in one. NO DOUBT A BLACK DIRECTOR,CASTING AGENT WOULD HAVE DONE A BETTER JOB."SUPREMES" ONE DA

H. Rhoses
January 10 2007, 3:54PM

This movie had people erupting into applause when I saw it both times. Brilliant casting, brilliant, movie, fabulous story. The staging, the costumes,and the singing was truly a dream and if you love any type of musical you will love this. Just an overall great movie.

Lance Wise
January 11 2007, 4:59AM

I loved the film, saw it twice, but I just really would have wanted clarification for the relationships and I was expecting a more musical movie. Not as many songs as I thought, also there were just some loopholes in the story. They had like maybe 2 or 3 conversations to music. I loved the design aspects of the film: set, costume, and lights...Perfect! I can tell that Beyonce took some acting lessons. Jennifer Hudson is a natural, and she should have the lead actress GGlobe nod! Why is everyone forgetting about Anika Noni Rose?? She was the most entertaining, to me! Hell, she's won a Tony, and you can tell! Eddie Murphy, phenomenal! Like Oprah said it defines spectacular.

Carlos Chavarin Chavez
January 20 2007, 4:04AM

I have seen "Dreamgirls" twice. I have also been watching clips of the Supremes on
www.youtube.com

Latisha
January 27 2007, 11:04AM

"Dreamgirls" is an INSTANT CLASSIC indeed. Both of my friends have seen it 2 and 4 times respectively. I've only seen it once, last night, and before we even made it to second act I knew I wanted to see it again. I would pre-order that on DVD, and then want a big flat screen to watch it on. This is the best movie I've seen in a LONG while. It has become my favorite movie.

Matt
March 6 2007, 1:19AM

Honestly, the best reason to watch this film is Jennifer Hudson. I don't think it was a classic film at all, but her performance will be remembered. The thing is, when she was not on the screen, you missed her and the action was a bit dull. Jamie Foxx was a shadow of a character - expected more from him - and Beyonce was obviously trying to tone herself down, becoming dull in the process. No, I stand by this: Jennifer Hudson was the heart, soul and backbone of the film. I cannot wait to see more of her.

Heartbreaker
May 28 2007, 8:24AM

I wasn't much impressed with the idea of another black film about a singing group.I love musicals but haven't we just about ran this kind of story in the ground with "The Five Heart Beats","The Temptations","Sparkle"??

Where are our gifted black screen writers and black musicians?Can someone tell them we need a collaboration of their talents to give us a terrific black musical dealing with other subjects?

I might also add they need to pass over focusing on Church and Gospels also,that's been overdone too.I honestly believe we've let hollywood studio execs believe we don't want to see anything else.

Let's get something up there on the screen to open our minds with new refreshing storylines, fantastic songs and inspirational dancing.I found "DreamGirls" to be a disappointment overall.Jennifer Hudson was great,but that's about it.

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