Positively dreamy.
About a week ago, I had the opportunity to see the movie Dreamgirls. WOW. A quick synopsis - three young girls (played by Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, and Anika Noni Rose) compete in a local talent competiton, where they are noticed by recording artist Jimmy Early (Eddie Murphy) and car dealership owner Curtis Taylor (Jamie Foxx). The girls sign on to sing backup for Early, with Taylor coming on as a manager of sorts. Together, they begin to forge a professional career using talent and payola (courtesy of the car dealership's profits). Once the girls decide to sing as their own group, Taylor chooses the beautiful Deena (Knowles) to sing lead, even though hefty Effie (Hudson) has the real voice. Effie, who is sleeping with Taylor by this time, rebels and is eventually kicked out of the group. The movie then follows the "DreamGirls" as they enjoy professional success and Effie as she struggles through life.
First of all, the clear standout of the cast is Jennifer Hudson as Effie White. Granted, the part is written for her to steal the show, BUT Hudson is so amazing, particularly when she's singing, that she truly leaves the other cast members in the dust. She absolutely mops the floor with Beyonce, and Beyonce can sing. What sets Hudson apart is that, not only can she sing, the girl can ACT. She means every syllable that comes out of her mouth, and she is particularly arresting because her amazing voice is coupled with true feeling for the words she's singing.
The other real gem in this movie is Eddie Murphy, who plays Jimmy Early. He does a great job during his musical numbers, and (especially towards the end) he proves to us again that he can really act. Beyonce Knowles holds her own, but you can definitely tell that she's one of the less experienced actors in the cast.
The film recently won a boatload of Golden Globes; expect it to be an Oscar contender. In the meantime, if you haven't seen it, get yourself a ticket.
First of all, the clear standout of the cast is Jennifer Hudson as Effie White. Granted, the part is written for her to steal the show, BUT Hudson is so amazing, particularly when she's singing, that she truly leaves the other cast members in the dust. She absolutely mops the floor with Beyonce, and Beyonce can sing. What sets Hudson apart is that, not only can she sing, the girl can ACT. She means every syllable that comes out of her mouth, and she is particularly arresting because her amazing voice is coupled with true feeling for the words she's singing.
The other real gem in this movie is Eddie Murphy, who plays Jimmy Early. He does a great job during his musical numbers, and (especially towards the end) he proves to us again that he can really act. Beyonce Knowles holds her own, but you can definitely tell that she's one of the less experienced actors in the cast.
The film recently won a boatload of Golden Globes; expect it to be an Oscar contender. In the meantime, if you haven't seen it, get yourself a ticket.
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