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Stars: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce' Knowles, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Eddie Murphy, Hinton Battle, Sharon Leal, Keith Robinson and Danny Glover
Based On The Original Broadway Production And Musical By Tom Eyen
Music: Henry Krieger
Film Written For The Screen and Directed By Bill Condon
Sony/Columbia 88697 02012-2
Running Length: Disc 1 - 47 minutes, 15 Tracks, Disc 2 - 60 minutes, 21 Tracks (Total: 107 minutes)
Dreamgirls is loosely based on the rise of Diana Ross and the Supreme's in the 1970's. This particular story, has three girls (Beyonce' Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose) called "The Dreamette's" trying to make it big in show business. Along comes a slick agent (Jamie Foxx), who signs the trio up and puts them as back-up to a James-Brown style singer (Eddie Murphy). The girls make it big, but along the way, it is decided that Jennifer has to go. Not only is her size a problem, but temperament, too. Beyonce' is now the star and even the name of the group has changed. The "new" trio is on its' way, but happiness is not part of the deal in show business, friendships or love. The movie is rated PG 13 for language, sexuality and drug content.
The music for Dreamgirls is 1970's music and it's tapping all the way. You won't be surprised to hear Jamie Foxx, Beyonce' Knowles, Jennifer Hudson or Anika Noni Rose sing, but what about Eddie Murphy? He gives this role his all and it's his best in years. The Deluxe Edition CD has four bonus tracks, too. Actors turned singers or singers turned actors do well in Dreamgirls.
Stand-outs on the first disc of this edition are the rousing first song, "I'm Lookin' For Something," which really sets a rockin' mood. "Goin' Downtown" invites the audience along to see a show. "Take Your Way To the Top" with Knowles, Hudson, Rose and Murphy shows what this troupe has, talent with a capital "T."
The lure of wealth in show business is shown in "Cadillac Car" featuring Hinton Battle and Jamie Foxx. After that, a decision is made and we have "Steppin' To the Bad Side," where attaining wealth and fame is desired above all. Someone in the Dreamette's has to go and Jennifer Hudson ("American Idol") lets it all hang out in "Heavy" and "It's All Over." Anyone with a few added pounds can, unfortunately, relate to these two songs.
The second disc has the trio on top of the charts, and their involvement is not only with music, but with men, right or wrong. Sharon Leal is the added performer.You see what is also happened to Jennifer Hudson's character in "I Am Changing" and "One Night Only." Beyonce' has a single in "Listen." The added tracks are at the end of this CD and include "Family," "When I First Saw You," "One Night Only" and the composer special, "Patience."
Not having seen the Broadway musical, I can't saw how closely this film follows it, but the CD is well put together and the music flows in a story. Top-notch performers do a first-rate job.
Copyright 2006 Marie Asner
Submitted 12/28/06
