Review of Dreamgirls (2006) by Sean H — 11 Mar 2013

This is one of my favorite movie musicals, simply because it is flashy and spectacular with its musical sequences and the fact that it adapted a Broadway classic onto the screen almost without a hitch. The film reflects the 60s period very well and the acting is top notch from everyone. Yes, everyone boasts about Jennifer Hudson stealing the show - and trust me, she does dominate whenever she is onscreen, but I have got to hand it to the other cast members of the film who gave their all and brought it to life.

Jamie Foxx was awesome and devilish as Curtis while Eddie Murphy (yes, the man who later went on to play Norbit...) plays James 'Thunder' Early and shows that he actually can sing very well. Beyonce, the famous songstress was great as Deena.

The musical numbers are what makes this movie so amazing and my favorite would have to be 'Steppin' To the Bad Side'. As one of the big numbers of the movie it is full of movement and dark undertones - a villain number if you will, of Curtis stating how he will bring The Dreams to the top even if it means making deals on the wrong side of the tracks. It's definitely the flashiest villain number however as the scene goes from Curtis making the deals into choreography practice which seamlessly transitions into the Apollo Theater performance that is absolutely jaw-dropping.

The other songs are great as well, some are touching and others are scathing. A few fall a bit flat but they are only minor errors. The other number I enjoyed was of course, the infamous 'Its All Over/And I Am Telling You' as Jennifer Hudson proved that she had the singing chops to rival those who made the role of Effie White famous on Broadway.