Review of Dreamgirls (2006) by Robert M — 21 Apr 2010

A strong entry into the hit-and-miss musical genre, bolstered by a storyline that crosses through several important moments in black culture in a competent way and stellar performances. I know it seems pointless to rave about Jennifer Hudson since she won the Oscar for this, but wow did she earn her acclaim.

Her voice is thunderously powerful, and her acting in the film is just as strong. Playing a woman with stronger talent than everyone else she works with but nevertheless shafted for her less than marketable figure, this is a story that is very relevant even today, likely even more so.

Eddie Murphy was also amazing in the film, not fully making up for his terrible choice in films but proving he is still capable of a great performance if the material is correct. The film's greatest strength is its ability to aim a jaundiced eye at show business in a way that seems honest and still has some echoes of optimism and triumph.

And the music worked great as well, revealing details about the character even when it was just a stage performance (which should be the goal of music in any music, for if the music has nothing to do with the actions on screen your film is just an idiotic picture with tunes sung on screen (listen closely Mamma Mia)).

Don't be swayed from seeing it because it looks like it is aimed for primarily female audiences, this is a solid picture.