Reviews of Dreamgirls

Dreamgirls

Posted : 7 months, 4 weeks ago on 15 March 2009 02:03 (A review of Dreamgirls)

Perfunctory. There's something I thought I'd never type about a musical. But, chances are, if Beyonce is your lead actress, you should know that you're in trouble. On a technical level, everything is top notch. The director is fine, the musical numbers are appealing, the score is decent (only one truly memorable song, but decent none-the-less), costumes are flashy, production design looks accurate enough. Perhaps it is the uneven nature of the film that keeps it from being greatness. Jamie Foxx looks like he's sleepwalking throughout, Beyonce is wooden and has no ability to emote when not singing, Anika Noni Rose and Sharon Leal are both good but underused, and Eddie Murphy is overrated as he recycles his James Brown impression from his days on SNL. Yes, it truly is Jennifer Hudson's show, and, yes, she deserved every accolade and piece of hype she got. When she is on-screen, there is a fire, pep and energy that is sorely lacking from the rest of the film. However, her placement as a supporting character is an obvious result of studio politics. Her role is more of a lead. Which leads me back to Beyonce (and her inability to form a facial expression) in the musical sequences. When she has to sing, she soars. The back-and-forth with Hudson, when sung, is wonderful. When they have to go back-and-forth doing just dialogue, Hudson chews her up, spits her out, and walks away with all of the praise that Beyonce was obviously aiming for. Face it, it's Hudson's show, and when she's not around, it sinks. Which is a little like the musical numbers -- either set them in real life (like most musicals), or set them in the recording studios/stages (like Cabaret or A Star Is Born!), but don't do both. You can't have it both ways. Never before has a movie seemed so eager to please yet failed. Perfunctory.

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Very underwhelming!

Posted : 1 year, 6 months ago on 24 April 2008 09:10 (A review of Dreamgirls)

"Maybe you just don't see me for who I am."

I expected good things from Dreamgirls - mainly because of the large amount of critical acclaim it received - but at the end of the day I was vastly disappointed.

The movie is the story of a (fictional) trio of sisters who search for their big break. Once they find a manager (Foxx) and hit the road for a tour with hit pop singer (Murphy) their experiences only end in tears as they encounter several major struggles.

First of all, I appreciate the fact that it's a musical based on a Broadway production. But the first 35 minutes sets up the film as a potent drama that tells its story through the powerful performances and poignant dialogue.

But then the film takes a turn for the worst...and the style shifts unnecessarily to that of a musical as the characters begin arguing through song. There were only about 5 songs like these, which in the long run was the film's biggest downfall. The musical style appeared to be the film's second self that only appears very rarely. If it's a musical, it has to stay a musical for the tone to suit the film for its running time. Instead the film begins as a drama that has a number of annoying songs throughout which could instead be just scenes of drama and dialogue. If they want it to be a musical, they should have made the film a musical. Not a drama with songs!

Also, the film loses steam about 40 minutes in. The first 40 minutes moved at a brisk pace, with little chance for us to actually get to know the characters. And hence, when the troubles begin piling on top of each other it was impossible to care simply because we don't know the characters enough to care about them. It's like plummeting into the turmoil and troubles of a group of complete strangers. This detracted from my overall enjoyment of the movie.

Still, the singing was done exquisitely and the production design was purely dazzling! There's no denying that the whole cast did a fantastic job, but another of the film's multiple downfalls is that trying to empathise with such a large cast is essentially impossible. With films like Ray or Walk the Line we have a central character moving through major struggles in their life. Here the major shift in central characters on so many occasions was just frustrating!

Dreamgirls wrote a cheque it couldn't cash, unfortunately. In the long run it just isn't worth your 2 hours. I have no idea how this film got so many awards. Leave it on the shelf, and rent something better.

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Nightmaregirls

Posted : 1 year, 9 months ago on 4 February 2008 05:56 (A review of Dreamgirls)

I didn't want to see this movie in the first place, i went in dearly hoping to be surprised, but was sadly let down. I am sad that i wasted my time seeing this movie!

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if you like musicals...

Posted : 2 years, 2 months ago on 6 September 2007 07:38 (A review of Dreamgirls)

A story of romance, it's also about making it to the top, with of course a few sacrifices along the way.
Three talented women become backup singers to Jimmy Thunder Early (Eddie Murphy), and eventually make their way to the top with the help of their manager Curtis Taylor Jr (Jamie Foxx).

Beautiful photography. Great costumes. Perfect music. Decent script. Acceptable acting from Jennifer Hudson (she should stick to singing, as her voice is quite powerful) and the rest of the cast, especially Eddie Murphy; a very nice surprise from his idiotic, stupid comedy performances. And of course, what a choreography!

If you like musicals, you'll definitely enjoy this.

I wasn't aware of the Dreamgirls broadway production, and wasn't very interested in watching this film... but I gave in tonight. I was in the mood for some motown music, and this movie satisfied me.

Worth watching.
A must for those who enjoy musicals.


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Great music

Posted : 2 years, 9 months ago on 28 January 2007 01:02 (A review of Dreamgirls)

Yes, I got dragged to this by my gf, but I will say that I did like it. It's got great music (if you like the mo-town style) and I like the fact that it doesn't concentrate on just one character, it covers many.

Eddie Murphy was great, but I couldn't help but think of Donkey when he was singing....

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Surprisingly good

Posted : 2 years, 10 months ago on 1 January 2007 12:10 (A review of Dreamgirls)

Recommended for anyone who likes musicals, especially if you're familiar with the Dreamgirls broadway production. Great cast, great music, great direction.

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