Dreamgirls (2006)

O An excellent must-see
O Good video rental
X Mediocre
O Rent something else

Review by Jason Pyles / May 1, 2007

“Dreamgirls” is a musical (and a drama) that is based on a group of black, R&B entertainers during the 1960s and 1970s.

To be fair, I’m not fond of musicals or R&B, particularly when female vocalists (so-called “divas”) are given free reign to bellow on and on, continually traversing musical scales with increasing volume. (We often hear such embellishments of our national anthem.) But if you enjoy musicals and deafening divas, “Dreamgirls” is probably for you.

Beyonce Knowles, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose play a trio who is trying to break into show business. They get their first gigs as the back-up singers for Jimmy “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Murphy plays his typical Eddie Murphy part — minus the humor. (So, basically, he plays Chris Tucker.)

We see all of these performers struggle to cross over to the pop music scene, as well as the typical pitfalls associated with stardom and the music business.

The movie’s greatest strength is the discreet emergence of its true villain. The costumes are impressive, as well.

This edited version of “Dreamgirls” has mild, brief scenes of sensuality and drug use. I cannot recommend it; but if you do watch “Dreamgirls,” I recommend Tylenol.

Directed by Bill Condon
Eddie Murphy / Jamie Foxx / Beyonce Knowles
131 min. Drama / Musical
(Original MPAA rating: PG-13)
Edited version age recommendation: 14 and up

DVD release date: May 1, 2007
Copyright 2007.
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