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Showing reviews from 1 to 50 (total: 228)
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This film was excellent!!! The cast was phenomenal-I enjoyed the film so much that I've watched it over 10 times. To Bill Condon-you have turned the musical Dreamgirls into a success and I look forward to watching another film. !!!
10/10
10.2.2008 -
alycat89@ - age: 18-25
Not one for musicals - I was amazed at the movie. The soundtrack is out of the world. Byonce and Jenefer have outdone themselves with the songs. Story, though simple, is very thought provoking and takes us into the lives of ordinary people who achieve success.
9/10
4.10.2007 -
newcan_555@ - age: 36-49
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[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
To be honest, I didn't actually know that this film was a musical. When it first came out on Christmas of 2006, I thought it was more in the same vein of "Ray" - a biopic with musical performances laced in between (and ironically enough, Mr. Jamie Foxx somehow found himself in this movie) What I thought going into this film was that it's based on a true story. I knew there was a female R & B trio long ago, didn't even know the name, so I thought it was based on them. It turns out I was partially correct. Dreamgirls actually started as a Broadway musical in 1981. Its story is loosely based on the lives and careers of the The Supremes (Diana Ross' old group) The center of attention in this movie (aside from Beyoncé's Deena Jones) is Effie White (played wonderfully by one-time American Idol hopeful Jennifer Hudson) Effie herself is almost an exact duplicate of Florence Ballard - the original lead of The Supremes. If you delve deeply into the history of The Supremes, you can immediately see the similarity between them and the Dreams; Effie White = Florence Ballard, Deena Jones = Diana Ross. When it comes to musicals, the one deciding factor that makes or breaks it for me is the presence of a catchy performance in it. Yes I do care for a good narrative, but sometimes when I watch these I get lost regarding what's going on in the plot. My full focus often drifts onto the musical performances. That's why sometimes, I give these musicals more than one viewing (in this case, I wouldn't mind seeing it again) For this film, there are two performances that sealed the deal for me: Effie White's "I Am Telling You I'm Not Going" and both the slow and dance mix of "One Night Only". Even right now, those two songs are stuck in my head... Heck, I'm scouring YouTube right now just to listen to those songs again. If there's one standout performance in this whole film, you have to give it up to Jennifer Hudson. The Academy did right awarding her as the Best Supporting actress of 2006. Granted, the part was right up Ms. Hudson's alley of singing and dancing, it's the emotional power that she puts into her performance both when singing or just plain acting. While Beyoncé's looks and sassy figure gave this film an identity, Jennifer's is its soul. If you don't believe me, just go look up Jennifer's performance of "I Am Telling You I'm Not Going". You can just feel the power and the emotion she gives as she belted out "And you, and you, and you... You're gonna love meee!!!" You can really feel the emotion her character is going through. And just for kick's, compare it to Jennifer Holliday's original version and then you'll be convinced she really deserves that part. Aside from Jennifer, the others handles their roles fairly well. Jamie Foxx playing Curtis Taylor Jr. Plays the mad producer with much calm and cool, carrying a "it's business, baby!" attitude. And Eddie Murphy? C'mon, this has gotta resurrect his career a wee bit. He did get a nomination for Best Supporting Actor for it, portraying James "Thunder" Early, who is an offshoot of the late godfather of soul James Brown. Much props for him for pulling out a gutsy performance as an R & B soul singer at the height of his career and to all of a sudden tumble at the end. The only bad part? Watching him on the stage did remind me that this guy put out a terrible single in the 80s. Beyoncé will be Beyoncé. She gave the Dreams its identity with her natural talent for singing and dancing. She should keep (and stick) to these musicals rather than do full acting (read: no more Foxy Cleopatra from Goldmember, please) She shines when The Dreams performs and at times overpowers her backups... But hey, I guess that's why they made her the lead. At one point, there was mention of nominating her for Best Actress in this film. I suppose it could be justified if her character was given more depth. What was there was sufficient for the film but it was lacking to show how she's the good one out of the bunch and how much strong willed she is. Instead, by the second atc, she's relegated to the role of some type of personal, living, breathing doll that Curtis can take photos of everyday. As I mentioned, this film and its characters are loosely based on The Supremes. Well, as a testament of how this musical really stood the test of time, you can even apply the similarities to some of today's acts. Take Foxx' Curtis Taylor Jr. For example. A producer who started lowly, converting his used car dealership into a recording studio and Rose to prominence of the R & B world. His acts, one-by-one, slowly drops out of his label due to his possessive and manipulative attitude, as well as the fact that he keeps remixing songs and calling it his own. P. Diddy anyone? The Dreams trio itself? Heck, you might as well have put Destiny's Child up there (though I'm quite sure the film's credibility would take a nosedive) No, not only because Beyoncé's the lead. It's also the fact that Destiny's Child also lost and replaced a member. Ironic how The Dreams' replacement for Effie was a girl named Michelle as well. At one point, Destiny's Child had four members... And The Dreams, well as Beyoncé's Deena Jones says by the end," there's actually four Dreamgirls." Overall, it was a very enjoying film. I was happily introduced to another musical that I can enjoy over and over. I still can't believe how much of an impression it left of me, considering I only had a partial clue of what it's all about. Definitely worth checking out.
9/10
2.8.2007 -
gill_2k@ - age: 26-35
I found the story somewhat unoriginal, but Jennifer Hudson's voice and Eddie Murphy's acting saved it. The songs were disappointing as well, but the overall talent of the aforementioned made it pleasant anyway.
7/10
21.5.2007 -
andreaeaton99@ - age: 50+
I really enjoy the musics in the movie. Jennifer and Beyonce were great actresses. Good storyline.
7/10
10.5.2007 -
elsiegirl@ - age: 26-35
The movie was good. However, I believe the story would be much more powerful on the stage. It would allow the characters voices to be carried with the depth intended. Overall, I enjoyed it.
7/10
5.5.2007 -
nrefausse@ - age: 26-35
Jennifer Jennifer Jennifer you did it you won a globe and oscar for dreamgirls, beyonce who,? Great movie dont miss it.
8/10
4.5.2007 -
ameidol05@ - age: 36-49
This a great movie it was so great. It may be long. But it's a awesome movie.
10/10
23.4.2007 -
auto@ - age: 1-12
It was great... And I really liked the one song that was similar to Bye Bye Blackbird; that was clever remaking that musical number.
10/10
18.4.2007 -
boogaloobetty@ - age: 18-25
[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
Much too long. Song scenes WAY too long, and some of them just gratuitously too long. Found my mind wandering during the last 45 minutes."Hollywood" ending... Give me a break. Could have been much better done. Overall, not a bad movie, but could have been great... The way it is, it is just plain mediocre.
6/10
7.4.2007 -
fakerca@ - age: 36-49
Make me wanna sing... And I dont sing good... Excellent
9/10
22.3.2007 -
qbci@ - age: 18-25
Great movie! Jennifer Hudson is amazing!!!
9/10
21.3.2007 -
greendaylover_9@
A strongly written musical. Jennifer Hudson deserved the oscar, but everyone else was strong in their performances.
10/10
19.3.2007 -
mjohnz1@ - age: 36-49
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Great movie. Lots of good acting and good music. A touch long, but still very worth while. Keeps one attention.
8/10
16.3.2007 -
glotan@ - age: 36-49
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A fascinating movie, I have to say! The Academy Awards made me curious and I was not disappointed at all. Haven't heard such great songs from Beyonce or another musical movie in a long time. The Oscar's nominations probably came for the singing, E. Murphy doesn't do that much else. Still, the cast seemed pretty good overall, the singing was outstanding, even from Dr. Dolittle. What made me leave the theatre with mixed feelings was: There were so many sympathetic and interesting characters (the young songwriter most of all) which deserved some kind of depth and didn't get it; I think the movie was at least 20 minutes too short. Characterisations and relationships between people seemed a bit forced at times. It almost looked liked they had a wonderful three-hour-movie and then randomly cut out parts to shorten it. It's too bad, I enjoyed this movie a lot; but what a wonderful flick this could have been with a bit more length and depth!!!
7/10
12.3.2007 -
peils@ - age: 26-35
Jennifer Hudson's talent is overblown. She has the main role in the film not a supporting one. Overall, a very interesting film with more slickness than substance.
7/10
10.3.2007 -
gburi@ - age: 50+
Good actors, Jennifer Hudson did an amazing singing job.
7/10
9.3.2007 -
honeydrop_2001@ - age: 18-25
Unless you would like a free headhack from all the noise. Don't bother. Somewhat interesting story line but nothing that has not been seen over and over and over in Hollywoood... Regardless, the acting is good. Not an overall crowd pleasure.
5/10
5.3.2007 -
apack27@ - age: 26-35
The singing was OK... it lost it for me when they started singing the dialog. As another said.. if you liked Ray, you'll be disappointed.. quite true. I don't like musicals where the scream the words instead of creating more of a dramatic affect. But, some people like that sort of stuff... if you do... see it... if not... stay away..
6/10
4.3.2007 -
lwd347@ - age: 50+
Like omg this movie is so hot I love it.
10/10
4.3.2007 -
rochelle1294@ - age: 13-17
Best part of this movie are the credits. Then you know it is over!!!
5/10
2.3.2007 -
lroussin@ - age: 50+
I love this show... it is the best show of all time... I recommend this to everybody who has a taste for musicals... I know I do.
10/10
2.3.2007 -
archie_boy255@ - age: 18-25
It Was amazing and great I think that this is the type of stuff that runs in the industry and I would say it is non fiction.
10/10
1.3.2007 -
good_gurl_101@ - age: 13-17
This movie was entertaining, but it works only if you allow it to, as opposed to being entirely swept away by it. Great singing and great acting, but attempts to to turn it into an opera at times made me squirm... If you liked "Ray" which I thought was superb, this will be disappointing.
7/10
28.2.2007 -
waysmills@ - age: 36-49
You couldnt pay me to watch that again! Tthe beginning doesnt seem so bad, but then when you get to the middle, it turns into an annoying musical... not just any musical though... ever two words, they would sing for what seemed like at least 8 minutes at a time. I was restraining myself from plugging my ears... the only reason we stayed through the whole movie is cause my little sister liked it... omg defintely not worth a cent... I wouldnt watch it again for free or if I would get paid! Dont waste your time n money!
1/10
24.2.2007 -
stuff4rhonda@
I thought dreamgirls was an excellent, inspiring movie that caught my attention, had me enjoying it all the way through, and touched my heart.
10/10
24.2.2007 -
mar_willow_safi_@ - age: 13-17
A great musical, one of the best I've seen in a long time.
8/10
23.2.2007 -
refal2001@ - age: 26-35
A good movie! If you like music the movie has lots of it great ones! The only thing is that I dont understand is why this movie has been nominated for Oscar 8 times?
7/10
23.2.2007 -
rezagp@ - age: 26-35
I love it. It's been a long time since I didn't mind the cost of a movie. I'll probably see it again. Jennifer Hudson is awesome.
9/10
22.2.2007 -
amasucc@ - age: 36-49
Ok movie. Can't figure out why it would get so many academy award nominations. Some good acting but nothing spectacular.
6/10
20.2.2007 -
soucyfree@ - age: 36-49
Well this movies is really cool if you love music that is. Jennifer Hudson really showed Beyonce whose who in this movie want to hear a different voice it's worth the chance. Don't forget Eddy Murphy Brings out his musical side to him which makes it even more interesting. Loved it loved it loved it.
7/10
20.2.2007 -
quinmelle@ - age: 26-35
If u like singing it has lots of it I think u should go see it.
8/10
19.2.2007 -
amberdrg@ - age: 1-12
Too long: too many plot lines, too many characters, too many notes. The operettic interludes often seem contrived. The sudden injections of glimpses of the civil rights movement seem like someone's afterthought to legitimize an attempt at portrayal of the evolution of the role of Afro-americans in popular music. On the bright side, the acting is for the most part believeable. The movie is filled with beautiful people... don't ugly people go to bars? I went to a matinee for only $4.50 or I would have felt slightly ripped off. Take it in if you have some free time and want some mindless diversion.
6/10
18.2.2007 -
rclip@ - age: 50+
This movie was amazing! It was fun yet it was sad, and it really gave you a feeling of soul and inner being. I loved it!
9/10
17.2.2007 -
soccerchick@ - age: 36-49
I loved this movie, I laughed and cried - it was very good. Eddy Murphy and Jennifer Hudson are great!!
9/10
17.2.2007 -
raelleduch@ - age: 26-35
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