Dreamgirls (2006)
Dreamgirls (2006) 8/10
Eddie Murphy acts! And Jennifer Hudson impresses. Quite possibly the best musical since Chicago, director Bill Condon crafts an energetic and enjoyable film that is more fun than Ray and actually banks on its strong cast rather than snazzy musical numbers to to work.
Compared to the more likes of Moulin Rouge and Chicago, Dreamgirls is considerably more subdued in its musical numbers. But it features a strong cast who can actually sing. More importantly it features Eddie Murphy in a decent albeit over the top performance. This has got to be the first time in many years that Murphy is actually acting as opposed to fooling around. And likewise Jennifer Hudson has garnered critical praise for her role, and looks set to win the Best Supporting Actress Oscar.
Plotwise, its a fairly generic tale about the rise of a girl band. Nothing particularly impressive. There are many songs featured, but the film lacks that killer song that can really sweep the audience off their feet. In terms of awards, it seems that Murphy and Hudson, after winning the Golden Globes for Best Supporting actor and actress, are the likely favourites for the Oscar. Dreamgirls failed to secure a Best Picture Oscar nomination though, and i agree. While Dreamgirls is one of the best musicals in years, its still a long way from Best Picture status, especially considering the competition this year.
As for the acting awards, although i think Murphy and Hudson will likely win the Oscars, i feel that this year’s Best Supporting Actress should go to Rinko Kikuchi for Babel and Best Supporting Actor to Jack Nicholson for The Departed (Nicholson was not even nominated!). Still Dreamgirls ranks as one of the best films of the year.
“Dreamgirls is a wonderful entertainment: a musical that, while not skimping on the music, delivers a multi-layered storyline featuring complex characters” - Berardinelli
“The reason why so many people love the Broadway show is the same reason everyone should love the movie, as the show’s catchy tunes are given new life in the capable hands of Bill Condon and his impressive cast, particularly newcomers like Jennifer Hudson and Keith Robinson. “- Edward Douglas
