Plot Details: This opinion reveals minor details about the movie's plot.

Dreamgirls (2006) Directed by Bill Condon.

During an amateur talent contest Curtis Taylor, Jr., a car salesman, sees an opportunity and some talent and decides to break into the music business. He signs the trio of teen-agers, the Dreamettes, gets them a job singing back-up for a R&B performer, Jimmy "Thunder" Early. Curtis establishes his own record label and starts learning the business. When Early self destructs, Curtis makes the Dreamettes into headliners as the Dreams. But some dreams are nightmares, as big-voiced lead singer, Effie White, learns when he puts her, a curvaceous girl with huge pipes, to sing back up, and putting Deena Jones, the pretty, skinny girl in front. Effie does not take this well. Even Deena knows Effie has a better voice. The fact they are involved does not help. As is so often true, repressed resentment poisons Effie’s spirit, making an already difficult woman bitter. She walks out, and heads to the Doctor, aware something is seriously wrong.

When she comes back, she finds she has already been replaced. She (after delivering a breath taking rendition of “You’re Going to Love Me”) departs, and lives in poverty, nursing her pride, and her daughter.

Meanwhile, the Dreams hit the top.

But it is not all sunshine and glitter. Curtis is a bastard, and he uses everyone around him. He runs his music empire like the used car salesman he is. He and Deena are a couple, as Effie suspected.

Thunder continues trying to make something happen with his career. He can go for awhile, but then shoots himself in the foot, over and over.

But Effie’s brother C.C. is getting disillusioned. He makes contact with his sister, apologizes for not standing by her. He has a song, he has written for her. And they make a recording.

But since C.C. was under contract, they squash Effie’s recording, and release one by the Dreams.

But remember to be nice to the people you climb over on your way to the top, because you will see them on your way down.

This is a great story, sort of how we wish the Supremes story could have gone. Certainly Deena Jones comes across as less Machiavellian than Diana Ross has been portrayed.

The story is strong, gripping and emotional, the visual impact of the movie on target and moving, with particularly good costuming.

And the acting is superb. Here is the main cast:

Jennifer Hudson - Effie White: the voice.
Beyonce Knowles - Deena Jones: the face.
Anika Noni Rose - Lorrell Robinson: the glue.
Jamie Foxx - Curtis Taylor, Jr.: The serpent.
Danny Glover - Marty Madison: the real manager (Thunder’s)
Sharon Leal - Michelle Morris: the replacement.
Eddie Murphy - Jimmy (Thunder) Early: the self destructive star
Keith Robinson - C.C. White : the writer who sold out, but bought back his soul.

There are no weak performances; I did not like Thunder, but I don’t think that is Eddie’s performance. But the performance of the piece is hands down, no contest, Jennifer Hudson as Effie. The girl has heart and soul, and puts them out there for the world to see, and more importantly, to hear.

And that is the crux of any musical. The Music. And Dreamgirls never looses sight of that for a second. There are some weaker pieces, but they move the story forward. And when it’s a staged number, it’s fabulous. And when its just one of the girls, well, they are divas for a reason. And when that solo is Effie…it’s magic!

This movie won two Oscars. One for Sound, and the other for Jennifer Hudson. With 41 other wins, and 46 nominations, you can see this was a favorite with the critics as well.

Watch it, it will be one of your favorites as well.


Recommended: Yes

Viewing Format: DVD
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older