Dreamgirls DVD Review

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"Dreamgirls" reviews

DVD

Dreamgirls

Author

anonymous

Date reviewed

2007-05-25 15:00:46

Provider

DVD Review

Although it's long been denied, most likely due to legal reasons, Dreamgirls is certainly, at least, inspired by the true story of The Supremes. The successful Broadway musical got a star-studded movie makeover with Beyonce, Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphy all appearing, although it was the lesser known former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson who went on to win an Oscar for her role.

Like the Supremes – whose star was Florence Ballard, before she was pushed aside by Diana Ross – the Dreamettes have a belter for a lead singer, Effie (American Idol star Jennifer Hudson), who, for commercial reasons, is made to play second fiddle to the prettier Deena (Beyonce Knowles). Hudson's character subsequently gets the audiences sympathy and her rendition of And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going is a real showstopper.

Eddie Murphy plays early rock'n'roller James 'Thunder' Early, a mesmerising composite of James Brown, Little Richard and Marvin Gaye. He looks as if he's happy in the part, his stage antics belying the fact that he had to be talked into the role. It is he – or rather, James 'Thunder' Early – who gives the Dreamettes their big break when he and his manager Marty (Danny Glover) hire the three-piece as his backing group.

There are some OTT songs and smatterings of schmaltz but by and large this provides those magical moments of escapism that a good musical should.

Bonus footage includes twelve never-before-seen extended musical numbers including a Jennifer Hudson performance plus the video for Beyonce's Listen.