Move over Beyonce - there's a new singing sensation in town. The new movie musical, Dreamgirls, features some big personalities and some even bigger voices. Check out Kidzworld's review of this Oscar-contender.
Dreamgirls - When You Wish Upon a Star
Three young, hopeful starlets get the break of a lifetime when they are offered a gig to sing back up for the legendary James "Thunder" Early in Dreamgirls. This new movie is based on the Broadway musical that gained critical acclaim back in 1981. For the movie adaptation, a superstar cast comprised of Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and former American Idol contestant Jennifer Hudson, takes this story to a new level of musical magic!
Dreamgirls - Image is Everything
When Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyonce Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose) land their first gig, they are ecstatic - although they'd prefer to be opening shows of their own. It's not long before their new manager, Curtis Taylor Jr., breaks them out of their back-up gig and gets them headlining shows. But, with dollar signs in his eyes, he decides to demote Effie from lead singer and promote Deena - not because she has a better voice, but because she's thinner and more appealing to the masses. Weird that Effie gets angry - especially since she and Curtis are dating! Eventually, with Curtis' prodding, the other girls agree to kick Effie out and bring in a new third singer.
Dreamgirls - Rise to the Top
With Effie out of the picture, Curtis grooms The Dreams into the top-selling pop group on the charts. He and Deena eventually get married but their picture-perfect life isn't as lovey-dovey as they make it out to be. Curtis is controlling, Deena is unhappy and when she finds out about his manipulation and lying, she decides to take her career and future into her own hands. And who does she call up first? Her former friend Effie - who she realizes has been treated unjustly for years. Nothing like a little girl power to put Curtis in his place!
Dreamgirls - DVD Features
As if this epic musical wasn't enjoyable enough, the Dreamgirls DVD has taken the singing, dancing fun one step further. Enjoy a feature-length documentary about how the movie was made, watch alternate scenes, a Beyonce music video and some of the stars screen tests! Learn more about lighting, costumes and film editing... and just when you think you've had your Dreamgirls fill, you'll find you can't help yourself from following along to the choreography of the catchy tune, Steppin' to the Bad Side.
Dreamgirls - Bottom Line
Not only is this a great story of the music industry's manipulation of artists to sell albums, it also showcases some really amazing vocal talents - namely those of Jennifer Hudson. Yes, Beyonce can sing, but her talent is seriously overshadowed by Jennifer. There are a few cheesy songs that fill out the flick, but for the most part, you'll be dancing in your seat and jonesing to buy the soundtrack as soon as you get out of the theater. Dreamgirls is an absolute must-see movie!
Dreamgirls Rating:
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