Dreamgirls

10

AbbyM.Jan 27, 2007

This move was the best I ever saw ! All of the actors and actresses were great! I don't know how people could not like this movie.

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6

DanC.Feb 21, 2007

Some good performances, but the music is extremely weak. It's hard to buy into the emotion of the story when it's premised on the incredible power of the music of Motown, but fails utterly to capture that music. For more than a few Some good performances, but the music is extremely weak. It's hard to buy into the emotion of the story when it's premised on the incredible power of the music of Motown, but fails utterly to capture that music. For more than a few numbers, I couldn't wait for the singing to stop. The story itself is not particularly compelling. Jennifer Hudson is certainly a standout, but the movie itself is anything but.… Expand

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7

BrutusO.Mar 11, 2007

A film that was way too constrained by its theatrical origins. Unlike just about everyone else, I thought the music was sort of OK (not brilliant, but acceptable Motown pastiche) and that Jennifer Hudson overacted and oversang a bit. I got A film that was way too constrained by its theatrical origins. Unlike just about everyone else, I thought the music was sort of OK (not brilliant, but acceptable Motown pastiche) and that Jennifer Hudson overacted and oversang a bit. I got well and truly sick of the Aretha affectations when Jennifer got dumped from the group, that's for sure. In fact, I ended up with a lot of sympathy for the others kicking her out. She was a pain, even if she could belt out a few blues and gospel tones - especially in the early numbers. We also learn that Jamie Foxx can't sing, and to compound the error he sort of missed the point in his role as well, which was somewhat disappointing. Eddie Murphy was good though. Overall the film ran out of steam at just about the same stage that Motown did in real life (mid 70's). And the Diana Ross character came out of it somewhat more sympathetically than any of us might ever have expected. But that's showbiz - and Motown was all about showbiz, rather than soul.… Expand

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8

BenB.Dec 11, 2006

Caught this movie the other day. Honestly, I didn't expect much after seeing the trailers but I was pretty surprised by the actual product. While it does follow the typical Ray, Walk the Line plotline of aspiring musicians working their Caught this movie the other day. Honestly, I didn't expect much after seeing the trailers but I was pretty surprised by the actual product. While it does follow the typical Ray, Walk the Line plotline of aspiring musicians working their way up to the top and the hardships and tragedies they had to face, it does some things differently. First, this is more of a musical than the other two films mentioned were. Not only do the characters sing and dance on stage but the also sing and dance by themselves. Think of this as Chicago meets Ray. The music is amazing. Eddie Murphy comes back to life and steals a lot of the show but not as much as American Idol "loser" Jennifer Hudson. Wow, Simon is a freakin' douche when he let her go and her proof is in this movie. She steals every song away that she is in and Beyonce can't hold a candle to her. In fact, Beyonce isn't in the movie as much as Jennifer and should not have received top billing. But regardless. This is a good film for the holidays and has some great music as well.… Expand

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10

HolaJ.Dec 13, 2006

It captures the excitement of the show I saw 20 years ago and then ups it by 10. Great cast, great direction, and great choices by Condon.

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4

RodgerHDec 17, 2006

Say it ain't so! The hype...the critics (if you can really call them that). I was SO disappointed, as were other people in the group. If you saw the original play...this doesn't do it justice. Yes, Jennifer is excellent. But the Say it ain't so! The hype...the critics (if you can really call them that). I was SO disappointed, as were other people in the group. If you saw the original play...this doesn't do it justice. Yes, Jennifer is excellent. But the movie tries too hard and tries to please everyone. Eddie Murphy is excellent...Beyonce is beautiful and is better in the second half. But sorry Dreamgirls fans....this doesn't cut it. Songs are too long and the story really never picks up. Big disappointment.… Expand

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10

BrinaK.Dec 22, 2006

As Jennifer Hudson proves to be one of the best actresses and best singers of our generation, Beyonce and Sharon Leal prove to be equally outstanding. I have never seen such a Oscar-worthy masterpiece filled with so many Oscar-worthy parts. As Jennifer Hudson proves to be one of the best actresses and best singers of our generation, Beyonce and Sharon Leal prove to be equally outstanding. I have never seen such a Oscar-worthy masterpiece filled with so many Oscar-worthy parts. Eddie Murphy may have erased his career mistakes and declared his best performance ever. A Oscar nomination in his spot would be more than appropriate. He showed tremendous talent in his singing and powerful acting. Jamie Foxx and his outstanding show could bring him another Oscar, this time as best supporting actor. Danny Glover and Anika Noni Rose, in smaller Parts are also outstanding. The movie is undeniably powerful and totally unforgettable. See it and cherish the memories weeks after, because this one will stick with you for life. It is life-changing and it is worth a 2000 dollar ticket if you ask me! It is a privilege to see a movie this amazing. A Genius Masterpiece.… Expand

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10

BrinaK.Dec 22, 2006

As Jennifer Hudson proves to be one of the best actresses and best singers of our generation, Beyonce and Sharon Leal prove to be equally outstanding. I have never seen such a Oscar-worthy masterpiece filled with so many Oscar-worthy parts. As Jennifer Hudson proves to be one of the best actresses and best singers of our generation, Beyonce and Sharon Leal prove to be equally outstanding. I have never seen such a Oscar-worthy masterpiece filled with so many Oscar-worthy parts. Eddie Murphy may have erased his career mistakes and declared his best performance ever. A Oscar nomination in his spot would be more than appropriate. He showed tremendous talent in his singing and powerful acting. Jamie Foxx and his outstanding show could bring him another Oscar, this time as best supporting actor. Danny Glover and Anika Noni Rose, in smaller Parts are also outstanding. The movie is undeniably powerful and totally unforgettable. See it and cherish the memories weeks after, because this one will stick with you for life. It is life-changing and it is worth a 2000 dollar ticket if you ask me! It is a privilege to see a movie this amazing. A Genius Masterpiece.… Expand

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10

OraneC.Dec 22, 2006

Great movie. Two memorable performance: Hudson's showstopper, and Beyonce's "Listen."

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1

FedUpDec 24, 2006

One is for Jennifer Hudson. As for the rest of this overhyped turkey it should be on the Thanksgving dinner table. Avoid.

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10

JwuandahouseLDec 24, 2006

This is movie is unbelievable! It is enthralling, exciting, sad, fun, enchanting, and any other word revolving around these ones. DreamGirls is without a doubt the best movie I have ever sat through. It was definitely worth the money. This is movie is unbelievable! It is enthralling, exciting, sad, fun, enchanting, and any other word revolving around these ones. DreamGirls is without a doubt the best movie I have ever sat through. It was definitely worth the money. Jennifer Hudson provides a phenomenal performance that leaves the crowd in tears. Beyonce and Anika Noni Rose play amazing characters who turn on Jennifer Hudson. Jamie Foxx is an amazing actor in this movie, and I never knew Eddie Murphy had such an amazing voice! It reminds me of Jesse L. Martin playing Collins in the hit musical/movie Rent, after seeing him play as Detective Greene in Law and Order. This is a crowd pleasing movie, providing absolutely top rate music, drama and conflicts that will leave you asking what will happen next. Deserves twenty million stars! Absolutely fantastic film for all ages!… Expand

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10

BillyS.Dec 26, 2006

Dreamgirls is a big razzle-dazzle Broadway Musical that comes to the screen with a mega-million dollar budget and a roster of A-list stars, but lets get right to the point- this is Jennifer Hudson's movie from the second she opens her Dreamgirls is a big razzle-dazzle Broadway Musical that comes to the screen with a mega-million dollar budget and a roster of A-list stars, but lets get right to the point- this is Jennifer Hudson's movie from the second she opens her mouth and walks away with the whole thing. It is the most electrifying musical screen debut since Barbra Streisand belted out "I'm the Greatest Star" in Funny Girl and we knew she was! When Hudson sings "And I'm telling you I'm not going" we know right away that she is here to stay and she will be going to the podium of the Kodak Theatre to accept a most deserved Oscar for Best Supporting Actress in February. And I wouldn't be suprized if she is joined by Eddie Murphy, who gives a carreer defining performance as James "Thunder" Early. Dreamgirls is a near perfect movie musical with two, absolutely perfect, history making-standing ovation performances!! BRAVO to all!… Expand

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9

TroyM.Dec 27, 2006

The movie was GREAT on all counts including the stellar performance of Jennifer Hudson

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1

BrookeC.Dec 27, 2006

An absolute nightmare. Amateurish, bad acting and cliches abound in this bore-fest.

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5

MaxS.Dec 27, 2006

Overhyped and characters lacked their star power.

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10

phylliss.Dec 28, 2006

Jennifer Hudson deserve all praise and more, Eddie Murphy is great. They are the best of the best. The rest are back-up for them.

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5

hollycDec 29, 2006

Wow, what a disappointment this movie was--overhyped to say the least. I've never seen the musical--or heard the soundtrack---but from the way the reviews here look, it seems fans of the broadway musical might like this film. But, to Wow, what a disappointment this movie was--overhyped to say the least. I've never seen the musical--or heard the soundtrack---but from the way the reviews here look, it seems fans of the broadway musical might like this film. But, to me-- as a film on its own merits, it's really sort of lost (and horribly long). The dialogue is terrible--and sort of awkward in a lot of places--same as a good portion of the songs. From the pre-movie hype, I thought Jaime Fox & Beyonce were the main focus in the movie--but neither characters were really. Jennifer Hudson was easily the best part of the film--and the main focus (her character Effie). The "Oscar buzz" surrounding this movie is laughable at best--or just good marketing. Its really odd to see how much went into overhyping this movie given how shoddy it is. I hope at least Jennifer Hudson gets more work after it--she is really the only good thing about it. Wait for DVD, unless you loved the musical, Dreamgirls is (paola) overhype at its worst.… Expand

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10

SoniaFDec 29, 2006

This movie is absoulutely terrific, I'm not really a movie going fan, but I will be back in the theatre to see this movie second time. Jennifer Hudson deserves to win the best supporting actress award for this part. She is amazing, go This movie is absoulutely terrific, I'm not really a movie going fan, but I will be back in the theatre to see this movie second time. Jennifer Hudson deserves to win the best supporting actress award for this part. She is amazing, go see the movie. And Eddie Murphy amazing, great perfomance a wonderful movie.… Expand

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10

BryanC.Dec 29, 2006

Best movie musical since Moulin Rouge! It's technically not as polished as Chicago, but it's ten notches higher on entertainment value and pure fabulousness! Jennifer Hudson sizzles in a stand-ovation performance. I don't Best movie musical since Moulin Rouge! It's technically not as polished as Chicago, but it's ten notches higher on entertainment value and pure fabulousness! Jennifer Hudson sizzles in a stand-ovation performance. I don't remember the last time I was at the movies and saw people actually applauding mid-movie! It was nuts! I knew this girl wasn't done when she got eliminated on American Idol. Eddie Murphy was also fantastic in probably his best performance of his career. And to the person who said a "77" score is a "racist C+", stop throwing the race card out at everything. "77" is considered a very good Meta Critic score. It's more equivalent to a B+ or A- if you're talking grades, if you consider the fact that there are only a few movies that get higher than 90.… Expand

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8

JudyT.Dec 29, 2006

Jennifer Hudson is great. You go girl.

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9

liamconnorJan 21, 2012

this is an amazing musical. yes it has its problems, but it has its amazingness. Jennifer Hudson's performance is the best out of the lot. she sang her best and acted pretty well. eddie murphy did well, a unique and different role for him, tothis is an amazing musical. yes it has its problems, but it has its amazingness. Jennifer Hudson's performance is the best out of the lot. she sang her best and acted pretty well. eddie murphy did well, a unique and different role for him, to me jamie foxx and beyonce were the least satisfactory in the film. he could have really been the guy u want to punch, but he wasnt, beyonce was. her want to have the spotlight shone when she sang listen, it was her try at trying to take the spotlight from jennifer. you can't beyonce, she out sand and acted you, deal with it. great musical, good movie.… Expand

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9

beingryanjudeAug 24, 2014

It takes substantial blood, sweat and tears to turn a successful Broadway musical into a successful Hollywood masterpiece. Dreamgirls is one of the lucky ones - you can thank Bill Condon, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson for starters.

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8

AwesomeReviewerMay 15, 2012

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9

Trev29Sep 2, 2012

This was a dazzling movie. I was seriously impressed with all the music and acting....that includes Beyonce. It was quite a spectacle and was very stylishly and artistically done.

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7

SpangleMar 4, 2016

Dreamgirls is fantastic. A realistic portrayal of the music industry and the struggle faced by up-and-coming musicians, the film's an authentic feeling film with phenomenal musical numbers. Dreamgirls plays out like any musical should with aDreamgirls is fantastic. A realistic portrayal of the music industry and the struggle faced by up-and-coming musicians, the film's an authentic feeling film with phenomenal musical numbers. Dreamgirls plays out like any musical should with a decent plot and fantastic music, except what elevates it is the absolutely phenomenal performances from Jamie Foxx, Beyonce, Eddie Murphy, and Jennifer Hudson. Wow, they are all phenomenal and Hudson in particular is radiant in her role here. The direction from Bill Condon is fantastic and helps the film as a whole with its seamless and fast pace. While the plot is a little typical, I enjoyed the fresh take on music and R&B, as well as the personal struggles of the actors enough. Personally, I preferred this to Chicago, because the performances and plot are both improvements, as well as better music (though Chicago is strong across all of those as well). Dreamgirls is a lively, enjoyable musical that has fantastic set pieces, fantastic acting, and magnificent music.… Expand

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6

worleyjamersJun 2, 2013

A very good film. A bit overrated in my opinion because 8 Academy Award nominations is very generous. However this film delivers on all levels. Great performances all around, drama, brilliant cinematography, fantastic music....it's good. TheA very good film. A bit overrated in my opinion because 8 Academy Award nominations is very generous. However this film delivers on all levels. Great performances all around, drama, brilliant cinematography, fantastic music....it's good. The music is definitely the highlight of the film for me though, particularly because of Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. They both give great performances musically and theatrically. A very good film.… Expand

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8

SEROJJun 22, 2014

Superb soundtrack! Amazing vocals! Great acting! Inspiring story! I am really impressed and would difenitely watch it again! 8/10 is my final score!!!

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1

thefishslapFeb 20, 2015

Too many rich black people for me to understand what was going on.....................................................................................

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7

EpicLadySpongeJan 20, 2016

What to expect with Dreamgirls is that Eddie Murphy's in it which means he's not in his comedic side for now until his next film comes around in 2007 where it's so horrible.

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9

alejandro970Aug 1, 2021

The greatest triumph of this film is that it knows how to conquer even those who do not like musical dramas. Based on the play, inspired in turn by real characters, it provokes astonishment by the inconceivable Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx,The greatest triumph of this film is that it knows how to conquer even those who do not like musical dramas. Based on the play, inspired in turn by real characters, it provokes astonishment by the inconceivable Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx, and Beyoncé Knowles who writes that it is more than just a pretty face.… Expand

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6

amheretojudgeOct 16, 2018

isn't zazzy as its sharp music..

Dreamgirls Condon's lazy musical drama might contain genuine husky moments but it surely isn't zazzy as its sharp music. Speaking of which, not all the songs are catchy or valuable enough to leave youisn't zazzy as its sharp music..

Dreamgirls Condon's lazy musical drama might contain genuine husky moments but it surely isn't zazzy as its sharp music. Speaking of which, not all the songs are catchy or valuable enough to leave you bewildered but there are few that makes you tap your feet on the seat. The nature of fame and successful careers that it depicts through surfing the time zone, isn't as impactful as it was anticipated. But the drama in between these shots or sequences that builds up the gut-wrenching turns of the trajectory is what the entire feature thrives upon. Foxx can and does scare you with the viscous power that he oozes upon his supporting characters. But the surprising package that explodes on the screen is Hudson and her wider range performance that does make you groove and leave you shook. Murphy's eye is often on stealing the moment which he does so easily with a sensational performance. The narration is basically a extraction of the first chapter from the textbook, all the plans and its execution is merely a rookie step. Either the writers were afraid to go bold or an attempt to make something simple and sensible didn't go as planned. And this is where Condon comes in, his execution should have elevated and instead keep things flat, even at its peak the feature wanders on mediocrity lane. The musical sequences through which it demands your attention is actually the hard work of the actors that are giving their all in, in their portrayals. Condon's way of making a truce with the crispiest bit of the feature, is what makes the feature more forgettable; it is definitely good, but it can easily be piled upon by its competition. Dreamgirls has a structure that calculates its steps wisely, it is professional but it can be boring too.… Expand

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7

FilipeNetoJun 12, 2020

I'm not sure what I was expecting when I decided to see this movie. I knew it was a musical but I honestly thought it was based on the life of the Supremes, a group of American soul singers. Is not true. The film is based on a BroadwayI'm not sure what I was expecting when I decided to see this movie. I knew it was a musical but I honestly thought it was based on the life of the Supremes, a group of American soul singers. Is not true. The film is based on a Broadway musical that portrays the rise of a group of singers that was inspired by the Supremes. Perhaps that is why the film immediately lost some points for me. But that does not mean that the film is bad! On the contrary, it has immense quality.

Being a musical film, music is at the center of everything. The film has a vast soundtrack and the songs follow one after another for more than two hours in length, as if it were an Italian opera. The production spared no effort in this field, making the most of the powerful set of voices that it enlisted for the film. Beyoncé, for her fame and solid career as a pop singer, is probably the most resonant name on the poster, but I personally thought that Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy were perfectly capable of matching and accompanying her. Murphy was, by the way, surprising because his musical side is not something that stood out in my eyes until I saw this film. Some of the songs are in the ear and are truly memorable, as is the case with "Listen", "Move" and "Patience".

Bill Condon ensured an efficient and capable direction, but not always without blemish. To begin with, the film is a little too long for the story that it tells and drags on several times. I also felt that Condon sometimes sacrificed the script at the expense of the visuals and music. This is always a mistake, in my opinion. It is useless for a film to look beautiful and have beautiful music if the story is not solid and, in fact, with so much music it was difficult to follow the plot and there are moments when it seems to stumble, being overshadowed by music and visual brightness. There are still some parts of the plot that sound bad or have been frankly underdeveloped.

The cast is notable and full of heavyweights. I already talked a little about them but I will mention a few things again: Beyoncé sang wonderfully and proved to be solid enough as an actress when she wants to; Eddie Murphy surprised by showing his musical side, but also maintained a very strong dramatic interpretation. Being used to seeing him in comic roles, it was really interesting to see him work here. Jamie Foxx is good but I think he had little screen time to show everything he is worth. Anika Noni Rose had a discreet and slow start but was given more time and material to show value as the film evolved. Finally, we have to give a standing ovation to the devastating Jennifer Hudson. If Beyoncé was graceful when singing, Hudson showed power. What voice! And what a great actress! Her performance is truly, in itself, a reason to see this film.

Technically, I would positively highlight the excellent sets and costumes, which were able to take advantage of and bring to the cinema the glamor and brilliance of the musical world of the 50s and 60s. Cinematography also helped, with the bet on vibrant colors and fast filming, which seems to be able to keep up with the songs. Of course, in deeper or more reflective moments, cinematography changes radically, with a bet on deeper colors and a more calming look. But these are not new, they are cinematographic techniques that have always been used.

The film was acclaimed when it came out and received immense nominations for the Oscars and Golden Globes that, of course, did not translate into automatic prizes. Hudson really deserved the Oscar for Best Supporting Actress and the overall quality of the film guaranteed the Oscar for Best Sound Mixing. It also received several nominations for Best Original Song, and I still don't understand how it lost that statuette for a documentary where the strong point is far from music and the winning song, despite being very good, it doesn't seem as good or rich as any of the nominated outputs of this film.

Intense, vibrant, with a powerful set of voices, songs and interpretations, this film is unavoidable for musical lovers and is worth it for its overall quality, despite not being free from flaws or problems. Personally, and despite feeling a little disappointed in my expectations since I expected a story based on a real music group, I believe it was worth it and that I was able to enjoy the best that this film has to offer.… Expand

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7

DawdlingPoetNov 26, 2021

This is visually quite a bright film - the glitz and glamour of the music industry and the pop charts side of it at the time it's set in (the 1960s) in particular. However, it does do a good job of highlighting social issues which wereThis is visually quite a bright film - the glitz and glamour of the music industry and the pop charts side of it at the time it's set in (the 1960s) in particular. However, it does do a good job of highlighting social issues which were prevalent at the time. The cast does a decent job and the songs are catchy and enjoyable for the most part., although if your not keen on wailing vocals (a la Whitney Houston and Celine Dion) then the music may well get on your nerves a little (that's a personal preference thing though). I thought it was a good film overall and I would recommend it, I suppose, as a musical drama - more of a music-based drama than a musical but very much a drama with numerous live performances featured in it.… Expand

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Dreamgirls

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