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A Slice of Life
by Francine Brokaw
Dreamgirls
The highly anticipated film version of the Broadway musical will not disappoint its audiences. This is an entertaining movie from start to finish. The story of three R&B singers, who call themselves The Dreamettes is filled with heart, soul, and plenty of music.
Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) have been singing together since they were very young. Their luck hasn’t been good until they get a gig as backup singers for a big star, James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). The early 1960’s was a time of racial segregation, and the music industry was no exception. The circuit the act played was mainly for black audiences, but they longed to expand. Then their manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), decides to change the dynamics of the trio and book them as their own act. He moves the plump Effie out of the lead in favor of the more attractive Deena, even though the trio has been singing with Effie as lead ever since they began. Effie has a more Gospel sound to her singing, which does not necessarily translate to white audiences. When Effie takes affront with this move, Curtis replaces her with Michelle Morris (Sharon Leal) and he also turns his affections from Effie to Deena. Curtis starts his own record label with The Dreams, as they are now called, as the premier talent and Deena as his girlfriend and later his wife. He outfits them with more sophisticated costumes and tames down their sound. This proves to be the right change and soon The Dreams are topping the charts all around the world.
With the success of the trio, the girls find they have half of what they’ve always wanted. Yes, they have professional success and celebrity, but their personal lives are lacking. Effie is an unwed out-of-work mother trying to make a life for herself and her daughter in Detroit. Deena is unhappily married to the controlling Curtis. Lorrell is James Early’s mistress without any prospects of marriage. Michelle seems to be the only one who has some personal happiness, but she cannot call herself an original Dream girl. After all, she was a replacement in the group when they were half way up the ladder to success.
Dreamgirls is the Supreme Event of this holiday season. It’s a delight. With songs like “Cadillac Car," “Steppin' to the Bad Side", “Dreamgirls" and more, this movie will have audiences cheering, clapping, and loving every minute.
Dreamgirls is rated PG-13 for language, some sexuality and drug content.
Note: I saw the movie in the company of seasoned entertainment journalists and professionals, and these people were clapping and cheering in the theater. Don’t miss this film. It’s destined to be an award winner!
© 2006 Francine Brokaw
All pictures ©Paramount Pictures. Photo: David James. All rights reserved.
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