Dreamgirls (the Movie), Thoughts
Unlike CHICAGO, the story is not a cinch, and carries the weight of a losse biography plus recent histories - civil rights, music, and Motown. It felt like it belonged more on the stage to better tether the richness of the lyrics’ frequent double-entendres. (I wonder what Nelson George will/woud say about this piece’s Broadway debut in relation to U.S. black music history.)
Great performances - acting and singing. Great treat with Loretta Devine late movie - there is just something about including her in work that is a delight, I find. Anika must be quite a fierce powerhouse live. Beyonce did a marvelous job being fragile from the beginning to someone gelled at the end. She did better than I’d allowed, and definitely can continue a film career WITH smart role choices, and great direction. Condon made me wonder if he knew enough black history to really make this a smooth blend of hints, and hits of the different periods we covered. Some of the cuts (or reel changes?!) were sloppy, and disappointing based on how strong Chicago delivered. All in all-
oh, right, Jennifer! - even better voice than I remembered; she does a great, and personal, take on the Classis. I think the next song about NEED is where she really delivers. Her One Night Only was great too. (Dubbing was not very strong throughout the movie, again I was disappointed, yet tried to ignore it.)
I think this is a great film slice of black history (USA) and a strong achievement in black film. Part of me wanted the level and meticulousness CHICAGO received. Alas, that was a different scenario.
I would be curious to see an incredible stage version of this, ironically.
Oh, and there was definitely some overhype - or lots of cutting - of Eddie Murphy’s performance. He was fine, great even, yet the role’s screen time was smaller than I’d imagined, and perhaps too nuanced. Jamie did a nice trajectory to, well, Hell LOL. Finally, the footage and editing didn’t dance so wonderfully here and there. That seems perhaps intentional as this is a diff texture than, say, Chicago.
*I’m so not eager to see FIGHTING TEMPTATIONS now, or at least at this moment.
What’s a Tyler Perry comedy-musical look like? Hmmmm
Glad I waited, and saw it today, and continue to dream for myself, and others 
