SERVING THE ON-LINE RPI COMMUNITY SINCE 1994
SEARCH ARCHIVES
Current Issue: Volume 130, Number 1 July 14, 2009

Features


Dreamgirls sing with soul

Posted 01-17-2007 at 4:41PM

Marilag Angway
Senior Reporter

For those of you who are looking to watch an inspiring movie at the theater, look no further than Dreamgirls. Dreamgirls is a soulful story of three women in their journey toward stardom and the sacrifices they make to reach that dream. Adapted from a Broadway musical in the 1980s, Dreamgirls follows the Dreamette’s story from the 1960s to the 1970s, the highlight of the girls’ singing careers.

The movie opens up in Detroit, Mich. in 1962, when the “Dreamettes”—the female trio composed of Effie White (played by Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (portrayed by Beyonce Knowles), and Lorrell Robinson (played by Anika Noni Rose)—enter a talent competition. After suffering a loss, their musical prowess was discovered by Curtis Taylor Jr., who is played by Jamie Foxx.

To further the Dreamettes’ careers, Foxx places them as backup vocalists to James ‘Thunder’ Early, a regional star played by Eddie Murphy. After a number of dramatic events which result in Hudson’s expulsion from the group, years pass and the failure takes its toll. Hudson’s character manages to make an unlikely comeback after ten years of raising a child alone while suffering from alcoholism.

The Motown music was not to my taste, but the Dreamgirls actresses put on quite a performance. I must admit, some of the songs were quite catchy, if not addicting. Perhaps those who enjoy the music of this time period can more easily appreciate the movie.

I was not surprised by how well Foxx played his character. The ambitious Curtis Taylor stopped at nothing to get the Dreamettes to the top, even if he had to use payola—the illegal practice of paying radio stations to play certain types of music. Murphy, though usually a comedian, still plays a rather convincing dramatic role.

After being disappointed with the parts that Beyonce Knowles played in previous movies (Pink Panther and Austin Powers Goldmember), I thought that Knowles played her part as Deena Jones well, yet the character barely had any substance. If anyone stole the spotlight, I think it would be Hudson’s character. As Effie White, Hudson contained so much energy that she outshines even Knowles’ presence. Not bad for someone whose career began with American Idol.

Overall, the movie is definitely worth watching, at least to witness the musical talents of Knowles, Hudson, and Rose (along with the fourth Dreamgirl, Michelle Morris, played by Sharon Leal). Unlike some movies starring singers who try to act and sing at the same time and fail to do so (Glitter, anyone?), these four women pulled off both the singing and the acting exceptionally well. Bravo to their performance.



Posted 01-17-2007 at 4:41PM
Copyright 2000-2006 The Polytechnic
Comments, questions? E-mail the Webmaster. Site design by Jason Golieb.