By Edwin Hopkins
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HUGE

I sadly admit that in my devotion to the world of cinema, I have seriously neglected the musical. The Wizard of Oz is the only one I’ve watched consistently ( I own the 3 disc special edition). I experienced a transient revival in 2002 when Chicago was released, egging me on to see director Jeff Bleckner’s tv remake of The Music Man the next year. The only others I’ve seen are the classics, An American in Paris and Singing in the Rain.

DreamGirls, celebrating a glorious 25 year anniversary as a Broadway hit has certainly revived my appreciation for the genre. It’s vibrant musical numbers buoyed by top notch performances from an ensemble cast was totally enjoyable. Especially with the debut of a newcomer who, no doubt, will be receiving a few offers for other projects.

Bolstered by the soul filled sound of the sixties, Dreamgirls opens with a talent contest where our three female stars Effie, Lorrell and Deena essentially show up a bit late. They do manage to seize the last act of the show and as the Dreamettes perform their number titled “Move” that affords them an exciting ovation from the audience. After a heartfelt loss they are approached by Cadillac dealer/music promoter Curtis Taylor Jr. who promptly offers them a break as background singers for R&B sensation, James “Thunder” Early.  Headstrong Effie refuses at first, but Deena and Lorrell finally persuade her to go along.

For those who grew up in the 60’s and 70’s (like yours truly) Dreamgirls is certainly a splendid trip down memory lane through an era of revolution and blatant racism toward African- American entertainers as well as other Blacks in this country.  Writer/director Bill Condon, who also scripted Chicago, aptly portrays the outer and inner struggles and triumphs his characters experience in reaching the top.

Besides Jaime Foxx’s aggressive Curtis Jr., Eddie Murphy and veteran Danny Glover turns as the womanizing James Early and manager Marty Madison are nothing short of brilliant. Murphy still maintains his SNL talent for comedy, shifting to serious drama when needed. Glover has always been good in everything he’s played in. The role of a near father figure to Murphy suits him perfectly.

Beyonce’ is actually good as the fair-minded Deena who ends up as the top spot of the newly formed trio along with Anika Noni Rose as the excitable Lorrell, simply delightful in providing some very humorous scenes. Beyonce’s singing is superb as always despite her being slightly upstaged by Hudson(in one interview she stated that she had to hold back).

Shifting from dialogue to musical numbers can be smooth or awkward and Condoes his best with the terrific ensemble he has. Regrettably , the transitions don’t always work well throughout. But regardless, Dreamgirls is as much a hit on the big screen as it was in the Big Apple.