Review: Dreamgirls

Wow! I loved this movie. Excellent performances all the way around - but standouts were Eddie Murphy (what a treat to see him back in a well-acted dramatic role), Beyonce and Jennifer Hudson. If you don't know, this movie is based on the Broadway blockbuster from the 80s, which was loosely based on the story of the Supremes and Motown. Three girls in Detroit dream of stardom, and they soon find it. First as backup singers for Jimmy "Thunder" Early and later as a solo act. Success comes with a huge price - friendship. Lead singer Effie is displaced by the more photogenic (and pliable) Deena, and she quits the group. Deena (clearly Diana Ross) becomes bigger than the group, but still is held in thrall to her husband, Curtis.

Jennifer Hudson - a runner-up on "American Idol" - is awesome. I literally had chills during a few of her solos, and she had me in tears on her solo number "One Night Only." Beyonce was pretty credible in her emergence from supporting singer to headliner. And Eddie - wow!

The music is great - the costumes are beautiful - the choreography is wonderful.

NOTE: If you go to see it, stay for the closing credits. They are really cool - probably the best I've ever seen. They kind of highlight each person's contribution to the movie. Like, the costume designer credit shows sketches of her creations. Neat.

SIDE NOTE: Half time score: Michigan 3, USC 3 GO BLUE!!