Dreamgirls
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson and Anika Noni Rose.Director: Bill Condon.
Screenwriter: Bill Condon.
Run time: 131 minutes.
Rating: PG-13.
"Fame comes and goes, stars rise and fall, but dreams live forever." The tagline from the new hit movie Dreamgirls, directed by Bill Condon, perfectly describes the point of the Broadway musical turned movie.
The plot involves three black female soul singers who share the dream to become famous. Throughout the story, complications arise based on the difficult 1960s period when Deena Jones (Beyonce Knowles), Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) and Effie Melody White (Jennifer Hudson) are prompted by Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) to cross over to the pop charts for more publicity and money.
Newly introduced Jennifer Hudson, an American Idol runner-up, takes the role of a strong, stubborn diva and nails her character perfectly. Her passionate performance of "What about Me?" earned her a well-deserved ovation, and the rest of the cast rose to the occasion with equally energetic singing performances.
Hudson last week won the Golden Globe award for best supporting actress for her performance. Eddie Murphy (James "Thunder" Early) earned the Golden Globe for best supporting actor.
I believe this movie's plot reflects the current music-industry struggle in which pop stars are encouraged to crank out songs to score ratings and dollars, instead of quality music based on talent.
This movie will suit audiences 12 and up and will have you laughing, crying and tapping your feet. I strongly recommend to go see this inspirational movie, and guarantee it will have you searching for popcorn napkins to wipe your eyes.
Stephanie Campbell is a sophomore at Downingtown High School West.
