DreamGirls (2006)

All I can say about this film is WOW!! The Dreamettes - Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose), Effie (Jennifer Hudson) and Deena (Beyonce Knowles) - have just lost an amateur talent competition. However, losing could have been their lucky break. They are asked to sing background vocals for James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy) since his singers quit because of the affair he had with one of them. They go on tour where romance blooms between James and Lorrell and also between Effie and Curtis Taylor, Jr (Jamie Foxx), a sleazy manager. Curtis wants to help the group break the color barrier that black musicians faced in the 1960s. However, Thunder is not an easy person to work with and Curtis decides to give the girls their own act. The Dreams are give their own show but there is one difference - Deena will sing the lead instead of Effie. As time goes on tensions rise in the group and Curtis decides the best thing to do is replace Effie. She returns to Detroit broken hearted and blows through her money in two years. In the meantime, The Dreams become a huge act and Curtis marries Deena. Effie attempts a comeback with the help of Marty Madison (Danny Glover), Thunder's former manager. When Curtis finds out he does everything possible to derail her career. However, he has not always done everything legitimately and that may come back to haunt him.

I could not believe this film. It was absolutely amazing! The entire cast was wonderful. Beyonce had a innocence I was not expecting from her. Eddie Murphy was terrific as the complicated Thunder. However, Jennifer Hudson stole the show. I feel that the scene where she sings "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going" (which is the finale of the first act of the play) is what will win her the Oscar. I am very surprised this was not nominated for Best Picture. If you love musicals you have to see this one for sure! I can not wait until this comes out on DVD to watch it again.