The Lincoln Log

This Christmas the highly anticipated DreamWorks SKG and Paramount Pictures movie DREAMGIRLS is finally hitting theatres nationwide. The film is based on the Tony Academy award winning broad way show. It features a variety of well known artists and actors, such as Beyonce Knowles, Anika Non Rose, Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy, and new artists such as Jennifer Hudson.

The film takes place during the 1960’s to 1970’s, when artists wore funky wigs, shimmery dresses, or tailored suits. Deena Jones (Knowles), Lorrell Robinson (Rose), and lead singer Effie White(Hudson) enter a talent contest as a trio called the Dreamettes in hopes of gaining fame and riches. Although they lose the competition, they’re discovered by Curtis Taylor Jr.,(Foxx) who offers to be their manager. He offers them a job singing backup for the infamous James “Thunder” Early (Muphy), promising them that he’d help them to further their careers.

Effie and Curtis fall in love, but changes occur quickly as the Dreamettes begin to hit stardom. The trio start to recognize that the path to achieve their dream is far more complicated than they imagined. As the pressure to succeed and break through to the rest of society, other then African Americans, Curtis begins to takes over their image and sound. He pushes aside Effie for the thinner more attractive Deena, and makes her lead singer.

What makes the movie a great success is the great combination of singing artists. Everyone knows that Beyonce and Jamie Foxx have plenty of talent, but I didn’t expect such a great performance from former American Idol contestant, Jennifer Hudson. Honestly, I could feel myself getting carried away into the movie and feel her thoughts and emotions through her powerful sultry voice.

Hudson’s character, Effie, is my favorite character in DREAMGIRLS. She is very quirky, funny, daring and bold; she isn’t someone who’s afraid to speak her mind and standup for herself. Although he dream for success is deferred, it is completed in the end.

The movie has a powerful message that we are capable of achieving success, regardless of what others believe. As long as we believe in ourselves, any task is possible.

Overall I enjoyed the movie, although some of the singing could’ve been cut shorter. I loved the vocals, but they grew tiresome as they kept dragging on. None the less, I wouldn’t mind watching the movie again. It’s rated pg 13, I give 4 out of 5 stars.

So everyone grab your popcorn and hit the theatres.