Cast: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson

Directed By: Bill Condon

Based on the 1981 Broadway musical of the same name, Dreamgirls is a musical inspired by the history of Motown and its super group The Supremes. It shows the human emotions of greed, jealousy and romance in showbiz.

The film centers around three young female singers who burst upon the music scene in the '60s, replete with funky hairdos, glitzy gowns, and a sound never heard before. The Dreamettes as they are known are Deena (Beyonce Knowles), Lorell (Anika Noni Rose) and Effie (Jennifer Hudson). By sheer luck they're discovered by car salesman Curtis Taylor Jr. (Jamie Foxx) who foresees a great future for himself and the group. He convinces the trio to sing backup for R&B star James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). But noticing Early’s bond with white audience slowly diminishing, Curtis decides to manage the girls as a trio again and puts the svelte Deena as lead singer in place of the plump Effie, resulting in plenty of dramatic conflict within the trio. He renames the group "The Dreams" and brings on his secretary, Michelle (Sharon Leal) to take Effie’s place. Curtis not only drops Effie from the band, but also abandons his love for her, moving his affection for the Deena. Jimmy whose career is on the downside is smitten by Lorrell who tries to help the singer off his feet, with little success.

The trio makes it big on Curtis’ Rainbow Record label with new songs and a glamorous image. By the mid 60’s they are a top selling act known as "Deena Jones & the Dreams". Effie on the other hand has moved on, living with her daughter Magic and tries to make a comeback with a hit single, which Curtis tries to cash on. The truth emerges and Curtis’ true character is revealed.

The songs are well performed, especially Effie’s vocals, the highlight of the film. There is also wide usage of the songs as narratives (characters burst into song in mid-conversation).

Rating: ****

Reviewed By Verus Ferreira