(Christmas Day) Dreamgirls Reviews- Page 4

[willact4food]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 4:12pm

I saw it yesterday at a 10:30 p.m. showing, since all of the other ones were completely sold out! The audiences for this movie have been outrageous from what I've heard which makes me so happy for the movie!

I am now a straight man thanks to Jennifer Hudson.
No, but in all seriousness, she took my breath away, as well as everybody else in the theatre last night. We broke into cheers at least 3 times throughout AITYING, as well as when Effie sang her part of "Round and round" in Fake Your Way to the Top. Jennifer Hudson is electrifying in this movie and deserves all the praise in the world.

Beyonce was wonderful as well, though I have always been a fan of hers. I wonder if it was a beating to her ego to be told she wasn't as good as Jennifer Hudson/Effie? I'm sure that was hard to take, even if it just the character.

Anika Noni Rose is just wonderful and perfect for this part. I appreciated her character development the most. Then again, she IS Broadway folk so I would expect that. =)

I'm on my way to a second showing of it right now and will report back when I get home. Can't wait! I'm even more excited for the 2nd go around!

[show2n2]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 4:16pm

Thnx for posting that AWESOME NEWS. I was wondering all day what the box office results were.

BRAVO~~~

[bella cantato]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 4:25pm

It was fabulous. And I was super pleased to watch the 3:15 fill up completely... yayyyy. It wasn't even the most popular time to go to a movie and it was sold out!

I got teary eyed as soon as Jennifer started seeing AITY... I think more just because I have been anticipating it so much... she was so amazing. I wanted to giving her a standing ovation but, oh wait... she wouldn't have been there to see it! Oh well :)

Good luck Jennifer on everything you do... I'll be crossing my fingers for you at the Golden Globes and at the Oscars. You deserve it! I am so proud of her... she has come so far from her American Idol days.

My other favorites: CC, Anika as Lorrell (she was so cute! but then had great depth to her,) and Beyonce. Man, I judged her big time... but she really pulled it off, as far as I'm concerned. And she is SO BEAUTIFUL. I'm not going to lie, I never noticed it before. I mean I always thought she was pretty but in this movie she was GORGEOUS.

Thank you, Bill Condon. On behalf of Broadway lovers everywhere... this is just what we needed! You are single-handedly saving movie musicals.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 7:32pm

Well, I finally saw the film in Louisville, KY today at a 10:05 a.m. showing and loved it! This being said, I have a soft spot for the material. I remember watching Holliday's performance on the Tony awards and though I was only 13 at the time, I knew I was watching a force of nature at work. I loved the OBCR as a teen and even saw the national tour of the show in the 1986. The first OBCR I bought on CD was "Dreamgirls." Though many have pointed out the show's imperfections in this thread, I will always love it.

Condon's film treatment of the show is very entertaining. I don't think I can say anything about Hudson that hasn't already been said. Her rendition of AIATY gave me chills. I truly wanted to applaud her at the end of the song. Though Hudson is a wonderful vocalist, she also proves herself to be a good actor, especially in the film's second act. I think her singing and acting really meshed on her performance of "I Am Changing." She deserves an Oscar nod, if not the award itself. An amazing film debut!

As a fan of Beyonce, I found her performance to be very satisfying. Her "Listen" was a highlight of the film and I think the song was a welcome addition to the score. I'm glad Deena sings her feelings rather than saying them. Though I don't think she will be Ocsar nomed for her performance, I think the song will bring her a nomination and a win.

The true surprise for me was Anika Noni Rose as Lorrell. She was outstanding. One of the few mistakes the film makes is cutting "Ain't No Party." Lorrell and Rose deserved to have that number. If the number was indeed recorded and filmed, I would love to see it in a director's cut of the film.

Though Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover are good in the film, it's Eddie Murphy who is the standout among the male performers. I truly hope he gets his much-deserved Oscar.

Loretta Divine was excellent in her brief appearance in the film--a very nice way to connect the stage and film versions.

Though the movie isn't perfect, it does justice to the material. What Condon does with this film is make the movie musical palatable to a mainstream audience. This is where films like "Rent" and "The Producers" failed. I can't wait to see the film again.

Updated On: 12/26/06 at 07:32 PM

[somethingwicked]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 7:36pm

sidneybruhl, although "Ain't No Party" was not recorded or filmed within the context of the movie, Anika did indeed audition several times with that song at various meetings with Condon (one of which was filmed.) She said that she is hearing all of their audition tapes are going onto the DVD, so if that happens, we'll get to see Anika do the number after all.

Updated On: 12/26/06 at 07:36 PM

[bwayondabrain]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 7:50pm

I'm seeing this at the Ziegfeld Theater (NYC) this Friday night
I was supposed to see it yesterday, but no place in my town was playing it, or any place even close
Was this in limited release? In all the advertisements and commercials, they sure made it seem like it was going wide on Christmas Day...

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 8:28pm

somethingwicked, I'm glad to hear that there is some footage of "Ain't No Party," even if it is only an audition tape. Does anyone know why Condon decided to cut that particular number?

[Candleshoe2]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 9:09pm

I saw the movie at the 1:10 showing today, and I have to say this is what movie musicals should be like! This was an amazing film and I loved all of it! Despite the sound being really low until the "Dreamgirls" number, it was great. Jennifer Hudson definately stole the show and was phenominal during AIATYING. I definately started the applause at the end of the number, and slowly the crowd joined in but not much. My only complaint was that it was a bit too long, but that doesn't really matter! I want to see it again!

[COOOOLkid]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 9:24pm

http://boxofficemojo.com/daily/chart/?sortdate=2006-12-25&p=.htm

2nd place is really good, considering it only came from about 800 theatres compared to 3600 theatres for The Night at the Museum.

[thejcm]

Posted: 12/26/06 at 9:35pm

I'm about to see it for the 2nd time today! I'm so excited.

I've waited so long for this to come out and now that I've seen it, I can't get enough of it. It's fantastic, completely exhilarating, and well worth the money I'll be spending on it. I just can't wait for the dvd to complete my collection (I have both issues of the OBCR on CD, the concert, and the deluxe soundtrack...I can not get enough of this show/music/whatever).

[BwayBaby18]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 12:05am

I really liked the film but there were two things i had a problem with. Beyonce said her Denna is very niave but i feel that there were parts that could have been played diffrently. Like her snapping at Effie could have been more hurt then vicous.

The other things is i feel that a lot of the cinematography was taken from Chicago. Esspecially during One Night Only (Disco) and AIATY.

But i still LOVED it.

[StageManager2]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 8:35am

Did you overlook Colleen's post on page one?

"I have never felt anything like that in a movie theater before. The emotion was so raw and palpable that she absolutely leapt from that screen. Her voice, the aching, the heartbreak was penetrating. I don't know that I took a breath during the entire song, and both my mother and I had tears streaming down our cheeks when the song ended. Amazing."

Updated On: 12/27/06 at 08:35 AM

[Dollypop]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 9:04am

The title of this thread intrigues me: (Christmas Day) Dreamgirls Reviews.

Will the movie substantially change if it's reviewed on New Year's Eve or on Valentine's Day?

Geeze!

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 11:41am

Some of my problems with the film after seeing it 3x (which means I adore it, but always find myself thinking "hmmm" during these moments and wonder if anyone agrees. (spoilers maybe? I think ev. has seen the movie by now or get out of this site, jk!)

I wish Condon had done something with Family (pee break song); it was a bit boring. I think seeing the Dreams rehearse for Dreamgirls, and maybe the difficult transition of Effie from lead to back-up would have worked. Or just making it a dialogue scene would have worked just as well.

During AITY, Effie is focused on Curtis, and he leave her staring at the door is so powerful, but then her "and you, and you, and you" she points to different directions, I was confused. (I also agree with the comment that Love You, Love You Baby transitionm, while a nice homage to stage version, does not work on film). Maybe if Effie had been walking out of theatre as she sang and we could have seen it backstage...but alas I am not a film maker (anymore ha ha ha!).

Did anyone notice that the tamborines (?) in Step in to the Bad Side come from nowhere?

The Deena Jones photo shoot really misses; more laughter than anything else. I guess Diana Ross did some of these similar photo shoots but the Fashion Show would have worked here instead.

The Jackson 5 bit, also was not needed. It pulled away from the story. If Deena wanted to have a child (as it is awkardly mentioned in their love scene) and the Jackson thing was there to highlight that, it was edited out to the point where it no longer made sense.

I don't know if One Night Only is supposed to be messy, because CC left Curtis and so they had no choreographer and bec. they were rushed to get the recording out, but it was such a mess; I don't get the whole CLUB thing; a TV appearance would have made more sense, as why Effie sees it on TV.

The Ending with Curtis was also weird and not needed.

[Marlothom]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 2:08pm

that happened to me yday with a diff. thread, I think you were looking under the Bway board, not the off-topic board.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 2:21pm

Saw Dreamgirls Christmas day and LOVED it. The theatre was full and the audience, while being surprisingly respectful in a theatre where I've had the most trouble with rude chatterboxes, went completely nuts with cheers and ovations for Jennifer Hudson's "And I'm Telling You" and Beyonce's "Listen" in a most appropriate manner.

I'm still bitter at the omission of "Ain't No Party" as it would have most likely elicited a similar response for Anika Noni Rose. The scene works, but to a much lesser degree. It just doesn't have the impact of the song and does not show how much backbone Lorelle ultimately reveals which leads her to finally make the right decision. I have no idea why they would have cut this number at all. It's not long, it's not excessive, it doesn't stop the action or steal focus from the story. It more successfully completes the plot for all three original Dreamgirls, especially with the addition of "Listen" for Deena. Huge mistake, in my opinion.

My only problem with Hudson was in her expression. She showed very little range in her face. There were moments I couldn't actually tell if her character was being sincere or sarcastic because there was nothing going on to give me any signals. But for her first major picture, the girl ultimately delivered, so my criticism is nothing more than nit-picking and treating her like the pro she is. Never before have I seen an audience give four ovations for a filmed performance. Incidentally, that was only three less ovations than for Fuschia Walker when I saw her perform it live about ten years ago.

Beyonce was one hell of a surprise. For most of the film, I forgot entirely that it was her. She never even looks like herself until the last 30 minutes or so. And she performed beautifully all the way around.

[broadway86]

Posted: 12/27/06 at 5:01pm

LOVED IT!!! Easily, the best movie musical since "Chicago", and one of the best I've ever seen. Knowles has really been getting the short end of the stick. I was pleasantly surprised by her solid performance, and "Listen" was a showstopper. Foxx was just fine. The ones who deserve recognition, however, are Murphy, Robinson, Rose, and (of course) Hudson.

Speaking of Jennifer, the crowd was cheering and clapping before AIATY was even half over. Her performance of that song is breathtaking. Thankfully, that's not all. She gives her scenes a refreshing natural acting talent, and I was stunned by the layers she gave her character.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 12/29/06 at 2:09am

At my screening, we broke out into full applause after Family, three times during AIATYING, after Listen, when JHud says (or actually, sings) "This time Effie White is gonna win," (I think that's the quote, right?) and JHud's name on the credits.

[Raviolisun]

Posted: 12/29/06 at 2:16am

Oh and I would like to add that I totally have a crush on Keith Robinson now. Does anyone else think he is HOT?

[singingwendy]

Posted: 12/30/06 at 11:12pm

Just got back..(.this was my birthday present to myself!)...

First of all, I tried to see this at 4:00, and it was sold out. It's only playing at one theatre in the area, and people are obviously desperate to see it.

I thoroughly enjoyed the entire film. Loved the majority of the performances. The production was amazing. Loved the costumes--even the over the top ugly 70's wear. The credits are some of the most clever I've seen since Catch Me if You Can.

I was amazed at some of the reactions during the film. Obviously, the theatre was filled with many people who were NOT familiar with the story, because there was an audible gasp during the "and Deena's going to sing lead" line. "And I Am Telling You...." started with no reactions, but started getting "oh yeahs"and "uh-huhs" by the time she got to center stage, and ended with full out applause.

Ok..now my little annoyances:

The "book singing" (as it's been called) starts WAY too late, and seems entirely out of place. I'm not familiar with the stage version of the show, so I don't know if it starts earlier there, but here it feels strange and forced. Up until "Family", the singing has all been as a musical performance. I really feel that there could have been some sort of resetting of that song to include it, but not make it quite so hoky. And the whole lead up to "And I Am..." could have been straight dialogue and still have worked. (at least in my mind! )

"Listen"--great song, but way too overblown. We've just come from a scene where Curtis tells Deena she's not a great singer. Heck, even Deena's MOM says she's not a great singer.....and then she does this???? Where did that come from?

Finally...and I know this is the pickiest of picky...but why the heck was Jennifer Hudson wearing flat shoes during "And I Am...."???? That outfit was screaming for at least a low heel...and it just made such a strange silhouette to see her in flats. I know...I shouldn't be thinking about her shoes....I told you it was the pickiest of picky.....

Overall, I had a fabulous time and would reccommend it to anyone looking for an entertaining evening.

[Jamie Pierce]

Posted: 12/31/06 at 3:35am

I completely agree! In fact, I felt that the movie could have eliminated the "book" musical numbers entirely. I believe that one of the reasons Chicago was so successful and effective as a movie musical (especially in this day and age wherein the movie musical had been considered all but dead by that point) was the concept used in removing the musical numbers from the world of reality. All of the songs were essentially presented on a stage and therefore made it easier for the audience to accept singing and dancing on a movie screen. Even Moulin Rouge created a heightened reality where characters bursting into song did not seem out of the realm of possibility.
Although I thought Dreamgirls was a fantastic film, what I would have preferred is keeping the musical numbers in the context of performance and eliminating, as I said, the "book" numbers. There were really only a handful of book number all of which could have found a place in a more appropriate setting.
In the case of "And I Am Telling You" I think that maybe having Effie perform the song alone on stage in a dark theatre (a la "Rose's Turn") would have made for a bigger impact and a more believable context. Because, for example, it is a bit odd and slightly jarring in the moments where Effie is belting right into Curtis' ear (not to mention CC's completely out of left field "Family" which elicited unwanted laughter from the audience due to its absurdity). In some ways having to suspend disbelief beyond what is required ruins (in my opinion) the main objective of the storytelling.
But I did love the film and I think that the "Dreamgils" number is perhaps my favorite movie musical moment of all time.

[peach]

Posted: 1/2/07 at 11:42am

Finally saw it. Loved it! I went in thinking it would be like RENT (which was a bit disappointing, with awkward "breaking into song" moments IMO). The only awkward 'break into song" moment was "Family" which was just an odd scene that didn't seem to fit within the context of the rest of the movie. Overall though - GREAT, great movie.

It's all been said. Jennifer Hudson does not disappoint, even for a second. Her AITY was raw, desperate, almost a plea to no one - since no one (in terms of the characters) was listening. A most excellent and moving performance. I also think Hudson "aged" Effie well. Not just in years, but in demeanor. It was an interesting evolution.

Eddie Murphy was fantastic. I wish he was on screen more! I loved Steppin' to the Bad Side. But I like big cheesy numbers with lotsa dancin' so it was right up my alley. Anika Noni Rose was lovely. What a good actress she is. So tiny! Did you notice all of her performing shoes had little platforms unlike the other girls'?

I may be in the minority here, but I actually thought Beyonce was very good. I know some folks thought her acting was meek, but I think it was a good take on the character. Deena got so caught up in the whirlwind, she didn't have time to really "develop" as a person. So the meek little girl was really who she still was. Sort of thrust into the spotlight, always under someone else's control.

SPOILER ALERT IF YOU HAVEN"T SEEN THE MOVIE - QUETION FOR THOSE WHO HAVE:

One question for those more familiar with the story. When Effie and Danny Glover were at the funeral - I'm assuming this was Jimmy Early's? The reason I ask, is that Effie had bene sporting the afro hairstyle, and at the funeral scene, her hair was loosely curled, the way it had been before. Was this indeed Jimmy' funeral?

END SPOILER.

And the costumes. Those costumes! Divine.



Updated On: 1/2/07 at 11:42 AM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 1/2/07 at 5:43pm

To Peach's question . . . Yes, it was

[roquat]

Posted: 1/2/07 at 7:33pm

I have very little to add; only that during AIATY at my showing, there was applause four times (counting the end) as well as during Hudson's appearance in the end credits.

My only reservations--"Act One" is so perfect, and rockets along so effortlessly, that the movie has to lose some steam in Act Two (which is also when the implausibilities start piling up, like Deena finding the evidence of Curtis' illegal payola schemes). And Jamie Foxx's Curtis is SO evil, and so low on charm, that it's hard to believe it would take his "family" over a decade to wise up. Otherwise, I surrendered completely. The choreography, the period styles, and the unbounded joy in performance from everyone are blissful. It's also sharper and funnier than the source in unexpected ways (Effie's "gotcha" crack about Martin Luther King; Lorell's shift-on-a-dime from outrage to complacency when she learns the Dreams are splitting from Jimmy--"Well, I love me some Jimmy, but I don't want to sing backup forever"--and, most of all, Curtis' unconscious echo of AIATY when Deena leaves him) in much the same way the CHICAGO movie was. The Afro-American women surrounding me were so into the movie's groove that I wanted to ask them to help me kill the bored white woman next to me who kept text-messaging during "Family."