#1
Posted: 12/4/06 at 9:20pm
Absolutley stunning!
Being a member of one of the Guild's here in LA, I was able to go to an advance screening of the film. I was a little worried going in for two reasons - (1) there have already been a few reviews (Variety and Hollywood Reporter, for instance) that had differing views on the film, and (2) seeing these special screenings can be dicey, as the audiences may not have the same kind of passion and enthusiasm for a movie that you get sitting in a theatre with true fans.
Well, to address the first issue: while I understand the differing views and agree with some of the criticisms, the film is a masterpiece, and probably even better than "Chicago" if you want to compare it to other recent musical/film adaptations. In regard to the second, the crowd in the screening room was as ecstatic as I was, and totally broke into applause several times in the movie! There was even a few shout out to Ms Hudson...
Now in regard to the film itself, it is a truly engaging film, destined to nab a bunch of Oscar nods, and a shoo-in for The Golden Globes Best Comedy/Musical film!
Bill Condon has artfully crafted the film, and from the opening sequence to the end credits, you never feel let down. With stunning cinematography, incredible choreography, dramatic lighting and incredible costumes, there is NOT ONE weak link in the movie. He has carefully reconstructed the 70's feel and tone to the piece, without it ever seemingly cartoony or overdone. I was instantly transported back, and felt as though I was living the story alongside the on-screen characters.
Now about those characters - like the production elements, every single person, from Beyonce to Eddie Murphy, from Loretta Divine to Danny Glover, gives perhaps the performance of their career. And yes, everything you've heard is true, Jennifer Hudson is absolutely amazing! If there is one small flaw in the movie, it is simply that when she is not onscren and another story takes precedence, it lags somewhat (but never bores).
I was slightly concerned when I heard her voice on the trailer that it sounded a little hollow. But in the film, she rivals the version emblazoned in all theatre-lovers heads - that of Ms Holliday. But Hudson truly holds her own, and establishes herself as both an praise-worthy singer, but also an incredible actress. (She will also be the new role model to gays and drag queens everywhere!!!)
Beyonce, as well, does an amazing job, as does Anika Noni Rose, who's character adds some needed humor to the proceedings with her wide-eyed naivity and optimism.
Keith Robinson, as well, should be in for some nods in the coming award season, as his performance as CC White (Effie's brother) is both touching, heartbreaking and mesmerizing.
For you Broadway fans, Hinton Battle (the original 'John' in "Miss Saigon") also puts in a great performance, acting as Curtis Taylor's right hand man.
The new songs, "Listen", "Patience" and "Love You I Do," are all Oscar-worthy, and maintain the style and feel of the original songs (a tricky feat as we saw with "Move On" from Chicago, which felt like an "add-on" as opposed to being integrated skillfuly into the movie). "Love You I Do" (sung by Hudson) has a sweet sound, very 50's do-whoop style, while "Listen" is a great ballad (by Beyonce) that firmly establishes her character as an individual, and not just the creation of Curtis.
The one song that I was disappointed was missing from the film was "Press Conference," but I imagine they didn't include this to have the Deena character appear more sympathetic vis-a-vis Effie, making Curtis the true "villain" of the film.
I don't know what else to say about the film, as I try to anticipate potential questions you may want the answers to... but overall, aside from maybe like 10 minutes of the movie, DREAMGIRLS is a wonder to watch, and won't disappoint!!!
(It was so good, I am going to another Guild Screening Wednesday!!!)
Being a member of one of the Guild's here in LA, I was able to go to an advance screening of the film. I was a little worried going in for two reasons - (1) there have already been a few reviews (Variety and Hollywood Reporter, for instance) that had differing views on the film, and (2) seeing these special screenings can be dicey, as the audiences may not have the same kind of passion and enthusiasm for a movie that you get sitting in a theatre with true fans.
Well, to address the first issue: while I understand the differing views and agree with some of the criticisms, the film is a masterpiece, and probably even better than "Chicago" if you want to compare it to other recent musical/film adaptations. In regard to the second, the crowd in the screening room was as ecstatic as I was, and totally broke into applause several times in the movie! There was even a few shout out to Ms Hudson...
Now in regard to the film itself, it is a truly engaging film, destined to nab a bunch of Oscar nods, and a shoo-in for The Golden Globes Best Comedy/Musical film!
Bill Condon has artfully crafted the film, and from the opening sequence to the end credits, you never feel let down. With stunning cinematography, incredible choreography, dramatic lighting and incredible costumes, there is NOT ONE weak link in the movie. He has carefully reconstructed the 70's feel and tone to the piece, without it ever seemingly cartoony or overdone. I was instantly transported back, and felt as though I was living the story alongside the on-screen characters.
Now about those characters - like the production elements, every single person, from Beyonce to Eddie Murphy, from Loretta Divine to Danny Glover, gives perhaps the performance of their career. And yes, everything you've heard is true, Jennifer Hudson is absolutely amazing! If there is one small flaw in the movie, it is simply that when she is not onscren and another story takes precedence, it lags somewhat (but never bores).
I was slightly concerned when I heard her voice on the trailer that it sounded a little hollow. But in the film, she rivals the version emblazoned in all theatre-lovers heads - that of Ms Holliday. But Hudson truly holds her own, and establishes herself as both an praise-worthy singer, but also an incredible actress. (She will also be the new role model to gays and drag queens everywhere!!!)
Beyonce, as well, does an amazing job, as does Anika Noni Rose, who's character adds some needed humor to the proceedings with her wide-eyed naivity and optimism.
Keith Robinson, as well, should be in for some nods in the coming award season, as his performance as CC White (Effie's brother) is both touching, heartbreaking and mesmerizing.
For you Broadway fans, Hinton Battle (the original 'John' in "Miss Saigon") also puts in a great performance, acting as Curtis Taylor's right hand man.
The new songs, "Listen", "Patience" and "Love You I Do," are all Oscar-worthy, and maintain the style and feel of the original songs (a tricky feat as we saw with "Move On" from Chicago, which felt like an "add-on" as opposed to being integrated skillfuly into the movie). "Love You I Do" (sung by Hudson) has a sweet sound, very 50's do-whoop style, while "Listen" is a great ballad (by Beyonce) that firmly establishes her character as an individual, and not just the creation of Curtis.
The one song that I was disappointed was missing from the film was "Press Conference," but I imagine they didn't include this to have the Deena character appear more sympathetic vis-a-vis Effie, making Curtis the true "villain" of the film.
I don't know what else to say about the film, as I try to anticipate potential questions you may want the answers to... but overall, aside from maybe like 10 minutes of the movie, DREAMGIRLS is a wonder to watch, and won't disappoint!!!
(It was so good, I am going to another Guild Screening Wednesday!!!)
Updated On: 12/5/06 at 09:20 PM
