Variety Reviews "Dreamgirls"- Page 2

[DAME]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 4:42pm

Paramount hosted 3 screenings already for cast, crew and employees. Two other screenings were of the kind they pass out invites for in malls and last nights was the Variety arts screening. Plenty of more screenings available if you live in Ny or Los Angeles and are in the industry. Check dreamworks web site and screeningexchange.com. Hope that helps.

Updated On: 12/1/06 at 04:42 PM

[11/11/05]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 5:18pm

Variety hits it on the nail!!

I saw "Dreamgirls" at a media screening on Nov 15. It was breathtaking and spectacular! I didn't care for Jamie Fox's acting/singing in this film (some rather odd facial expressions and weak vocals), but Beyonce, Anika, Eddie and Jennifer HIT this baby out of the ballpark! Bill Condon is an absolute genius in adapting stage musicals into movie musicals and his love for this stage musical permeates every frame on screen.

Yes, the first transition into the altered reality of characters singing to each other (about 20 minutes into the film) didn't quite work...but the audience quickly re-adjusted it's suspension of disbelief and got on board for the ride. And what a ride it is!!

Is this the most important film of 2006? Maybe not, but it is exactly what this country needs now. It will be a movie phenomenon with repeat business off the charts! Mark my words. I could feel it all around me as I sat there in the darkness surrounded by strangers...the energy that this film elicts from it's audience is something you rarely see in movie theaters today. I wouldn't go as far as saying Dreamgirls is a "religious experience", but it is certainly an exhilirating, stand on your feet and cheer experience that movies have not seen in ages!

Which brings me to Jennifer Hudson. She (as Effie) is the heart and soul of this movie....you can't take your eyes off her. Whenever she is on screen you are on the edge of your seat..anticipating her next action and/or reaction to Deena, Curtis, etc. It is a glorious screen debut! Her acting skills may be a little "raw", but she is an absolute natural...and when she opens her mouth to sing in this film, you know you are watching the birth of a star! Judging by the audience's reaction to her name as it appears in a very special moment during the final credits... America is about to fall in love this "fallen idol".

There seems to be a need within our collective consciousness for a "lighter" movie to champion. Babel and Departed are great films....but we need Dreamgirls more than we need them right now (in a cultural manner of speaking). A nation 'at war' needs to dream a little...and this is just the ticket. Best Picture of 2006, hands down.


Updated On: 12/1/06 at 05:18 PM

[spiderdj82]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 5:24pm

Wow 11/11/15. What a great review.

[sidneybruhl]

Posted: 12/1/06 at 5:32pm

Variety's review makes me even more excited for this film. Christmas Day can't get here fast enough!

[11/11/05]

Posted: 12/2/06 at 5:35am

Thanks spiderd82 - you'll see!!

sidneybruhl - if you have a chance, don't wait till christmas day to see it and pay the extra to see it in it's Roadshow Presentation (Dec 15-24) in NYC (or LA/SF). Reserved seating in the best theater, a 40+ page glossy picture program, and movie costume displays etc in lobby. This is an event well worth the 25.00.

[DAME]

Posted: 12/4/06 at 2:52am

No way. And there is another thread on that subject.