Dreamgirls

If R´n´B music is sounds to you like the castrato singing of Pavel Horňák sounds for me (for those who remember), or nowadays, for example, the wailing of Tokyo Hotel (I'm still shivering now), then avoid Condon's film. Here you won't find sophisticated storylines, but a simple straightforward plot about "Cinderellas" who came to happiness and the pitfalls of their fame, which is based only on black music and strong voices. Oscar-winning Jennifer Hudson is – let's face it – not much of an actress, but when she belts, things happen. She handles all vocal positions with ease and when she gets it "hot", she could cut concrete with her powerful voice. Her desperate confession before New Year's Eve is an eruption of emotions, a permanent goosebump and a marathon of chills down my back. Eddie Murphy deserved his Oscar nomination just because he doesn't fart, scream or make a fool of himself, I would hang Beyonce on my wall (poster), and I’m liking the charismatic Jamie Foxx more and more. (26/05/2007)

Is it possible at all for characters to constantly sing out their innermost feelings and yet the audience learns nothing about them? Condon's musical proves that it is indeed possible. A charismatic character suddenly transforms from a minute to minute into a cunning traitor, while an uncontrollable wild woman naturally softens and everyone leaves happily... or not? Certainly not me, because this is not enough for me. Musicals have often shown that through a single song, one can see deeply into the characters. That's why it's maddening when the Dreamgirls don't know when to stop singing. When there's a slightly more intense moment, an emotional dialogue followed by a powerful song would be more suitable, but the main characters are screaming at each other in a chaotic, tuneless song that just feels awkward to me. The atmosphere is lacking, and a few interesting camera movements won't save it. The only positive aspect remains Eddie Murphy and his divine performance. However, it seems to me that the creators didn't even want to let him shine and they take away his space as much as possible. (22/02/2007)

Un film très réussi dominé par une excellente musique, des costumes créatifs et du divertissement musical et dansant. Avec en prime les performances de célèbres acteurs et chanteuses noirs. Eddie Murphy m'a épaté avec un rôle plus sérieux que jamais qu'il a très bien géré. La scène qui m'a le plus marqué est celle de la scission chantée du groupe. One Night Only est devenue culte, tout comme Listen qui est tout aussi impressionnante. (20/09/2023)

I can definitely do this RnB. Catchy songs that never get boring, songs with a vibe topped by beautiful performers with even more beautiful voices. And that applies to Beyoncé as well. Incredible casting, even in the case of people like Jamie Foxx or Eddie Murphy. Especially Eddie is unbelievable. Why doesn't he get roles like this more often? It's not epic, it's not visually extravagant, but it has a story and great songs. This is how a musical of today should look like. (22/02/2014)