After months of build-up and sneak previews, "Dreamgirls" finally made its debut in theaters across the country on Christmas Day. What a gift to mankind! Paramount Pictures, which released this splendid musical starring Beyonce Knowles. Jamie Foxx, Eddie Murphy and the astonishing Jennifer Hudson. "Dreamgirls" had a splendid first-day take of $8.7 million playing in just 852 locations - the third-highest Christmas Day debut in history. That is an even more impressive number when you compare it to Paramount's other new release, "Charlotte's Web" which grossed a total of $8 million Friday through Sunday and is playing in 3,728 theaters.
"That is a really good number," box office analyst Paul Dergarabedian, president of Media By Numbers,. told me this morning. "I think this movie will be an absolute crowd pleaser and it has Oscar written all over it."
Obviously, I think Paul is absolutely right. I predict this movie - which I consider to be the best Hollywood musical in ages - will make giobs of money over the next few months fueled by Golden Globe wins and Oscar nominations. I've seen it twice and figure I'll go at least a few more times. Love, love LOVE it!