"Dreamgirls" (A second opinion)

It was even better the second time around. I'm blown away by it. After seeing "Dreamgirls" for the second time, I'm even more appreciative of this film written and directed by Bill Condon which hits theaters nationwide on Dec. 22 but begins exclusive engagements in Los Angeles and New York on Friday. I suggest buying the movie's soundtrack right away and get yourself nice and ready for this delicious movie-going experience - the best musical Hollywood has put out in many years. Better than "Chicago," better than "Moulin Rouge." It is already garnering nominations from critics' groups and I predict will get more nods than any other movie when the Golden Globe nominations are announced tomorrow morning.
I've already gone on and on about Jennifer Hudson's star-making turn as Effie White and, well, I repeat all of that with an exclamation point! All of her numbers are first-rate including "Love You I Do," "One Night Only" and "I Am Changing."

But let me say this, whatever you may hear about her nailing "And I'm Telling You, I'm Not Going," she's even better than that. The audience burst into applause when the number was over and I was, again, astonished at the absolute brilliance of it. What a moment in film history. She sings it so powerfully but she feels it too and conveys that to the audience - her heartbreak. God, she is GOOD!
I also had even more appreciation for Eddie Murphy's career-transforming performance as James "Thunder" Early. You will never think of him the same way again. My friend Donn, who I took to the screening, asked, "Is THAT him really singing?" It is. No stand-in! The guy can sing, dance, be funny, be tragic...be BRILLIANT! And Anika Noni Rose? She the third member of the Dreams and obviously modeled after the Supremes' Mary Wilson. She is sweet and lovely and can really sing a number. I overlooked her the first time as I just tried to process all the talent on the screen but this time I took her in and realize what a great performance she gives as the singer in the middle of Effie's dramas and Deena (Beyonce Knowles) rise to superstardom.
Beyonce is perfect in a role that doesn't have near the meat of Hudson's but does have its own moments, especially when the singer absolutely brings the house down with the anthem "Listen." She's singing it as a goodbye to Jamie Foxx's Curtis and Foxx deserves credit for getting all he can out of a role that is far less flashy than Murphy's. Foxx says so much with his eyes.
And now, for the hunk factor which I didn't address before. Eddie Murphy looks great but Jamie Foxx (forgive me) is a stone-cold FOX! One of the sexiest leading men to ever grace the screen.
And what about the gorgeous and oh-so-talented Keith Robinson who plays's Effie's brother (and the group's songwriter) C.C. White. How could I not have not paid ample enough attention to this stunning man during my first viewing? He sings beautifully and is as much a hearthrob as Foxx.
I promise to not review the film each time I see it because I will probably see in a bunch of times - that's how much I love it. But I want to congratulate this fine cast, Bill Condon for putting together the best movie of the year, honor composer and lyricist Henry Krieger and Tom Eyen, high-five producer Laurence Mark, give kudos to cinematographer Tobias Schliessler, choreographer Fatima Robinson, editor Virginia Katz, costume designer Sharen Davis, production designer John Myhre, and a big hand for casting director Debra Zane (what a genius) who cast the film with the help of Jay Binder.
Standing ovations all around!!!