Dreamgirls

My friend who writes Donutbuzz talks often of how we humans seem drawn more to style than to substance. And I think he's dead-on right, particularly regarding how we appreciate and consume art.

Quick: Shania Twain or Faith Hill?

Whatdidya think of first: Knock-out looks, or the opening lyrics of their most popular songs?

Dreamgirls proves this style-over-substance theory better than any movie I've seen in years. Adapted from an 80's play that followed the evolution of Motown Records (and, more specifically, the rise of Motown's biggest early act, The Supremes), Dreamgirls provides an insider's view of how the incredibly-talented-but-portly Effi (Jennifer Hudson) is given the boot out of the limelight in favor or mildly-talented-but-hot-as-hell Deena (Beyonce Knowles). The story touches on Effi's recovery from the slight, Deena's descent into despair as she begins to figure out her success has more to do with marketing her look than it does her talent and Curtis (Jaime Foxx), the manager of both who recognizes the public is just fine being force-fed style instead of substance, and that he can make a bundle of money giving us just that.

Jennifer Hudson won a couple of important awards for her role, but I went into the movie skeptical that this first time movie actress could deliver the goods as advertised. I was shocked: Hudson's performance--both singing and speaking--was simply brilliant. Eddie Murphy, too, was very good, although during his most intense musical performance I kept expecting his roadies to come from backstage and wrap that James Brown cape on him just before he collapsed from exhaustion.

The only complaint I had about Dreamgirls is something inherent in musicals: I hate dialogue that is sung! Hate it. Still, it was done so well in the flick that I tolerated it.