Paramount´s "Dreamgirls" is a fictional story that is based on the true life story of The Supremes and founding members that included Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. There has been some controversy regarding the historical accuracy of "Dreamgirls." Mary Wilson has gone on record to state that the original play and theatrical adaptation are quite close to the events that transpired during the period of the Supremes. She named her first autobiography after the 1981 Broadway play, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. Diana Ross has taken the direct opposite approach to the play and film, stating it is indeed not historically accurate; though others have stated that Florence Ballard´s ousting in favor of Diana Ross closely mirror´s the Effie White and Deena Jones storyline of "Dreamgirls."
"Dreamgirls" features a wonderful cast that is full of entertainers. Jamie Foxx portrays the Dreams manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. Foxx has released a very good R&B album in 2005 titled "Unpredictable" and won great acclaim for his ability as a pianist and a singer in the incredible 2004 film "Ray," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. Eddie Murphy is R&B artist Jimmy Early in the film and has released a few albums during his storied career. Murphy´s biggest hit was the 1985 single "Party All the Time" and he found some success with the 1989 release "Put Your Mouth on Me." The album that spawned "Put Your Mouth on Me" was the release "So Happy." I happen to have a copy of that CD in my collection, as well as the Dual Disc release of Foxx´s "Unpredictable." Jennifer Hudson is the doppelganger for Florence Ballard in the film and her musical career began when she finished seventh during the third season of "American Idol" and has a forthcoming solo album. Beyoncé Knowles is another member of the Dreams in the film and has had a very successful musical career as part of the R&B girl group "Destiny´s Child."
In the film, the trio of Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) are struggling to break into show business. One night, fate lands them a job singing as backup singers for recording artist James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Car salesman and hopeful musical agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx) works out a deal between the girls and Early and while they are hesitant of taking a gig as backup singers, Curtis talks them into accepting the gig as it may be their best chance at getting a foot into show business. Early has had his own problems scoring a hit on national radio and Curtis enrolls the help of a composer friend and Effie´s brother, C.C. White (Keith Robinson) to pen songs that will send James Early and the Dreams to the top of the charts; even at the cost of liquidating his Cadillac´s to earn bribe money to pay disc jockeys for airtime.
James Early and the Dreams find chart success and ride a wave of momentum for a couple years. However, Early´s career starts to sag and Curtis decides it is time for the Dreams to release their own single and break away from Early´s shadow. However, Curtis has one significant change to make for the Dreams. Their talented, but overweight lead singer Effie White is replaced as the trio´s lead by the lovely and sexy Deena Jones. Effie is far from happy with this change. She has a romantic involvement with Curtis and feels betrayed both professionally and personally. Eventually, the strain is too much for Effie to take and she leaves the Dreams when Curtis hires a replacement for the oft tardy and unruly Effie.
The Dreams succeed on the R&B and Pop charts for a few years without Effie as a member. Effie, who´s only talent is her singing voice falls into a state of depression and hides a secret from Curtis and her former Dream singers; she has given birth to Curtis´ daughter. Curtis had replaced Effie with Deena behind the microphone and between the sheets. His affair with the new leading lady of the Dreams begins to cause problems with the dreams and his increasingly tyrant-like behavior has also cost him the friendship he shared with Jimmy Early. At one point, Curtis was one of the most successful producers in the musical business with both Early and the Dreams scoring hits. However, with Early´s departure and growing stress between the Dreams, his career begins to unwind and sets the stage for a final concert featuring the Dreams.
"Dreamgirls" is another fine film that chronicles the storied past of Motown music. While not an official autobiographical film like "Ray," "Dreamgirls" focuses on Diana Ross´s replacement of Florence Ballard, who died at the age of 32 after a losing battle with alcoholism and depression after her departure from the Supremes. The film is a conglomeration of inspirations, with similarities to the singing styles of Aretha Franklin and other Motown dignitaries. The film combines a well thought out story and plot based on the popular 1981 Broadway play and entertaining performances by the likes of Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. The actor/singers bring back the sounds of 1960´s Motown R&B with fervor and heart. Murphy delivers a very rousing performance late in the film when his character drops his pants on-stage and Jennifer Hudson brings back memories of the powerful female R&B vocals of the era.
The film is also a story of betrayal and the cutthroat nature of the musical business. When C.C. composes a song about a Cadillac, James Early finds his soulful and funky recording of the song lost into obscurity when a popular white artist records a far less powerful version of the song and finds success at the top of the charts. Curtis refuses to allow James Early any ground to try something new and fresh and forces the fading star to stick to depressing and soulful music that sells records and tickets. He forces Early to the shadows and eventually delivers Early into heavy drug use and depression as he has trouble dealing with his friend´s betrayals and his diminished role on the charts. The ultimate betrayal is that of Effie White. Effie had fallen madly in love with Curtis and given her heart and soul to the producer. However, he quickly moved to another´s bed and failed to support her as a singer. He kicked her to the curb and quickly forgot about her; leading to the film´s final image of Curtis realizing his wrongdoing when he realizes he has a daughter.
I have enjoyed "Dreamgirls" since first screening the film and had supported Eddie Murphy for the Best Actor statue. Murphy has earned his keep in Hollywood and ran the gamut as a performer by appearing in films of various genres. His early roles were foul-mouthed comedies and the actor first found success as Axel Foley in the "Beverly Hills Cops" franchise and as Reggie Hammond in the two "48 Hours" films. He has since tried his hand in dramas and family friendly comedies and has become one of the more bankable stars for Walt Disney. He has long had a love of music and tried to maintain a singing career during the 1980s. "Dreamgirls" was a role that suited Murphy like a well tailored suit and I still feel he was the most deserving of the Oscar award. While the film features a few musical numbers to keep true to its Broadway beginnings, it is a serious drama that takes a deep and effectual look at the days when Motown was mighty and the business was just as cutthroat as ever.
"Dreamgirls" features a wonderful cast that is full of entertainers. Jamie Foxx portrays the Dreams manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. Foxx has released a very good R&B album in 2005 titled "Unpredictable" and won great acclaim for his ability as a pianist and a singer in the incredible 2004 film "Ray," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. Eddie Murphy is R&B artist Jimmy Early in the film and has released a few albums during his storied career. Murphy´s biggest hit was the 1985 single "Party All the Time" and he found some success with the 1989 release "Put Your Mouth on Me." The album that spawned "Put Your Mouth on Me" was the release "So Happy." I happen to have a copy of that CD in my collection, as well as the Dual Disc release of Foxx´s "Unpredictable." Jennifer Hudson is the doppelganger for Florence Ballard in the film and her musical career began when she finished seventh during the third season of "American Idol" and has a forthcoming solo album. Beyoncé Knowles is another member of the Dreams in the film and has had a very successful musical career as part of the R&B girl group "Destiny´s Child."
In the film, the trio of Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) are struggling to break into show business. One night, fate lands them a job singing as backup singers for recording artist James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Car salesman and hopeful musical agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx) works out a deal between the girls and Early and while they are hesitant of taking a gig as backup singers, Curtis talks them into accepting the gig as it may be their best chance at getting a foot into show business. Early has had his own problems scoring a hit on national radio and Curtis enrolls the help of a composer friend and Effie´s brother, C.C. White (Keith Robinson) to pen songs that will send James Early and the Dreams to the top of the charts; even at the cost of liquidating his Cadillac´s to earn bribe money to pay disc jockeys for airtime.
James Early and the Dreams find chart success and ride a wave of momentum for a couple years. However, Early´s career starts to sag and Curtis decides it is time for the Dreams to release their own single and break away from Early´s shadow. However, Curtis has one significant change to make for the Dreams. Their talented, but overweight lead singer Effie White is replaced as the trio´s lead by the lovely and sexy Deena Jones. Effie is far from happy with this change. She has a romantic involvement with Curtis and feels betrayed both professionally and personally. Eventually, the strain is too much for Effie to take and she leaves the Dreams when Curtis hires a replacement for the oft tardy and unruly Effie.
The Dreams succeed on the R&B and Pop charts for a few years without Effie as a member. Effie, who´s only talent is her singing voice falls into a state of depression and hides a secret from Curtis and her former Dream singers; she has given birth to Curtis´ daughter. Curtis had replaced Effie with Deena behind the microphone and between the sheets. His affair with the new leading lady of the Dreams begins to cause problems with the dreams and his increasingly tyrant-like behavior has also cost him the friendship he shared with Jimmy Early. At one point, Curtis was one of the most successful producers in the musical business with both Early and the Dreams scoring hits. However, with Early´s departure and growing stress between the Dreams, his career begins to unwind and sets the stage for a final concert featuring the Dreams.
"Dreamgirls" is another fine film that chronicles the storied past of Motown music. While not an official autobiographical film like "Ray," "Dreamgirls" focuses on Diana Ross´s replacement of Florence Ballard, who died at the age of 32 after a losing battle with alcoholism and depression after her departure from the Supremes. The film is a conglomeration of inspirations, with similarities to the singing styles of Aretha Franklin and other Motown dignitaries. The film combines a well thought out story and plot based on the popular 1981 Broadway play and entertaining performances by the likes of Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. The actor/singers bring back the sounds of 1960´s Motown R&B with fervor and heart. Murphy delivers a very rousing performance late in the film when his character drops his pants on-stage and Jennifer Hudson brings back memories of the powerful female R&B vocals of the era.
The film is also a story of betrayal and the cutthroat nature of the musical business. When C.C. composes a song about a Cadillac, James Early finds his soulful and funky recording of the song lost into obscurity when a popular white artist records a far less powerful version of the song and finds success at the top of the charts. Curtis refuses to allow James Early any ground to try something new and fresh and forces the fading star to stick to depressing and soulful music that sells records and tickets. He forces Early to the shadows and eventually delivers Early into heavy drug use and depression as he has trouble dealing with his friend´s betrayals and his diminished role on the charts. The ultimate betrayal is that of Effie White. Effie had fallen madly in love with Curtis and given her heart and soul to the producer. However, he quickly moved to another´s bed and failed to support her as a singer. He kicked her to the curb and quickly forgot about her; leading to the film´s final image of Curtis realizing his wrongdoing when he realizes he has a daughter.
I have enjoyed "Dreamgirls" since first screening the film and had supported Eddie Murphy for the Best Actor statue. Murphy has earned his keep in Hollywood and ran the gamut as a performer by appearing in films of various genres. His early roles were foul-mouthed comedies and the actor first found success as Axel Foley in the "Beverly Hills Cops" franchise and as Reggie Hammond in the two "48 Hours" films. He has since tried his hand in dramas and family friendly comedies and has become one of the more bankable stars for Walt Disney. He has long had a love of music and tried to maintain a singing career during the 1980s. "Dreamgirls" was a role that suited Murphy like a well tailored suit and I still feel he was the most deserving of the Oscar award. While the film features a few musical numbers to keep true to its Broadway beginnings, it is a serious drama that takes a deep and effectual look at the days when Motown was mighty and the business was just as cutthroat as ever.
Paramount´s "Dreamgirls" is a fictional story that is based on the true life story of The Supremes and founding members that included Florence Ballard, Mary Wilson and Diana Ross. There has been some controversy regarding the historical accuracy of "Dreamgirls." Mary Wilson has gone on record to state that the original play and theatrical adaptation are quite close to the events that transpired during the period of the Supremes. She named her first autobiography after the 1981 Broadway play, Dreamgirl: My Life as a Supreme. Diana Ross has taken the direct opposite approach to the play and film, stating it is indeed not historically accurate; though others have stated that Florence Ballard´s ousting in favor of Diana Ross closely mirror´s the Effie White and Deena Jones storyline of "Dreamgirls."
"Dreamgirls" features a wonderful cast that is full of entertainers. Jamie Foxx portrays the Dreams manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. Foxx has released a very good R&B album in 2005 titled "Unpredictable" and won great acclaim for his ability as a pianist and a singer in the incredible 2004 film "Ray," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. Eddie Murphy is R&B artist Jimmy Early in the film and has released a few albums during his storied career. Murphy´s biggest hit was the 1985 single "Party All the Time" and he found some success with the 1989 release "Put Your Mouth on Me." The album that spawned "Put Your Mouth on Me" was the release "So Happy." I happen to have a copy of that CD in my collection, as well as the Dual Disc release of Foxx´s "Unpredictable." Jennifer Hudson is the doppelganger for Florence Ballard in the film and her musical career began when she finished seventh during the third season of "American Idol" and has a forthcoming solo album. Beyoncé Knowles is another member of the Dreams in the film and has had a very successful musical career as part of the R&B girl group "Destiny´s Child."
In the film, the trio of Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) are struggling to break into show business. One night, fate lands them a job singing as backup singers for recording artist James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Car salesman and hopeful musical agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx) works out a deal between the girls and Early and while they are hesitant of taking a gig as backup singers, Curtis talks them into accepting the gig as it may be their best chance at getting a foot into show business. Early has had his own problems scoring a hit on national radio and Curtis enrolls the help of a composer friend and Effie´s brother, C.C. White (Keith Robinson) to pen songs that will send James Early and the Dreams to the top of the charts; even at the cost of liquidating his Cadillac´s to earn bribe money to pay disc jockeys for airtime.
James Early and the Dreams find chart success and ride a wave of momentum for a couple years. However, Early´s career starts to sag and Curtis decides it is time for the Dreams to release their own single and break away from Early´s shadow. However, Curtis has one significant change to make for the Dreams. Their talented, but overweight lead singer Effie White is replaced as the trio´s lead by the lovely and sexy Deena Jones. Effie is far from happy with this change. She has a romantic involvement with Curtis and feels betrayed both professionally and personally. Eventually, the strain is too much for Effie to take and she leaves the Dreams when Curtis hires a replacement for the oft tardy and unruly Effie.
The Dreams succeed on the R&B and Pop charts for a few years without Effie as a member. Effie, who´s only talent is her singing voice falls into a state of depression and hides a secret from Curtis and her former Dream singers; she has given birth to Curtis´ daughter. Curtis had replaced Effie with Deena behind the microphone and between the sheets. His affair with the new leading lady of the Dreams begins to cause problems with the dreams and his increasingly tyrant-like behavior has also cost him the friendship he shared with Jimmy Early. At one point, Curtis was one of the most successful producers in the musical business with both Early and the Dreams scoring hits. However, with Early´s departure and growing stress between the Dreams, his career begins to unwind and sets the stage for a final concert featuring the Dreams.
"Dreamgirls" is another fine film that chronicles the storied past of Motown music. While not an official autobiographical film like "Ray," "Dreamgirls" focuses on Diana Ross´s replacement of Florence Ballard, who died at the age of 32 after a losing battle with alcoholism and depression after her departure from the Supremes. The film is a conglomeration of inspirations, with similarities to the singing styles of Aretha Franklin and other Motown dignitaries. The film combines a well thought out story and plot based on the popular 1981 Broadway play and entertaining performances by the likes of Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. The actor/singers bring back the sounds of 1960´s Motown R&B with fervor and heart. Murphy delivers a very rousing performance late in the film when his character drops his pants on-stage and Jennifer Hudson brings back memories of the powerful female R&B vocals of the era.
The film is also a story of betrayal and the cutthroat nature of the musical business. When C.C. composes a song about a Cadillac, James Early finds his soulful and funky recording of the song lost into obscurity when a popular white artist records a far less powerful version of the song and finds success at the top of the charts. Curtis refuses to allow James Early any ground to try something new and fresh and forces the fading star to stick to depressing and soulful music that sells records and tickets. He forces Early to the shadows and eventually delivers Early into heavy drug use and depression as he has trouble dealing with his friend´s betrayals and his diminished role on the charts. The ultimate betrayal is that of Effie White. Effie had fallen madly in love with Curtis and given her heart and soul to the producer. However, he quickly moved to another´s bed and failed to support her as a singer. He kicked her to the curb and quickly forgot about her; leading to the film´s final image of Curtis realizing his wrongdoing when he realizes he has a daughter.
I have enjoyed "Dreamgirls" since first screening the film and had supported Eddie Murphy for the Best Actor statue. Murphy has earned his keep in Hollywood and ran the gamut as a performer by appearing in films of various genres. His early roles were foul-mouthed comedies and the actor first found success as Axel Foley in the "Beverly Hills Cops" franchise and as Reggie Hammond in the two "48 Hours" films. He has since tried his hand in dramas and family friendly comedies and has become one of the more bankable stars for Walt Disney. He has long had a love of music and tried to maintain a singing career during the 1980s. "Dreamgirls" was a role that suited Murphy like a well tailored suit and I still feel he was the most deserving of the Oscar award. While the film features a few musical numbers to keep true to its Broadway beginnings, it is a serious drama that takes a deep and effectual look at the days when Motown was mighty and the business was just as cutthroat as ever.
"Dreamgirls" features a wonderful cast that is full of entertainers. Jamie Foxx portrays the Dreams manager, Curtis Taylor, Jr. Foxx has released a very good R&B album in 2005 titled "Unpredictable" and won great acclaim for his ability as a pianist and a singer in the incredible 2004 film "Ray," which earned him an Oscar for Best Actor. Eddie Murphy is R&B artist Jimmy Early in the film and has released a few albums during his storied career. Murphy´s biggest hit was the 1985 single "Party All the Time" and he found some success with the 1989 release "Put Your Mouth on Me." The album that spawned "Put Your Mouth on Me" was the release "So Happy." I happen to have a copy of that CD in my collection, as well as the Dual Disc release of Foxx´s "Unpredictable." Jennifer Hudson is the doppelganger for Florence Ballard in the film and her musical career began when she finished seventh during the third season of "American Idol" and has a forthcoming solo album. Beyoncé Knowles is another member of the Dreams in the film and has had a very successful musical career as part of the R&B girl group "Destiny´s Child."
In the film, the trio of Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) are struggling to break into show business. One night, fate lands them a job singing as backup singers for recording artist James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy). Car salesman and hopeful musical agent Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx) works out a deal between the girls and Early and while they are hesitant of taking a gig as backup singers, Curtis talks them into accepting the gig as it may be their best chance at getting a foot into show business. Early has had his own problems scoring a hit on national radio and Curtis enrolls the help of a composer friend and Effie´s brother, C.C. White (Keith Robinson) to pen songs that will send James Early and the Dreams to the top of the charts; even at the cost of liquidating his Cadillac´s to earn bribe money to pay disc jockeys for airtime.
James Early and the Dreams find chart success and ride a wave of momentum for a couple years. However, Early´s career starts to sag and Curtis decides it is time for the Dreams to release their own single and break away from Early´s shadow. However, Curtis has one significant change to make for the Dreams. Their talented, but overweight lead singer Effie White is replaced as the trio´s lead by the lovely and sexy Deena Jones. Effie is far from happy with this change. She has a romantic involvement with Curtis and feels betrayed both professionally and personally. Eventually, the strain is too much for Effie to take and she leaves the Dreams when Curtis hires a replacement for the oft tardy and unruly Effie.
The Dreams succeed on the R&B and Pop charts for a few years without Effie as a member. Effie, who´s only talent is her singing voice falls into a state of depression and hides a secret from Curtis and her former Dream singers; she has given birth to Curtis´ daughter. Curtis had replaced Effie with Deena behind the microphone and between the sheets. His affair with the new leading lady of the Dreams begins to cause problems with the dreams and his increasingly tyrant-like behavior has also cost him the friendship he shared with Jimmy Early. At one point, Curtis was one of the most successful producers in the musical business with both Early and the Dreams scoring hits. However, with Early´s departure and growing stress between the Dreams, his career begins to unwind and sets the stage for a final concert featuring the Dreams.
"Dreamgirls" is another fine film that chronicles the storied past of Motown music. While not an official autobiographical film like "Ray," "Dreamgirls" focuses on Diana Ross´s replacement of Florence Ballard, who died at the age of 32 after a losing battle with alcoholism and depression after her departure from the Supremes. The film is a conglomeration of inspirations, with similarities to the singing styles of Aretha Franklin and other Motown dignitaries. The film combines a well thought out story and plot based on the popular 1981 Broadway play and entertaining performances by the likes of Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson. The actor/singers bring back the sounds of 1960´s Motown R&B with fervor and heart. Murphy delivers a very rousing performance late in the film when his character drops his pants on-stage and Jennifer Hudson brings back memories of the powerful female R&B vocals of the era.
The film is also a story of betrayal and the cutthroat nature of the musical business. When C.C. composes a song about a Cadillac, James Early finds his soulful and funky recording of the song lost into obscurity when a popular white artist records a far less powerful version of the song and finds success at the top of the charts. Curtis refuses to allow James Early any ground to try something new and fresh and forces the fading star to stick to depressing and soulful music that sells records and tickets. He forces Early to the shadows and eventually delivers Early into heavy drug use and depression as he has trouble dealing with his friend´s betrayals and his diminished role on the charts. The ultimate betrayal is that of Effie White. Effie had fallen madly in love with Curtis and given her heart and soul to the producer. However, he quickly moved to another´s bed and failed to support her as a singer. He kicked her to the curb and quickly forgot about her; leading to the film´s final image of Curtis realizing his wrongdoing when he realizes he has a daughter.
I have enjoyed "Dreamgirls" since first screening the film and had supported Eddie Murphy for the Best Actor statue. Murphy has earned his keep in Hollywood and ran the gamut as a performer by appearing in films of various genres. His early roles were foul-mouthed comedies and the actor first found success as Axel Foley in the "Beverly Hills Cops" franchise and as Reggie Hammond in the two "48 Hours" films. He has since tried his hand in dramas and family friendly comedies and has become one of the more bankable stars for Walt Disney. He has long had a love of music and tried to maintain a singing career during the 1980s. "Dreamgirls" was a role that suited Murphy like a well tailored suit and I still feel he was the most deserving of the Oscar award. While the film features a few musical numbers to keep true to its Broadway beginnings, it is a serious drama that takes a deep and effectual look at the days when Motown was mighty and the business was just as cutthroat as ever.
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