Place: E Street Cinema: Washington, D.C.
Time: Late
Mood: Upscale black professionals, media folks, and politicians with a sprinkle of celebs with drinks and h'orderves making the rounds.
OK. I just had the set the mood because it was an unexpected audience and definitely plays a part in the review.
So after an hour of mingling and networking, we all filed in to the movie theater. Danny Glover made an appearance and gave a short speech before the movie began about all the work he has done with the CBC over the past 30 or so years. There's something sexy about a "mature" man who is politically inclined and passionate. *sigh* Anyways...I wasn't fortunate enough to see the original Dreamgirls on-stage play, but I have a feeling the original cast (once they get past the justified bitterness of being left out of the film adaptation in every way) can't help but feel pleased. It's about time we have a black movie that sends a powerful message and captures a fabulous time of black and musical history.
By scene 2--I was sold on Jennifer Hudson. The whole cast appeared in some way by scene 2, and it was clear that this chick is the breakout star and about to do the damn thing. This is her first feature movie and first time singing on a major canvas--and you would never know. Her acting chops damn near went head to head with vets Jamie Foxx and Eddie Murphey. As for the Oscar buzz--it's justified. If she doesn't get nominated for an Oscar for the acting...she will definitely get nominated--and will win--for her "And I'm Telling You" rendition. We'll get to that in a sec.
Almost everyone knows the basic plot of the film--3 women start off trying to break into the singing/Hollywood business during a time where blacks weren't even allowed to valet park outside of the white owned establishments or tv shows. After a difficult to deal with member refuses to be removed from lead to take the background singer role, all because she doesn't have the "look" that will sell, she's replaced. And thanks to their hustler manager, drama pops off from there. It's set against the backdrop of love, betrayal, control, and racism.
Jamie may just get another Oscar nom out of this movie. He played his semi-Ike style role to the tee. Eddie Murphey, Anika Rose, and Danny Glover did the damn thing as well, even though some fans are upset about the way Eddie's/"Jimmy Early's" role was changed up from the original play.
Surprisingly, Beyonce's lack of acting skills didn't infiltrate the fabulousness of this movie. She acually did a better job than she's ever done before. And that "love scene" she talks about in interviews that she did with Jamie WAS NOT a love scene. Unless you think gettin' it poppin is a kiss and laying back on the bed for 3 seconds. Boo. Anyways, it was obvious she and the rest of the cast did submerse themselves in the roles. As for her looking non-Beyonce like, that's only true for less than half the movie. Please believe that once she becomes the diva, she becomes Beyonce again. Probably because this whole story line seems like home to her because the level of how close it is to the real Destiny's Child story--down to the names--is all too close for comfort. And now I truly believe that B'Day was not just "Deena" venting. Jamie's character wasn't going completely Ike style on her enough to make that whole album the way she did. Mmmhmm.
And I could definitely see how it was possible that there was some behind the scenes friction between her and Jen. Their characters say some things to each other that is some REAL TALK. The friction seems very real. Maybe it was just good acting....
Jennifer H. killed the Jennifer Holiday song "And I'm Telling You" even while making it her own. I'm tempted to say this even should have been the original version. She sang it in the middle of the movie while being on the verge of going crazy. You could feel the pain from her because--ladies--you know how it is when you get tired of trying to make a man understand how you feel. You just go Thin Line Between Love and Hate on his ass and let him know THIS is how it's gonna be and he WILL love you and it. Some critics were pissy that she did this song in the movie mainly with no audience. But that's what made it powerful. And this group of invite only, very tight and upscale businessmen, professionals, congressmen/women, celebs forgot all about their status during this song. I swear I thought I was back at a hood style theater watching Get Rich or Die Trying because the feet stomping and clapping and yelling in that theater was at an all time high. Loves it!
The clothes (most of them), the hairstyles, the makeup--I loved it. The movie was inspirational and just all around a good look. YBF rating: 9
Cameos: Jaleel White, Malinda Williams, Dawn Lewis
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