December 26, 2006
-
Dreamgirls
We just came back from seeing Dreamgirls at the Arclight, and I know I’m not saying anything profound, but WOW. I really didn’t think there could be a better move than “Babel” this year, but this film was entertaining on so many levels. It wasn’t perfect, but who cares? It was absolutely enchanting. I was skeptical after I saw how much Oprah was pushing it,(God love her, but she said she also “loved” “White Chicks”). But everything they say about it is true. Jennifer Hudson is a real star. That’s what is really so amazing about the opportunities that American Idol gives these young kids who are bright and driven enough to take them. If you remove some of the creepy “idolatry” it really is a beautiful rags to riches story (I’m talking about Idol, but I digress :). The 8:10 show in the Cinerama Dome was sold out. Ron Howard was in front of and Whoopi Goldberg was behind us. Patrick Dempsey was also there with a bunch of people. Several people applauded throughout the movie. I read an article today though about how disappointed Jennifer Holiday is about her exclusion from all the publicity. Also the more I learn about Florence Ballard (the original Supreme, who Jennifer Hudson/Holiday’s character Effie is “loosely” base on), the more tragic the whole thing seem. Hollywood always needs a happy ending though, and this movie is no exception. There’s a good podcast you can listen to here that addresses a lot of the rumors regarding Beyonce/Hudson/Holiday and interviews with all of them. Despite all the drama, you should go see this movie…if you don’t like it, I’ll pay you double!