Hi, everyone. "Moriarty" here with some Rumblings From The Lab...

I’m mystified by the reaction so far to news of this film in Talkback. Are you guys really only interested in superhero films or remakes or sequels? Because I would think that one of the most celebrated musicals in modern Broadway history finally coming to the bigscreen in a film written and directed by Bill (KINSEY, GODS & MONSTERS) Condon would be enough to get anyone interested. Maybe that’s just me, though. Maybe I’m the only one who is dying to see what happens when Eddie Murphy finally works with a real filmmaker and a real script. Maybe I’m alone on that count.

I’m betting I’m not, though, and so is Dreamworks. They’re already working hard to create an awareness for the film, and it won’t be in theaters until December of this year. Today, they’ve put out a sizzle reel to give you a feel for what to expect when the film arrives next year. Check this out:

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And for those of you who still don’t know what the film is about, here’s the official synopsis:

Set in the turbulent late 1960s and early ‘70s, “DREAMGIRLS” follows the rise of a trio of women—Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorrell (Anika Noni Rose)—who have formed a promising girl group called The Dreamettes. At a talent competition, they are discovered by an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Jamie Foxx), who offers them the opportunity of a lifetime: to become the back-up singers for headliner James “Thunder” Early (Eddie Murphy). Curtis gradually takes control of the girls’ look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams. That spotlight, however, begins to narrow in on Deena, finally pushing the less attractive Effie out altogether. Though the Dreams become a crossover phenomenon, they soon realize that the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.

“DREAMGIRLS” is being directed by Bill Condon from a screenplay he adapted from the stage musical’s original book by Tom Eyen.

Right now, they’re shooting the film, and if anyone in downtown sees any of the flyers that they’ve put up with a picture of James “Thunder” Early on them, PLEASE send us a photo. I’ve seen what Eddie Murphy looks like in the film, and it’s pretty awesome. I get a real strong James Brown vibe off of him. Overall, this is one of the films I’m most curious about this year, and I suspect it’ll pick up some real momentum as the year progresses.