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Every year, it seems, there is one movie that gets an insane amount of Oscar buzz, even before anyone’s really seen it. The people behind the film begin to campaign and whisper the word ‘Oscar’ into the ears of certain people, who whisper it in the ear of the entertainment press who then write the words “I smell Oscar” or “I’m hearing Oscar Buzz on this one.” And once people begin to see it, quite a few people, deep down in their hearts, know it’s not Oscar worthy. And they think they’re flawed for thinking that, that they just don’t get the film, and so they keep their mouth shut. And it’s not until the movie wins a couple of Oscars that people start to say “What?" And it goes down in history that a good film got robbed.
Then, usually about once a year, there is a film that the whisper campaign starts for – except that it looks like the above sort of film. People second guess it before seeing it, thinking there is no way that it can really be that good, when in fact, it is truly magnificent. And people end up putting it off, hearing how great it is but never being convinced enough to take the plunge into seeing it – until it’s too late.
Dreamgirls is the latter. Dreamgirls is the real deal.
Now I’ve been hearing little buzzings here and there for months about how good this was supposed to be and that, oddly enough, people were talking Oscar…for…Eddie Murphy. No. Seriously. Don’t laugh. I did actually just say the words Oscar and Eddie Murphy in the same sentence. And you know what. I agree. 100%. This movie is simply unbelievable.
Now I’m not a musical guy. This is one of those areas where Harry and I take a huge departure from one another. The big guy loves musicals like nobodies business. I don’t. Until Harry started passing me Musicals-for-guys-who-hate-Musicals a couple years back, I only liked one. A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum. Zero Mostel, Phil Silvers, Buster Keaton. Genius. Pure genius. But now, well, now, I actually need a second hand to tally the number of musicals I like.
Of course, a musical needs to be pretty fucking spectacular to win me over. And Dreamgirls is just that kind of Spectacular. This is just one of those films that fires on absolutely all cylinders and took everything I dislike or even loath about musicals and turned it on its ear. This isn’t one of those films in which the cast just breaks out into song and begins a dance number over the tables of a restaurant. Not at all. Instead, it is a series of musical performances (on stage, in the recording studio, ect) that just happens to also be detailing what’s going on in the life of the characters – or only occasionally serves as a conversation. And those numbers take you on a musical journey through Motown, beautifully illustrating the struggle of black musicians to gain recognition in the mainstream.
And I just love the shit out of it. Having seen it twice already, I’m finding it hard to get through the day without hearing one of the songs in my head – and not getting the least bit annoyed by it. The music is catchy and seven different kinds of wonderful – especially if you love the Motown sound. Each of these songs evokes the mood of earlier songs, but without ever feeling like they simply adapted and modified them. You never mumble “Oh, this is Stop in the Name of Love” or anything of the like. Rather, it feels like music from the era that you were just never properly turned on to in that how the hell have I never heard THIS record sort of way.
And unlike most Musicals out there, this one has…GASP…a real, honest to god interesting story. Dreamgirls is entirely about the formation of Motown, the development of the sound over the years and most importantly, the basic history of the Supremes. And that alone is one hell of a fascinating story, even before you add in clever musical numbers and set design.
But there’s one thing I’d like to address about this film. Usually I don’t refer to other reviews in my own – as each man has his own opinion and frankly, none of us are actually right. But there’s a few monkeys out there that are sniping the shit out of Beyonce Knowles claiming that Jennifer Hudson blows her off the stage and makes her look pathetic. Trash talk. Does Jennifer Hudson blow Beyonce off the stage? Well, yes. Of course, Jennifer Hudson blows EVERYONE off the stage. She’s incredible – but incredible in the way that Tom Brady was when he came in to sub for an injured Drew Bledsoe. No one expected anything from a second stringer they’re not really familiar with, and when they show the chops to throw down with the Big boys, it’s gonna knock you on your ass. Don’t get me wrong. Hudson is magnificent – the real surprise of the film. But that’s not to say everyone else doesn’t perform amazingly. EVERYONE ELSE. Yes, even Beyonce.
Now I have no love for Beyonce in particular. I’m not a fan and certainly don’t have any affection whatsoever for the class of entertainer known as ‘Divas.’ But to say that Beyonce is anything short of fantastic in this means you weren’t paying any fucking attention. She’s at the top of her game. Before your eyes she ages 20 years, unrecognizable from her musical persona the entire time. She goes from giddy schoolgirl to elegant queen of the industry in two hours and the transition is remarkably natural. I had no real interest in seeing her on film before, but frankly, I’m looking forward to seeing her again after this.
Bill Condon has really outdone himself, once again proving that he’s got an eye for raw or completely forgotten talent. Casting Beyonce and Jaime Fox in this was practically a no brainer. But he took a big risk with Hudson. Not only did he take Jennifer Hudson and give her a role that’s going to make her a star, but he also took Keith Robinson (coughcoughFat Albertcough) and really made him shine in a way that’s going to land him some very prominent roles in the next year or so.
And then he took two classics – two guys who were once on top of the world, but whose stars faded after years of drivel – two guys many around here have taken plenty of pot shots at. And he gave them back to us. Eddie Murphy and Danny Glover. Man, I can’t even talk about them. You just won’t get it until you see it for yourself. It’ll sound weird even saying it. But when you see it for yourself, you WILL get it. And if you’re any kind of a film lover, you’ll smile. Because seeing these guys at the top of their game again is a thing of beauty. This is nothing short of a Tarantino level career resurrection.
This is easily one of the best films of the year, as well as one of my deep friend favorites. Having seen it twice, I’m jonesing to see it again once it’s released. So needless to say, this comes Highly Recommended. Unless of course, for some reason, you simply DO NOT dig on Motown. If the music gets on your nerves or was just something you never jacked into, this movie will probably drive you up the fucking wall. I’ve talked to a few folks who just didn’t fall in love with it and they all said the same thing “Well, I just don’t like Motown.” So consider that the litmus test.
Until next time friends, smoke ‘em if ya got ‘em.
Massawyrm
Holla at’cha man!
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