Fabian Thomas, Contributor
From left: Anika Noni Rose, Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson are shown in a scene from their film 'Dreamgirls'. The movie received five Golden Globe nominations on December 14, 2006, including Best Comedy or Musical Motion Picture, Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical Motion Picture nomination for Beyoncé Knowles, Best Supporting Actress nomination for Jennifer Hudson and Best Original Song Motion Picture for 'Listen'. The awards presented by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association will be telecast live on January 15, 2007, from Beverly Hills. - Reuters
It's always amazing to see something or someone whose time has come, who is in that zone.
For precisely that experience, make sure you see Jennifer Hudson in Dreamgirls (the movie). I was pleasantly surprised by how good the movie is (being a die-hard fan of the Broadway original).
The movie version is above-average, actually better than good! Bolstered by commendable attention to detail, great sets and costumes, Fatima Robinson's compelling choreography (my favourite was Stepping to the Bad Side), but the absolute showstopper, as Jennifer Holliday in the play, is Jennifer Hudson.
Not only can this young lady sing - sorry 'sang' - but she sets the screen on fire as an actress; she was born to play this part.
Excellent cast
I honestly never thought that in my lifetime anyone could come anywhere close to Jennifer Holliday's incendiary interpretation of Effie on Broadway. Enter Jennifer Hudson.
Also worthy of mention are Beyoncé, who was credible as Deena (topped off by breathtaking performance of the song Listen; Anika Noni Rose, who played a delightful Lorell; Jamie Foxx, who turned in a solid portrayal of Curtis; and Keith Robinson, who did an above-average job as C.C. Eddie Murphy is excellent as James Thunder Early.
After being one of the sirens voted off American Idol during Fantasia's season, I kept asking, where is Jennifer Hudson?
Well, here she is. Her performance as Effie is inspiring and stunning.
Her vocal delivery, styling and power are spine-tingling. Her renditions of And I'm Telling You, I'm Changing and One Night Only are worth the price of admission.
Jennifer Hudson has entered stage right, left and centre, in full regalia. Sit back and enjoy!
