Check out the new website and especially the Trailer for the film...
www.dreamgirls.dreamworks.com
Full Version: Dreamgirls, The Movie
And the exciting thing about the movie is that former American Idol powerhouse singer Jennifer Hudson is playing Effie. The role that was made famous by Jennifer Holliday.
"Starts December 2006"
Jeez, they're really getting a head start on the marketing!
Jeez, they're really getting a head start on the marketing!
QUOTE
JR in TX:
\"Starts December 2006\"
Jeez, they're really getting a head start on the marketing!
Yeah, but their real marketing move is that Dreamworks is paying the licensing fees for any amateur/school theatre groups that want to stage Dreamgirls in the coming year.\"Starts December 2006\"
Jeez, they're really getting a head start on the marketing!
That will get the buzz of Dreamgirls to middle America and those who weren't around 25 years ago when it hit Broadway. You're going to see more local productions of Dreamgirls in the coming months than you'll be able to stand.
Maybe Eddie Murphy and Johnny Gill will move in together by Christmas 2006!!!
I heard that Dreamgirls was Geffen's first choice for the company name. Katzenberg agreed.
Of course Spielberg had to break the bad news that the name was already taken...
[ December 09, 2005, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Maddog ]
Of course Spielberg had to break the bad news that the name was already taken...
[ December 09, 2005, 10:14 PM: Message edited by: Maddog ]
Coincidentally, I saw the Dreamgirls trailer in the theatre yesterday... prior to Memoirs of a Geisha. I was all excited until I saw "December 2006." Sheesh. Why do they put out trailers a year in advance?! Anyhoo, musical films don't always work, but I'm encouraged to see that its written/directed by Bill Conden (Kinsey, Gods & Monsters). And way to go Jennifer Hudson! The ex-AI finalist gets the primo role of Effie.
I've seen it twice on stage, and it's a favorite of mine. The audience is always fun, filled with many African-Americans, particularly females, making comments about things that are said by the actors or about the plot and situations. Normally, I think audiences should be quiet and not break the "fourth wall," but for Dreamgirls the audience participation tends to work.
The second time I saw it was last year in San Jose with Frenchie Davis from American Idol. I've never watched AI, so although I'd heard about Frenchie I didn't know what to expect. She was quite good, a better singer than actress.
Looking forward to the movie.
The second time I saw it was last year in San Jose with Frenchie Davis from American Idol. I've never watched AI, so although I'd heard about Frenchie I didn't know what to expect. She was quite good, a better singer than actress.
Looking forward to the movie.
I remember the USA today article- the role of Effe was highly coveted and Jennifer Hudson beat out a lot of stiff competition for the role. Included in that list was Fantasia Barrino.
Thank goodness Fantasia did not win that role.I think she is WAY over rated!!
I am also very excited that Jennifer beat out Fantasia for the role. This is great casting, and I have no doubt Jennifer will really shine. The role of Effie was created for someone like Jennifer - a knock out voice, a character that seemingly lacks confidence and poise (which she ends up developing by the show's end), but has a voice like none other. Fantasia would have been all wrong, too rough around the edges and a much different type of voice than Effie requires.
This has always been one of my all time favorite musicals. I have seen it several times and always get chills at seeing Effie's transormation and comeback (after Miss Deena Jones steals her spotlight!).
This has always been one of my all time favorite musicals. I have seen it several times and always get chills at seeing Effie's transormation and comeback (after Miss Deena Jones steals her spotlight!).
J-Hud fans can hear her singing Easy to be Hard on the Actors Fund benefit recording of Hair.
Knowing that Jennifer Hudson beat out so many others for the role of Effie is really making this a must-see for me. I love Jennifer. It seems only fitting that someone like her -- after being robbed with a 7th place finish on AI3 -- may end up being the biggest and most enduring star of that season. I really like Fantasia, but Jennifer was definitely the best of AI3.
Add me to the list of J-Hud fan list, I think she is extremely talented, and agree with others that she was robbed on AI. Add to it that she is from Chicago - she is perfect!! hehe
The first video trailer is now available:
http://www.dreamgirls.dreamworks.com/
..and also the first cast photo.
http://dlisted.blogspot.com/2006/01/dreamgirls.html
http://www.dreamgirls.dreamworks.com/
..and also the first cast photo.
http://dlisted.blogspot.com/2006/01/dreamgirls.html
I agree with others. Fantasia would have been all wrong for Effie. J-Hud is perfect. Frenchie would have also been great for the role.
I'm excited for the movie. Fantasia, J-Hud and LaToya were my favorites on AI3 by a mile. I think not winning idol was more of a blessing for Jennifer and I can see a career like Heather Hedley ahead for her.
One night only, one night only....
I'm excited for the movie. Fantasia, J-Hud and LaToya were my favorites on AI3 by a mile. I think not winning idol was more of a blessing for Jennifer and I can see a career like Heather Hedley ahead for her.
One night only, one night only....
We are a family....like a giant tree...
I love the soundtrack from the musical and actually I've never seen the musical. It came out before I was old enough and I just got turned on to it because one day I heard Jennifer Holiday singing it on a talk show and I just had to go and find the soundtrack. I played it over and over again until I could just picture Elfie and her despair. Sigh. I hope the movie lives up to the original soundtrack. The preview is pretty creative. The first preview I've seen that got me interested but didn't give away the whole movie!
If you go to the official movie web site now, they've updated it. After it loads and the intro is done, you can make a selection of what else you want to see. Click on "video," and select "behind the scenes," and you can now see interviews with J-Hud as well as Beyonce and you can see the costumes, wigs, etc. Kinda cool.
Official Dreamgirls Site
Official Dreamgirls Site
Is that J-Hud's voice singing the song on the trailer? If it is, she does an incredible impersonation of Jennifer Holliday. I think Jennifer Holliday would be proud. 12 more months! :mad:
I've never heard of Dreamgirls....until I saw the "Lows In The Mid-Eighties" episode of Will & Grace (flashback to Will telling Grace he's gay). Jack is in Will's dormroom after Will says "I'm not gay" and Jack says "Oh yeah, well this well worn copy of the Dreamgirls Soundtrack begs to differ" I never knew what specifically it meant, but I figured it was a play, and now it's a movie LOL 
I gotta see it!!!!
I gotta see it!!!!
Chill-Trick...
Yes, you do have to see it. It's my all-time favorite musical. Such powerful music and an even more powerful story!!
[ January 20, 2006, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: CHIathlete ]
Yes, you do have to see it. It's my all-time favorite musical. Such powerful music and an even more powerful story!!
[ January 20, 2006, 08:56 AM: Message edited by: CHIathlete ]
I'll have to get the soundtrack as well then.
I love posting pics LOL
I love posting pics LOL
QUOTE
NFLJockGuy:
Yeah, but their real marketing move is that Dreamworks is paying the licensing fees for any amateur/school theatre groups that want to stage Dreamgirls in the coming year.
Oh, gawd... why am I having flashbacks to the "Dreamgirls" scene in "Camp"?
Yeah, but their real marketing move is that Dreamworks is paying the licensing fees for any amateur/school theatre groups that want to stage Dreamgirls in the coming year.
Chill-Trick...you are a goof. LOL
What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
[ January 20, 2006, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: CHIathlete ]
What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
[ January 20, 2006, 08:32 AM: Message edited by: CHIathlete ]
Oh damn, now I have the Dreamgirls song stuck in my head.
All together now:
And I am telling you...!
All together now:
And I am telling you...!
QUOTE
CHIathlete:
What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
A white girl with a big wig (think 60's Diana Ross style) singing "And I'm Telling You", kneeling down to shake the shoulders of the much smaller little African American boy who plays the manager (the guy leaving her)...What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
(Actually, the girl who sang it in "Camp" had a decent enough voice, but she ain't no Jennifer Holliday!
)
QUOTE
CHIathlete:
Chill-Trick...you are a goof. LOL
What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
Nope, it's Jack in Will $ Grace...the scene when he mentions the Dreamgirls soundtrack Chill-Trick...you are a goof. LOL
What is the Dreamgirls moment in 'Camp'??
I finally saw a version of the musical tonight at the Prince theatre (big thanks to a friend who's a voice teacher, and whose student apparently got us the tickets since he's in the show).
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was imagining Hudson evey time I heard the higher pitched voice of the lead. And anyone else I can think of pales in comparison Hudson for that part.
Another part I was impressed with is that of Loreen (lorell? can't remember) who is the third singer after Beyonce and Hudson's parts, and will apparently be played by Anika Noni Rosie in the movie. The sass in some of her deliveries was beautiful.
The little brother CC had the best voice in the production I saw: beautiful baritone that was a bit wasted except for two wonderful songs.
This movie will definitely be on my list. But nothing will equal Hudson singing mellow and soulful instead of screaming...well maybe...
Edit: Unfortunately you now have to pay to download "Stand Up". It's worth it.
[ January 21, 2006, 01:14 AM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was imagining Hudson evey time I heard the higher pitched voice of the lead. And anyone else I can think of pales in comparison Hudson for that part.
Another part I was impressed with is that of Loreen (lorell? can't remember) who is the third singer after Beyonce and Hudson's parts, and will apparently be played by Anika Noni Rosie in the movie. The sass in some of her deliveries was beautiful.
The little brother CC had the best voice in the production I saw: beautiful baritone that was a bit wasted except for two wonderful songs.
This movie will definitely be on my list. But nothing will equal Hudson singing mellow and soulful instead of screaming...well maybe...
Edit: Unfortunately you now have to pay to download "Stand Up". It's worth it.
[ January 21, 2006, 01:14 AM: Message edited by: sportinlife ]
Can anybody tell me what it means when I get chillbumps when she sings, "I'm gonna love you ...?" ... ok, and a dampness in my eyes?
QUOTE
jockpop:
Can anybody tell me what it means when I get chillbumps when she sings, \"I'm gonna love you ...?\" ... ok, and a dampness in my eyes?
See this thread.
Can anybody tell me what it means when I get chillbumps when she sings, \"I'm gonna love you ...?\" ... ok, and a dampness in my eyes?
Dreamgirls doesn't hit theatres nationwide until Christmas day (aside from sneak peek "roadshows" in a few cities next month), but the hype is already in full swing.
The cast will be appearing on Oprah this coming Monday so set your TiVos. For those who watched Oprah yesterday, it showed her in one of the Harpo screening rooms watching the movie... and Oprah was so impressed with former American Idol Jennifer Hudson's performance as Effie that she immediately called J-Hud afterwards and told her so.
Jennifer is being talked about by nearly all Oscar forecasters as not only a contender for an Oscar nomination (in the Supporting Actress category) but as the odds-on favorite to win. Beyonce is getting more screen time and is being pushed by the studio for Best Actress even though everyone says it's Jennifer as Effie who steals the film.
Entertainment Weekly and a bunch of others have forecast Dreamgirls to be a Best Picture nominee as well. The "roadshows" with single nightly performances and reserved seating at 3 theatres (the Ziegfeld in New York, Cineramadome in LA, and Metreon in San Francisco) begin December 15. The Dreamworks studio execs must be supremely confident in this film to release it that way. Oh, and the soundtrack is released December 5.
The cast will be appearing on Oprah this coming Monday so set your TiVos. For those who watched Oprah yesterday, it showed her in one of the Harpo screening rooms watching the movie... and Oprah was so impressed with former American Idol Jennifer Hudson's performance as Effie that she immediately called J-Hud afterwards and told her so.
Jennifer is being talked about by nearly all Oscar forecasters as not only a contender for an Oscar nomination (in the Supporting Actress category) but as the odds-on favorite to win. Beyonce is getting more screen time and is being pushed by the studio for Best Actress even though everyone says it's Jennifer as Effie who steals the film.
Entertainment Weekly and a bunch of others have forecast Dreamgirls to be a Best Picture nominee as well. The "roadshows" with single nightly performances and reserved seating at 3 theatres (the Ziegfeld in New York, Cineramadome in LA, and Metreon in San Francisco) begin December 15. The Dreamworks studio execs must be supremely confident in this film to release it that way. Oh, and the soundtrack is released December 5.
OMG...I can't WAIT to see this!!!
Cadillac, cadillac, cadillac car!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1
TRL
TRL
QUOTE(TheOtherFSU @ Nov 17 2006, 07:23 AM) 
Dreamgirls doesn't hit theatres nationwide until Christmas day (aside from sneak peek "roadshows" in a few cities next month), but the hype is already in full swing.
The cast will be appearing on Oprah this coming Monday so set your TiVos. For those who watched Oprah yesterday, it showed her in one of the Harpo screening rooms watching the movie... and Oprah was so impressed with former American Idol Jennifer Hudson's performance as Effie that she immediately called J-Hud afterwards and told her so.
Jennifer is being talked about by nearly all Oscar forecasters as not only a contender for an Oscar nomination (in the Supporting Actress category) but as the odds-on favorite to win. Beyonce is getting more screen time and is being pushed by the studio for Best Actress even though everyone says it's Jennifer as Effie who steals the film.
Entertainment Weekly and a bunch of others have forecast Dreamgirls to be a Best Picture nominee as well. The "roadshows" with single nightly performances and reserved seating at 3 theatres (the Ziegfeld in New York, Cineramadome in LA, and Metreon in San Francisco) begin December 15. The Dreamworks studio execs must be supremely confident in this film to release it that way. Oh, and the soundtrack is released December 5.
I may have to see this one at the theatre
Tom O'Neil raves about it in the Gold Derby column on theenvelope.com (LA Times).
QUOTE
'Dreamgirls' is a dream come true — a perfect film
Technically, we journos aren't permitted to review the film yet, so I won't go into much detail, but it would be negligent not to report on what happened tonight at the first media screening of "Dreamgirls" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills.
Bill Condon and crew blasted the roof off the joint. We now, officially, have a best picture frontrunner and one that's going to be tough to beat.
* * *
It transforms a Broadway classic into a movie masterpiece. In fact, it's even better than its stage original. I'm a longtime fan, I'm allowed to say that. The new song additions are transcendental. "I Love You, I Do" is a bouncy delight, but "Listen" is a knockout. While watching "Dreamgirls," just when you think Jennifer Hudson has stolen the whole film from Beyonce the same diva way Beyonce steals the Dreams away from Hudson in the film story, Beyonce rallies with a song that dares to try to upstage "Dreamgirls'" emotional core: Hudson's rip-your-head-off performance of one of the great f-you songs in Broadway lore — "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going."
Beyonce comes close, but — naaaaaaaaaw — nothing tops Hudson. She not only owns this movie, she rides it like a rocket to instant superstardom.
Technically, we journos aren't permitted to review the film yet, so I won't go into much detail, but it would be negligent not to report on what happened tonight at the first media screening of "Dreamgirls" at the Academy of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences in Beverly Hills.
Bill Condon and crew blasted the roof off the joint. We now, officially, have a best picture frontrunner and one that's going to be tough to beat.
* * *
It transforms a Broadway classic into a movie masterpiece. In fact, it's even better than its stage original. I'm a longtime fan, I'm allowed to say that. The new song additions are transcendental. "I Love You, I Do" is a bouncy delight, but "Listen" is a knockout. While watching "Dreamgirls," just when you think Jennifer Hudson has stolen the whole film from Beyonce the same diva way Beyonce steals the Dreams away from Hudson in the film story, Beyonce rallies with a song that dares to try to upstage "Dreamgirls'" emotional core: Hudson's rip-your-head-off performance of one of the great f-you songs in Broadway lore — "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going."
Beyonce comes close, but — naaaaaaaaaw — nothing tops Hudson. She not only owns this movie, she rides it like a rocket to instant superstardom.
This is the MUST see movie of the Christmas season!
QUOTE(canmark @ Nov 17 2006, 02:38 PM)
what a great review-I am going to see it in the theatre when it comes to SF
The trailer is pretty good. It's glossy but so was the Motown era.
The role Hudson plays was ready-made for her. And she does a good job judging from the trailer.
But I still prefer her in a more sultry slow-drag mode.
I'd like t hear her sing a duet with Aretha Franklin who, though she will never have her old pipes back, seems to get the best out of young singers like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige.
The time period (Motown's heyday of corruption and broken dreams) and the story (pretty but less talented lead singer is upstaged by an average looker with a huge voice) are what carried the play and lent power to the crescendo of Effie's aria.
Even when I saw the play I imagined Hudson singing the lead. I'll have to see the movie for the context but I think she can do it even more justice than what I pick up from the trailer.
The role Hudson plays was ready-made for her. And she does a good job judging from the trailer.
But I still prefer her in a more sultry slow-drag mode.
I'd like t hear her sing a duet with Aretha Franklin who, though she will never have her old pipes back, seems to get the best out of young singers like Lauryn Hill and Mary J. Blige.
The time period (Motown's heyday of corruption and broken dreams) and the story (pretty but less talented lead singer is upstaged by an average looker with a huge voice) are what carried the play and lent power to the crescendo of Effie's aria.
Even when I saw the play I imagined Hudson singing the lead. I'll have to see the movie for the context but I think she can do it even more justice than what I pick up from the trailer.
I'm taking my mother to see it on Christmas Day. 
Great preview and interviews with the cast today on Oprah! The crowd's reaction towards Jennifer Hudson was incredible with a loooooong standing ovation. I liked Beyonce's song a lot too, and she has never looked better. I was kind of torn when they kept showing so many clips from the film... I don't like to see too much before I see the actual film, but it looks like an amazing movie.
I just saw Jennifer Holiday performing I'm not going at the 82 Tonys on YouTube, and good lord can that woman sing. Such an incredible performance. If Jennifer Hudson is half as good, this movie is gonna be awesome.
QUOTE(Puddy @ Nov 22 2006, 12:16 AM)
I just saw Jennifer Holiday performing I'm not going at the 82 Tonys on YouTube, and good lord can that woman sing. Such an incredible performance. If Jennifer Hudson is half as good, this movie is gonna be awesome.
Jennifer Hudson can sing, she is great...it was unreal that she was voted of Idol so early, but in the end it all works out. I can't wait to see the movie as well. From the sounds of it, it is amazing!!!
I have fond memories of seeing a road production of the play in when I was a teenager in Denver, and the original cast album is one of my favorite CDs of all time. (I've been known to sing and dance along with the title track, just like that guy in "Longtime Companion.") I doubt I'll be able to persuade my brother or father to see the movie when I go back to Denver for Christmas, but maybe my mom and I can sneak out and see it.
I can hardly wait for Dec. 25!
I can hardly wait for Dec. 25!
For those who haven't heard, Jennifer was signed to a record deal with Arista, it was announced this week. Apparently Clive Davis suddenly wants J-Hud now that she's about to become a megastar. She wasn't good enough for him to sign 3 years ago but now he wants to cash in. Hmm.
'Dreamgirls,' 'Idol' Star Inks Record Deal
'Dreamgirls,' 'Idol' Star Inks Record Deal
was it Forbidden Broadway that once parodied the big number as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Singing"?
Turning the Oscars into big-screen Tonys is almost as hideous as that award to "Crash."
Turning the Oscars into big-screen Tonys is almost as hideous as that award to "Crash."
I love Forbidden Broadway. The song was "And I Am Telling You I'm not Screaming" form the play Screamgirls. :-)
Can Dreamgirls win best picture? The Observer thinks it may have a chance.
QUOTE(Bill W @ Nov 30 2006, 12:16 PM)
was it Forbidden Broadway that once parodied the big number as "And I Am Telling You I'm Not Singing"?
Turning the Oscars into big-screen Tonys is almost as hideous as that award to "Crash."
Hey, It's hard out there for a pimp.
QUOTE(Allen @ Nov 30 2006, 06:38 PM)
It's a shoo-in. As clear a winner as Titanic was.
This is a "lo-fi" version of our main content. To view the full version with more information, formatting and images, please click here.