I don't think I've ever been to a movie where the audience claps during the movie!
That's exactly what happened while Jennifer Hudson, who plays the ferocious Effie White, tore the roof off the theater with "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going"! I'll get back to that part of the movie later.
The movie starts out with a talent show where there are various acts, including The Dreamettes, with Deena Jones (Beyonce, God she is fine!), Lorrell (can't remember her last name?), and Effie White (Jennifer Hudson). Effie is the lead singer of the group, and they do a great job with the talent show. But they lose (tough break!). Just when they're about to lose all hope, along come Curtis (Jamie Foxx), the snake of a manager who's here to give them they're big break!
He gives them the opportunity to sing behind James Early (Eddie Murphy), and at first it wasn't happening because Effie "don't do back-up!", but she was quickly wooed by Curtis and they end up taking the gig. This jump starts not only the Dreamettes, but Curtis in his devilish ways of trying to take ownership of the girls and everybody else working around him. He wants everything and everybody to be under his command.
Effie and Curtis start having a thing for eachother, but very quickly Curtis (like everybody else) starts noticing Deena's beauty and not only that, but how well she would appeal to a wider audience, aka the white crowd. Effie is quickly replaced by Deena as lead singer, and from there, things start rolling down hill for Effie. Effie takes note of how Curtis is treating Deena (like her shit don't stink!), and can't take anymore. After throwing tantrums and fits and walking out of rehearsals, Curtis decides to throw Effie out of the group!
This might not be good for Effie, but it sure is good for audiences...this betrayal by Curtis brings about the most intense and exciting scene in the whole movie! Jennifer Hudson completely tears the house DOWN with "And I'm Telling You I'm Not Going! Not only is her singing powerful and intense, but the ways she acts the scene out only makes it better! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! My dad thought the scene was too much (but that's just the way he is!). The audience was clapping during the performance (three times to be exact) which made it cool as well!
The movie kind of drags on from there a little bit all the while keeping up with what Effie is doing for work these days, and Curtis continues to show his true colors as the scum he is! Soon enough Deena realizes what Curtis is doing and she breaks free with the song "Listen" (which is great song btw!). Also, a sad and dramatic performance from Eddie Murphy as James Early is great in the movie.
I thought the movie was good, but there were some parts where the characters should have just talked instead of singing, it would have made for better drama. And a few of the songs are shit ("Family" made me cringe!)
But overall, I liked it, and I can't wait until Jennifer Hudson comes out with her album!!!
8.5/10
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