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First Look: 'Dreamgirls'

Jan 19, 2006, 04:49 PM | by Gary Susman

Categories: Film

15321__dream_lYeah, Beyoncé (center) is great and all, but what really excites us at PopWatch about DreamWorks' release of early backstage footage of Dreamgirls (shooting began last Monday) is the chance to see our girl, American Idol's Jennifer Hudson (right), in full costume and wig as Effie. (Rounding out the trio is Tony winner Anika Noni Rose, left.) Go to the movie's official website here, click on ''Video,'' and click ''Behind the Scenes'' to hear J. Hud and Beyoncé talk briefly about their roles, and catch a glimpse of Eddie Murphy in a full Little Richard pompadour. Priceless.


Tamarah Owens Wed, Jan 17, 2007 at 09:59 PM EST

Have you ever had that one kid in class, who knows everything? Every question asked.. they answer, even the one time u know it....they answer. The teachers pet, always talking always debating, always right. I think that is the way people see Beyonce. She's always Beautiful, always the best singer, always every guys dream, always IN YO FACE, and to most people that can be irritating as hell. Just like the teachers pet in class. It makes you feel bad about yourself. When a person is that good. It's almost unfair for a woman to have all that! It's intimidating, we all know that's why people get mad whenever Beyonce is in the spotlight. But in this case Beyonce failed to measure up to Jennifer Hudson. She can't act, I'm not hating it's just fact. She was pretty bad. the only thing that deserved mention was that song she did, it made me cry. Jennifer was wonderful....in acting and singing. This is her first movie! SHe rocked it.everything her character portrayed I felt,and she touched us.

Kenya Tue, Jan 16, 2007 at 01:08 PM EST

I saw the movie and they both were good. I am not taking anything away from Beyonce, because I love her. She is a good singer and has a way to make everyone as her equal. Jennifer however I felt out sang Beyonce. Jennifer rocked "And I am telling you" Both ladies have amazing talent that can't no one take from them. I wish both ladies the best is all they do. For those people consider haters, keep doing your job. and If you don't have anyone to hate on you can hate on me.

Victor Swindell Mon, Jan 15, 2007 at 11:42 AM EST

This is a GREAT musical, it not about Beyonce, or Jenifer, or Eddie, of Jamie or even Danny..it's about ALL of them. This cast did a FANTASTIC job playing the characters. If we want to applaud their work..work to have your friends make this movie NUMBER one at the box office....

mandy Fri, Dec 29, 2006 at 12:37 PM EST

she is soo untalented..its a damn shame that she is only recognized for her "beauty", shes not even the star of the movie, Jennifer Hudson is. Jennifer Hudson did a magnificent job and she was the star of the show, why did they give her a supporting actress nomination? thats sooo stupid!!!! they should have given that to Beyonce, really they should not have given her anything becasue she can not act. I swear if Beyonce gets nominated for an Oscar, Im gonna protest because the bithc cant act.Also, i want eveyone to recognize how everyone says they cant recognize her in the movie ( kinda like its a compliment), they dont say anything about her acting ability. This is becasue she had a page worth of lines in the whole movie and there was a portion in the movie where she just changed clothes through out the movie.Jennifer Hudson had better win the Golden Globe and an Oscar. She can sing and she can act!
GO Jennifer!!!!

mandy Fri, Dec 29, 2006 at 12:36 PM EST

she is soo untalented..its a damn shame that she is only recognized for her "beauty", shes not even the star of the movie, Jennifer Hudson is. Jennifer Hudson did a magnificent job and she was the star of the show, why did they give her a supporting actress nomination? thats sooo stupid!!!! they should have given that to Beyonce, really they should not have given her anything becasue she can not act. I swear if Beyonce gets nominated for an Oscar, Im gonna protest because the bithc cant act.Also, i want eveyone to recognize how everyone says they cant recognize her in the movie ( kinda like its a compliment), they dont say anything about her acting ability. This is becasue she had a page worth of lines in the whole movie and there was a portion in the movie where she just changed clothes through out the movie.Jennifer Hudson had better win the Golden Globe and an Oscar. She can sing and she can act!
GO Jennifer!!!!

gigi Thu, Dec 28, 2006 at 01:09 AM EST

I just saw the movie and have to say that Jennifer Hudson is the absolute bomb! Eddy Murphy is great and Beyonce and the rest are really good. But can I say it again- Jennifer Hudson is the bomb! I liked her on American Idol and could not understand why Simon did not like her. Even then to me she was up there in voice quality with Aretha Franklin. I am glad she is getting her props with this movie. She deserves it.!!!

Lisa Sun, Dec 24, 2006 at 05:56 PM EST

Please....U people need to stop comparing and dogging Beyonce...truth is Beyonce is a great talent...she has done alot. She is also an excellent role model for young girls and women. When ever your in the spotlight people tend to be very critical...she's got more money than most of you will ever have...hatin as women!!!

千秋一叶 Sat, Oct 28, 2006 at 11:02 PM EST

I'm a student from China. Though for me(miidle school student) little is known about Beyonce, I love her as a crazy fan as you are for her picture voice as well as her dreamgirls. The people who love Beyonce , let's speak together:碧昂斯 我爱你!!!

Miss Woods Wed, Apr 12, 2006 at 02:12 PM EST

We have a lot of haters on here....dont get me wrong J Hud did her thing on American Idol but she didnt do well enough to win......I hope for her sake she does well in this movie, which Im sure she will....on the other hand Beyonce is the bomb and everyone has to give her credit for everything she has done so far and wil continue to do. Yeah Im sort of a Beyonce Groupie I guess but the girl has skills and she has never said she was the best actress but she is learning...and to whoever said she cant sing...you are an idiot LOL...

Susan Thu, Mar 16, 2006 at 07:07 PM EST

Wow...I can't wait to see this movie...I hope this doesn't become "The Beyonce Show" like Destiny's Child was. I don't have anything against her..she's beautiful...a great performer...but...she really likes the spot light...which is not always bad...but there are some times when you need to know when to give others (for example...the other girls in your singing group) a chance to shine...

zohra Sat, Feb 25, 2006 at 11:12 AM EST

stop dissing beyonce just coz your all jealous you haters!if she wasnt beautiful or talented you wouldn't be saying anything against her its just that your all jealous!

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wilson Mon, Jan 30, 2006 at 10:31 AM EST

While in LA to promote The Pink Panther, Beyonce talked about her next film, Dreamgirls.

http://www.blackfilm.com/20060127/features/beyonce.shtml

caramel Fri, Jan 27, 2006 at 10:23 PM EST

anika is an awesome actor with a surprising and captivating voice. her performance in caroline or change was just one of many heartfelt, honest performances in her career. unlike many other "stars" she is a trained theater artist which speaks volumes for getting it "right." she deserves a break through role, and even though others are highlighted and featured, hopefully this will be the launch pad to catapult her success to the same sphere as her talent.

yes, this picture sucks - for all three of them actually.

Verite Garde Thu, Jan 26, 2006 at 09:37 PM EST

If I could buy stock in Jennifer Hudson I invest all I had. She is the Luciano Pavarotti of American soul/pop and I predict a household name after this movie, flop or not. She is incredible and I am teary eyed over this movie role which surpasses American Idol in so many ways. That is Jennifer Hudson's voice in the trailer, no doubt about it. Powerhouse voice, could easily sing opera if she so chose, but nails soul. I have no doubt she can act but it doesn't matter because her voice will win her fans who don't already know her and the right song will take her to the top. I love her!

os Wed, Jan 25, 2006 at 07:27 PM EST

Go J-HuD... I'm happy she got it! Great way to re-launch her career!

Fantasia is already doing her thing, she doesnt need this, but it would be a great bonus!

oh well they will be more opportunaties for both of them in the future

Cindy Mon, Jan 23, 2006 at 12:52 AM EST

This is soooooooooooooo great for Jennifer Hudson! I
stopped watching AI when she left. And with Beyonce,
even better!

Gin Sat, Jan 21, 2006 at 02:13 AM EST

Anika was wonderful in the broadway show Caroline or Change. She has a powerhouse voice. I met her afterwards and she's also very sweet.

Larry Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 05:38 PM EST

I just can't wait. I think Jennifer Hudson is the secret weapon of this movie but don't discount Beyonce. She is a natural performer and has kind of lived the life of the character as I understand it (more attention than the rest of the members, etc). Everyone in this movie is hungry to show what they can do and if ever a chance, this is it. I think the movie will be fire, but that's what I said of Kind Kong too. Here's hoping because I'm marking the months.

bussy Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 03:11 PM EST

Anika is an amazing actress and singer, blew me away in Caroline or change. Won a Tony for her role in that. Just awesome.

fat boy Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 03:10 PM EST

Maybe it's just me, but this does not seem to be a very good picture of Beyonce or Jennifer Hudson. Is that seriously the best shot they had?

MadBrian Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 02:45 PM EST

Beyonce is drop-dead gorgeous, but whenever I've heard her speak, she comes across as not-too-bright (I'm being kind). Wouldn't be surprised to see Jennifer Hudson steal this movie, because her role is showier, with the biggest song. I expect they'll add dialogue, as was done with Rent. Don't see it as a sung-through piece like the stage version.

Sean Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 02:08 PM EST

Did anyone listen to the trailer?

Is that Jennifer Holiday singing Effie song? That seems bold/strange to put Jennifer Holiday (the originator of the role, AMAZING) on the trailer and have Jennifer Hudson sing it in the movie.

I Think Beyonce, as Dina, will do a good job playing the selfish diva in this movie. Effie, played by Jennifer Hudson, is really the star of this show, so don't be disappointed till we hear if Jennifer Hudson can act.

Oh, and hopefully this movie will have a decent director and a well adapted script.

daisyj Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 01:58 PM EST

I swear I saw that dress at Banana Republic.

mafia_princess Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 01:42 PM EST

Fantasia should focus more on her reading skills than trying to be in a movie...gotta take baby steps, gotta take baby steps

djm Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 01:08 PM EST

I am very happy for J-Hud - her Aretha song on AI was the absolute bomb! However, my girl Fantasia should be in this photo. In fact, I'd prefer her over Beyonce, but I get that they have to have a "star" (although why she is one is somewhat lost on me) to open the movie. Oh well, I'll take my J-Hud fix anyway that I can!

your conscience Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 12:11 PM EST

Beyonce is talented but she is also a greedy,selfish and vain person too. I dont care how much "down home" or "earthy" qualities she purveys to balance it out. She has been "working it" and exploiting the lowest common denominator(the same way a street walker does) the whole way along. Anybody want to debate that? I've got TONS of examples of her "flesh peddling" over the last few years, and would be glad to share. I'm not judging, I'm observing. She needs to take an example from some class acts like Natalie Cole (who sings ten times better and is beautiful with balance) and Streisand (who has "done it all" and then some without over doing the "ho" thing or being sleazy) Jay-Z as a companion ?? (ex-crack dealer whose biggest selfish slimebag ambition is to be "big pimpin'"?)

I rest my case...

V.M.L. Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 10:39 AM EST

Stop dissing Beyonce, people! She's very talented.

Stephanie Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 10:32 AM EST

Beyoncee' needs to quit the ivory snow foundation on her face. She's begining to look whiter than Michael Jackson. You go J-Hud!

POP Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 10:25 AM EST

beyonce can't sing!!!! she is lousy actress too! she is awful, but i am glad that they cast 2 others that can sing.

Elizabeth Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 09:49 AM EST

Those dresses are from Banana Republic.

sara Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 09:35 AM EST

im so disappointed that beyonce is in this film-- she's not a good actress- she just has no depth to grasp this role & this film- this musical is too important to have subpar talents in it. i really hope she steps it up.
Ep- Yep-- saw the vid too-- check older picturs of her-- she has totally had her nose and breasts dfone.

Carlos Fri, Jan 20, 2006 at 09:32 AM EST

Producers have to cast big stars to sell the movie (Murphy, Foxx and Beyonce) who although talented might not be the best for the part. But I am excited about J. Hudson. She was truly great in AI and deserves a chance to shine.

Thad Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 10:13 PM EST

Beyonce will not be the stand out in this one. Watch out for Anika ans Jennifer Hudson. But Eddie Murphy, paleeze

Kyle Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 09:44 PM EST

I'm so excited for Jennifer. I knew she was a star when I saw her on idol. Now she is surpassing the show. Good for her!

jason Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 09:23 PM EST

i hope jennifer hudson becomes a household name, she was one of the best in idol season 3. when i saw her at the idol concert, she gace me HUGE chills. if america gets it right, she'll have a great future.

Matt Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 08:52 PM EST

Finally they get it right. Hiring Anika Noni Rose and Jennifer Hudson was the greatest decision for this musical. Now of course Beyonce, Jamie Foxx, and Eddie Murphy are gonna have their names over the title. Hopefully though, the credit will not matter

Jen Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 08:52 PM EST

Nicole R. Steeves: So what if Anika did "From Justin to Kelly"? You know emerging actors have to be in crappy movies sometime to get their names out there. But the sister did get a Tony for being a wonderful and powerful performer in "Caroline, or Change". Do some research before you start casting her out there with the bad performers of the world.

lei Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 08:09 PM EST

jennifer Hudson was born to play this role, I was very excited to see her cast!!!
Beyonce is okay there is just something that bugs me though???

Ep Sato Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 07:47 PM EST

'Bout time them sisters get some props. I'll see it just for the subject matter. Okay okay. I'll really see it for Eddie Murphy in the wig (he was great as James Brown in that hottub video), but will stick around for the hot trio...

Jamie Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 06:11 PM EST

How imaginative! Have you seen Beyonce's new video? Has she had some work done or what?

Nicole R. Steeves Thu, Jan 19, 2006 at 05:42 PM EST

Anika Noni Rose was also in From Justin to Kelly - are we sure this isn't just a no-talent talent show, destined for a snarky TWoP recap?


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