On the Big Board |
Position |
Staff |
In Brief |
51/65 |
Kim Hollis |
The music was great. As for the movie, there just didn't seem to be a point. |
65/200 |
Max Braden |
Is this a musical or a movie about music? |
121/159 |
David Mumpower |
The disconnect between this movie's hype and its actual quality is astonishing. Jamie Foxx, an actor I adore, is terrible here and Jennifer Hudson has no business winning -any- acting awards. |
Quite a cast headlines this film adaptation of the wildly successful Broadway play of the same name. In addition to the beautiful Beyonce Knowles, we have Eddie Murphy, Jamie Foxx, and Danny Glover.
The story follows three friends from Chicago - Effie White (Jennifer Hudson), Deena Jones (Knowles), and Lorrell Robinson (Anika Noni Rose) – as they head to New York to try and make it to the “big time” at the Apollo Theatre. They don’t make it their first time, but they do draw the attention of manager Curtis Taylor, Jr. (Foxx). He sets them on a course that he hopes will lead them to stardom and him to riches. In doing so, he thinks he has to remake the girls’ singing group. While Taylor’s changes lead to success, they also cause stress and strain among the group.
This film has all the makings of a box office hit. It has a wonderful and talented cast. Plus, there’s a built-in audience from the Broadway play, including many shows that have taken place across the country in touring companies. I think people will be happy with this production when it comes out for Christmas 2006. (Marty Doskins/BOP)
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