Critics’ reviews

Dreamgirls (2006)

11 reviews from 11 publications. Critics’ score 57: 3 positive, 4 mixed, 4 negative.

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57
Positive
3
Mixed
4
Negative
4

The reviews split almost evenly, with as many critics dismissing Dreamgirls as recommending it, but on one point they are nearly unanimous: Jennifer Hudson. Her performance, especially her singing of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going”, is singled out in review after review, including by critics who like little else. Several also credit the film’s energy, its glamour and its casting, and Eddie Murphy’s turn earns a mention from Total Film.

Beyond Hudson the spread is wide. Empire and The New Yorker find an exhilarating, emotionally powerful musical that also has something to say about the price of success. The Guardian and Slant Magazine argue the songs are the weak link, undistinguished and unable to lift the production, and IndieWire goes further, calling it boring and poorly written. The measured reservations concern structure: a divided focus, formulaic numbers, and too much attention on its two lead singers at the expense of the rest.

Empire
23 January 2007 · Angie Errigo
90*

The critic finds the film an accomplished, emotionally powerful musical with a compelling story. Jennifer Hudson’s performance and the film’s cinematic staging are particular standouts.

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The New Yorker
17 December 2006 · David Denby
90*

Denby praises Dreamgirls as an exhilarating, successful movie musical that also examines the costs of commercial success. He singles out Jennifer Hudson’s intense performance of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going.”

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Total Film
2 February 2007 · ★★★★ · Total Film
80

The review calls Dreamgirls an old-school crowd-pleaser, though its divided focus and piecemeal structure keep it from reaching the heights of the best screen musicals. It praises Eddie Murphy’s performance and singles out Jennifer Hudson’s singing, especially “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” as the film’s most memorable moment.

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Screen Daily
1 December 2006 · Mike Goodridge
64*

The page identifies this as a review, but the review text is unavailable. Its verdict and any specific praise or complaint cannot be determined from the accessible text.

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Time Out
30 January 2007
64*

The available page identifies this as a film review, but its verdict is not accessible. No specific praise or complaint can be reliably extracted from the supplied page text.

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Radio Times
★★★ · Sue Robinson
60

The review says the film delivers the expected glamour and glitz. It singles out Jennifer Hudson’s performance as especially strong.

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Slant Magazine
7 December 2006 · ★½/4 · Ed Gonzalez
38

Gonzalez finds the film hollow, emotionally inert, and weakened by clichés and undistinguished songs. He singles out “One Night Only” as a bright spot and Jennifer Hudson’s vocal talent as unmistakable.

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The Guardian
25 May 2007 · Rob Mackie
30*

Mackie finds the film energetic and well cast but ultimately let down by its music. He praises Jennifer Hudson’s performance while criticizing the songs for failing to lift the production.

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IndieWire
20 December 2006 · cnw
10*

The critic finds Dreamgirls boring and poorly written, arguing that its hype exceeds its merits. Jennifer Hudson’s performance, especially her rendition of “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” is singled out for praise.

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The Skinny
10 February 2007 · ★★★ · Paul Greenwood
60

Greenwood finds the film solidly told but somewhat familiar, with enjoyment depending on tolerance for its many songs. He singles out Jennifer Hudson’s singing and acting as what holds it together.

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Eye for Film
4 February 2007 · Chris
40*

The critic finds Dreamgirls entertaining but ultimately lacking the depth and originality needed for greatness. They praise Jennifer Hudson’s acting and singing, while faulting the film for formulaic musical sequences and overemphasising its two lead singers.

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Ordered by the weight we give each publication, then by score. Scores are normalised to 100; * means inferred from an unrated review. Summaries are ours, not quotations; follow the links for the reviews themselves. How we rate