Dreamgirls

It's the '60s and a group of singers (Hudson has the voice, Knowles the looks, Rose just kind of stands there) go from backing vocalists to superstars to nobodies again with the help (and hindrance) of Foxx's producer and Murphy's soul legend, while the years pass by in a whirl of jealousies, drugs and broken marriages. It's a solidly told if somewhat familiar tale, but your overall enjoyment of Dreamgirls will ultimately depend on your tolerance for the pop/soul music because, be warned, there is a lot of it. Not only are there dozens of original stage numbers, but the characters also spontaneously sing at each other from time to time. It looks wonderful and Hudson's sassy performance, both as singer and actress, holds it together. Beyonce is also good value and Murphy has the time of his life belting out the songs, but it's undoubtedly Hudson's film. [Paul Greenwood]