Music and LYrics

Charming and witty are adjectives least expected from this movie that many reviewers have panned as being, how shall we say, unworthy of being on Englands Top of the Pops! But if you're like me, which fortunately some of you are not, I would say swallow your pride and intelligence and simply go to a movie for a good smile and you might be rewarded with a good feeling similar to when you first heard the Beatles "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" or the first time you realized you wanted to pick up a tennis raquet and imagine you could play guitar.

This is that kind of movie. And because I too am a songwriter/singer and writer in the literary sense, I can appreciate both characters' struggles delivered comically as well with moments of depth and seriousness. Hugh Grant plays himself, offering us a Cary Grant for our time. And though the woman in me has fallen for him many times over in films like About A Boy (a film I'll review on a special Hugh Grant day yet to be determined), Two Weeks Notice, and Notting Hill, he has won me over 100 x more after seeing him behind a piano as he sings a song to Drew's character, Sophie. Did I mention he looks hot in tight pants? He has aged well!!!! And as the movie opener song suggests, when I saw him again (yes I saw it 2x) popped went my heart :)

True, there are moments when the movie leaves the audience a little skeptical about the potential for laughs, but Hugh Grant saves the day if not by Drew's sad puppy dog pouting eyes.

Generally, if you don't want a too deep movie but want a general good time, this is it. A good "chick flick" , date flick, or family movie. Whoever you see it with, if you love music you'll leave with a tune you can't get out of your head.

***Side note: Looks like there's a trend of singing celebrities...It won't be long before musicals make a comeback!!!!!!...Oh, I hope Hugh Grant doesn't leave romantic comedies and acting too soon for his career in writing. Many hearts will also pop in great deflation :(

Dreamgirls

This is a long overdue review I've been meaning to write in a long time. Being that it has been maybe a week since I last saw it, my perspective may be affected slightly on the fact that I've listened to Jennifer Hudson's version of "I Am Changing" for the last 2 hours (with breaks of course). Let me tell you, that song in itself speaks volumes about what this film is about and the well-deserving Oscar nominated supporting actress.

I wasn't sure what to expect from Jennifer's performance but the first scene in which she enters I was impressed. And to think, this is her acting debut, aside from community theater but what community theater actor goes into the Oscars within just a few years? And to think she lost American Idol? No offense to America, but I do believe the public doesn't know talent very well. Jennifer Hudson's performance gave me chills, particular with the song mentioned above. She made me feel like I was watching and listening to a black Barbara Streisand!!! In that scene I knew she had a great future ahead. I pray that such early success won't get to her head or be her downfall as it has been with so many other celebrities.

Of course there are other actors!!! Eddie Murphy was great too. He's gone beyond Party All the Time from the '80's to Oscar nomination!!! A great evolution from a former Saturday Night Live alum! Jamie Foxx, though not much musical screen time, he had a subdued yet powerful presence as well. Beyonce has done well, but I can't help but think that Jennifer overshadowed her a bit ;) And Anansi did just as well, a Tony winner!!! More exciting, I hope to see Jennifer reprise her role in a live reproduction of the musical!

I can't really say anything critical in film analysis since this was based on an award winning musical. Bill Condon, director of the film version of Chicago does his magic once again. And I felt my feet tapping away in the theater once again :) I feel music should make a revival in the movies. Less violence and more love and harmony :)