Dreamgirls: Every few years, critics trumpet the arrival of a new film that is predicted to revive the production of Hollywood musicals: Madonna’s Evita, Baz Luhrmann’s Moulin Rouge, and Chicago were all expected trailblazers. The horns are sounding again for this film—a loose re-telling of the rise of the American girl group The Supremes, based on the Tony-Award winning play. Though audiences may not be willing to hear the hype once more, Dreamgirls is a watershed moment for the movie musical. Director Bill Condon (the screenwriter for Chicago) has shaped the film with care for the traditions of the genre, and innovative modernizing touches. Almost all of the dialogue is sung, but integrated into performance settings familiar to contemporary audiences. New contextual scenes illuminate the social upheaval of 1960s Detroit and give the familiar and frothy narrative arc greater weight. Most importantly, American Idol castoff Jennifer Hudson’s roaring debut and Eddie Murphy’s surprisingly nuanced performance give grit to Beyoncé’s glitter. Audiences will be singing its praises. US-rated PG-13, German release: February 1.
The Good Shepherd:
An epic tale of warring clans, de-ceit, and family bonds starring Robert DeNiro: Though at first it sounds like the newest Godfather installation, this on the other side of the law. The famed actor’s latest directorial effort follows the development of the American Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). The life of one Edward Wilson (Matt Damon) is a continuing thread as the plot skips back and forth through roughly 40 years of American public policy, from World War II to the Bay of Pigs fiasco and the Cold War. Wilson is recruited to the CIA while still a Yale undergrad, and moves up the ranks through a series of personal betrayals. A hardened operative, Wilson takes care to hide his inner life from everyone, including his abandoned wife (Angelina Jolie), and the film’s audience. Though some viewers might therefore struggle to connect to the film, others will be swept up in its deliberate march through a crucial period in American history. US-rated R, German release: February 15.
