s the film adaptation of the long-running Broadway show, Dreamgirls sticks fairly close to its original source as a heart-rending tale of shelved dreams and broken hearts. Adapted from the musical written by Tom Eyen and Henry Krieger, the story takes place during the advent of Motown in the 1960s and 70s, fictionalizing the backstabbing packaging of Diana Ross and the Supremes.

Taking place over the course of a 15-year period, we witness the trajectory of struggling girl group "The Dreamettes," with Deena (Beyonce Knowles), lead singer Effie Melody (American Idol finalist Jennifer Hudson), and Lorell (Ankia Noni Rose). The saga begins in 1962 Detroit, with the group showing up at a local theater to take part in a talent contest. They lose the show, but they acquire a manager, Cadillac salesman turned musical entrepreneur Curtis (Jamie Foxx).

The canny producer takes over the trio and promptly begins romancing the spirited Effie, and setting them up as backup singers for James "Thunder" Early (Eddie Murphy), a fading funk-blues singer. Not only does he rename the trio The Dreams, but when singer Effie doesn't quite fit the Dreamgirl image - too overweight, too outspoken - he unceremoniously pushes her out. He replaces Effie with Deena – on stage and in bed - sparking a rift that sends Effie spiraling while the rest of the group becomes monstrously successful.

The battle of the divas is on, but the talented Effie falls from a star to a welfare mother in an alarmingly short amount of time. Banking on Deena's smooth sound and looks to peddle the Dreams to white audiences, Curtis crafts their image, polishes their sound, and sells them as pop fashion icons.