CHICAGO helped revive interest in movie musicals.

Now the writer of that, Bill Condon, doubles up as writer and director of Dreamgirls, the Tony award-winning Broadway hit that never made it over here.

The move from stage to screen isn't as seamless as it was in Chicago. This time we follow three girls - Deena (Knowles), Lorrell (Rose) and Effie (Hudson) - performing as the singing group The Dreamettes, from local talent shows in 1960s Detroit to fame and fortune as a girl group in the mould of The Supremes. Not only do we have them - and Murphy's knockout singer James "Thunder" Early - performing on stage but Condon retains the sometimes-uneasy device of having people burst into song at the drop of a hat.

The story is the usual one of bitching and backbiting, love and betrayal in the music industry as Effie, the one with the biggest and best voice, is demoted to backing singer because Deena looks better (and slimmer) and is more capable of being manipulated. It's a decision by car salesman turned manager Curtis Taylor Jr (Foxx) that has a catastrophic effect on the group. From a business point of view, it's the right decision as Deena's lightweight style is more commercial. Foxx's devious manager shows that his Oscarwinning turn in Ray wasn't a fluke. Knowles and Rose are good but Hudson, known in the US from talent show American Idol, is a revelation and hot tip for that best supporting actress Oscar. Not only does she sing up a storm but makes Effie a truly tragic figure.

Stars: Jamie Foxx, Beyonce Knowles, Eddie Murphy, Jennifer Hudson, Anika Noni Rose, Danny Glover, Keith Robinson
Running time: 130 mins Rating: Four stars