"Dreamgirls" ***1/2 (out of four): Nearly classic adaptation of the hit Broadway show, featuring explosive performances from Jennifer Hudson and Eddie Murphy.

Bill Condon is no stranger to musicals (he adapted “Chicago”) or sex (he directed “Kinsey”) and he puts that experience to work in his slick, vibrant, star-studded adaptation of “Dreamgirls”. Those of you familiar with the original Broadway musical already know that “Dreamgirls” is the story of Deena (not Diana) Jones (not Ross) who rockets to stardom with her backup singers, The Dreams (not the Supremes) under the guidance of a car salesman-turned-manager Curtis Taylor Jr. (not Berry Gordy Jr.). Come to think of it, even if you don’t know the musical you might know the story. Mr. Condon and his crew aren’t shy about tapping into the musical’s influences, creating a bouncing, joyous film that positively pulsates with rhythm (as well as the occasional blues).

Read More on BigPictureBigSound...