6. Dreamgirls
Watch With: All your friends - this movie can be enjoyed even by those who normally hate musicals. Christmas is not just a chance to spend time with your family; it is also a brilliant opportunity to catch up with old friends. And if you're looking for the right movie to celebrate the occasion, 2006 hit Dreamgirls is the perfect choice. With an Oscar-winning performance by the magnificent Jennifer Hudson, powerhouse musicals numbers and an engrossing story, Dreamgirls appeals to musical-fans and non-musical fans alike. It is the ideal film to watch with your friends this Christmas. The movie begins in 1962 and concentrates on three young, African American singers Effie (Jennifer Hudson), Deena (Beyoncé Knowles) and Lorell (Anika Noni Rose) who form a girl group, The Dreams. The group is spotted performing in Detroit by manager Curtis Taylor Jr (Jamie Foxx), who signs the band to his new record label Rainbow Records. The movie proceeds to follow the fortunes of the girls, Curtis and fellow recording artist Jimmy 'Thunder' Early (an Oscar-nominated Eddie Murphy) over a period of thirteen years. Based on the story of real life group The Supremes and real life, ground-breaking 60s' record label Motown Records, Dreamgirls presents a fascinating picture of the 1960s record industry. The sets and costumes are stunning and the songs are moving, but the heart of the movie is its characters. Hudson, in her breakout role as Effie, gives a moving, multi-faceted and utterly compelling performance: her version of And I Am Telling You I'm Not Going is the movie's centre piece. Murphy meanwhile, renowned for his comic roles, was deservedly lauded for his role as Jimmy, whose own career plummets just as The Dreams careers soar. Fans of Murphy's comedic turns in movies such as The Nutty Professor will be blown-away by his stirring and serious role in Dreamgirls. Enthralling and entertaining, Dreamgirls is a must-see and its universal appeal makes it the perfect movie musical to watch with friends this Christmas.