Review after review continues to praise Jennifer Hudson’s performance in the critically acclaimed film Dreamgirls.

Jennifer Hudson is the heart and soul of Dreamgirls.

When she’s on the screen, the movie shines. When she’s not, the whole endeavor suffers.

Hudson dominates the screen and musical performaces according to this USA Today review.

It’s all about the rousing musical numbers, notably Hudson’s show-stopping, heart-wrenching And I Am Telling You (I’m Not Going). It’s a rare thing for a movie audience to burst into spontaneous applause after an on-screen musical number, but it happened at my screening, and others.

Beyonce Knowles, a star in her own right, continues to get blasted by those who have been able to preview the film.

The weakest link is the stunning Knowles. The camera clearly loves her, and her singing is not in contention, but as an actress, she has a vapid quality. Despite the array of dazzling fashion ensembles, and the effort to channel Diana Ross, her performance remains one-note, particularly in contrast to Hudson’s nuanced portrayal.

Dreamgirls opens December 25th.