There’s not just one reason to see “Dreamgirls.”

Even though Jennifer Hudson’s role as Effie White would be enough. Even though seeing Eddie Murphy back in his best form, rapping and singing, sometimes in a shiny gold tuxedo, would be worth the price of the ticket. Even though “Dreamgirls” just came off with three Golden Globes and earned them, there are still more good reasons for seeing the stage show-turned-blockbuster in the theaters or before the Oscars.

What was once a hit 1980s Broadway show based loosely on the rise of Motown group The Supremes is now an intense, star-fueled Hollywood production. The star power is justified and the movie plays in the same glitz and grime of recent musicals/movies like “Ray,” “Rent” and “Chicago.”

It’s important to note that “Dreamgirls,” like “Chicago” and unlike biopics like “Ray” or “Walk the Line,” is a musical in the tradition of Broadway. The songs are neither period-music from the Motown era nor radio hits as we know them today. Some songs, like the movie’s title track, are in the Motown style, and songs like “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going” by Jennifer Hudson are faring well in modern pop charts, but a majority of the music sounds like what it is – theater numbers from a big musical of the 80s. That means there will be long build-ups, lots and lots of emotion, rolling pianos and lyrics like “We Are a Family,” sung without sarcasm.

However, if there’s one thing this musical does well, especially on the big screen, it sells the emotion. With a cast that includes Eddie Murphy, Beyoncé Knowles, Jamie Foxx and Danny Glover, one can expect a real and experienced portrayal of making it big and dealing with fame and friends. Both Knowles and Murphy look like two entirely new actors, both earning recognitions with Golden Globe nominations, and Murphy with a win for best supporting actor.

The real surprise and the gem of the film, however, was Jennifer Hudson as the fiery Effie White. Almost anyone owning a television in America knows Hudson from Season 3 of “American Idol,” but they will see an even stronger Hudson in stride with the big, established names sharing the screen. Her performance of “And I’m Telling You I’m Not Going,” all eight dramatic minutes, has stolen attention away even from Knowles’ stellar performance, and it is said that almost by the strength of that song alone did she become the most likely candidate for the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, winning the same award at the Golden Globes.

Director Bill Condon is a credited collaborator in the recent hit musical/film “Chicago.” One can hear from the opening cowbell, see from the fabulous costumes, and feel from the excited glances and fast-paced editing that he has another hit movie, tapping the same public vein, on his hands.

There’s not just one reason to see “Dreamgirls,” but it will help you find the reason you need the most.