IN the turbulent 1960s and early 1970s, three women - Effie, Deena and Lorrell - put together a promising girl group called The Dreamettes.

At a talent competition an ambitious manager named Curtis Taylor Jr offers them the chance of a lifetime to become the back-up singers for headliner James 'Thunder' Early.

Curtis gradually takes control of the girls' look and sound, eventually giving them their own shot in the spotlight as The Dreams.

But the spotlight begins to pick out Deena until she finally pushes out the less attractive Effie altogether.

But The Dreams soon realise the cost of fame and fortune may be higher than they ever imagined.

The film is based on a Broadway musical of the same name, and Beyonce Knowles lost 20lbs to play the role of Deena Jones.

Jamie Foxx also stars as Curtis Taylor Jr.

o ALSO showing at Taunton's Odeon Cinema are films including is Arthur and the Invisibles (U), Blood Diamond (15) and Hannibal Rising (18).

HELEN ROSSITER