IF films were named after the effect they have on the viewer then Dreamgirls would be more appropriately known as Dreaming Blokes because that's exactly what I was doing on the couch about twenty minutes in.

And alas, not because the foxy Beyonce Knowles stars in it but because the lack of a decent plot had me bored and snoring through much of this two-hour film.

Set in 1960s Detroit, Dreamgirls is about the rise of three aspiring Motown singers from backing singers to international superstars.

It is an idealistic tale adapted from the Broadway musical by the same name and sadly that's where it belongs: on stage rather than screen.

Bootylicious Beyonce apparently slimmed down to take the role of Dreamettes leader Deena and is ably assisted by American Pop Idol star Jennifer Hudson, playing the headstrong and powerfully voiced Effie, and the unknown Anika Noni Rose as Lorell.

And both Eddie Murphy and Jamie Foxx are convincing in their respective roles as fame-hungry R&B star and money-grabbing band manager.

But there's little here to keep your attention and as a film is nothing more than an extended pop video.

This might please the woman in your life but, for most blokes, Dreamgirls will be a bit of a nightmare.