"But what I really want to do is act!"
"The Secret Life of Bees" hits silver screens this weekend and we are excited. The adorable, but getting so grown up, Dakota Fanning stars alongside Queen Latifah, Alicia Keys AND Jennifer Hudson. With so many of our fave singer-turned-actresses under one roof, this one is a must-see. Here's a list of our five favorite singer-turned-actress films.
"Smokin' Aces"
Alicia Keys looked pretty smokin' herself as hired assassin, Georgia Sykes. This ensemble film also stars the likes of Ben Afflek, Jeremy Piven, Ryan Reynolds and rapper-turned-actor Common. Mixing comedy and action, this is definitely date-worthy. (Just don't let your man catch you oogling all the eye-candy -- Ryan Reynolds + Common = swoon!)
"Desperately Seeking Susan"
What would this list be without a mention of the Material Girl? This 1985 classic made Madonna's movie career take off, and she went on to star in "A League of Their Own," "Evita" and, our personal fave, as Breathless Mahoney in "Dick Tracy." Not to mention, "Desperately Seeking Susan" is also almost single-handedly responsible for starting fashion trends that are still copy-catted to this day.
"Dreamgirls"
Even though Beyonce had already hit the big screen in several films -- alongside Austin Powers himself in "Goldmember" and in the title role in MTV's 2001 hip-hopera "Carmen" -- it's this film she considers her first as an actress. This 2006 movie musical also stars funny-man Eddie Murphy and put Jennifer Hudson on the map by scoring her an Oscar.
"Saved!"
Who'd have thought that sugary-sweet Mandy Moore could play a villainess so well? In this hilarious indie satire, Mandy stars as Christian school mean girl, Hilary Faye. This one made us love the adorable pop princess even more, which we didn't think was possible. Her earlier films, "A Walk to Remember" and "How to Deal" also deserve a nod!
"The Bodyguard"
You think we'd leave this one off our list? Never! Whitney Houston's 1992 role is not unlike her own life -- she starred as pop-singer Rachel Marron. Not only did Whitney's performance make us want to run out and buy a movie ticket, it also made us run out and buy the Grammy-nominated soundtrack, featuring the unforgettable "I Will Always Love You."
You tell us: Who are YOUR fave singer-turned-actresses?
