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It's rare that a movie captures the intensity and excitement of a live Broadway musical production while appealing to a broader movie-going audience, but the 2007Hairsprayis an energetic, powerfully moving film that does just that. A remake of the 1988 musical filmHairspray, the newHairsprayis a film adaptation of the 2002 Broadway musical and features more likeable characters than the original film and an incredible energy that stems from a great cast, fabulous new music, and the influence of musical producer Craig Zadan. What remains constant throughout all three versions ofHairsprayis the story's thought-provoking exploration of prejudice and racism. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the film opens with chubby girl Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) singing her heart out in a rendition of "Good Morning Baltimore" that, while admittedly a bit too long, sets the farcical tone for the film. Viewers quickly become immersed in Tracy's teenage world of popular television dance shows, big hair, the stigma of being different, and the first hesitant steps toward racial integration within a segregated world. The Corny Collins (James Marsden) television dance show is a teenage obsession in Tracy's world and Link Larkin (Zac Efron) is every girl's dream partner, so when a call for auditions goes out, Tracy skips school to try out, but is rejected by station manager Velma von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer) because of her large size and the threat of competition for Velma's own daughter Amber (Brittany Snow). Perseverance and the support of her friend Penny (Amanda Bynes), father Wilbur (Christopher Walken), and negro dancer Seaweed (Elijah Kelley) lead Tracy to the spotlight and the chance of a lifetime, but more and more Tracy discovers that fairness and equality for those who are different does not come without a fight and that sacrifices must be made to effect change. While the message is serious,Hairsprayis first and foremost a comedy with stellar performances by John Travolta as Edna Turnblad (who ever imaginedSaturday Night Fever'siconic star would appear onscreen as a woman?), Christopher Walken, and Michelle Pfeiffer. Part of what makesHairsprayso powerful is the exceptional music composed by Marc Shaiman, including songs newly composed for the movie like "Ladies' Choice," "The New Girl in Town," and "Come So Far," and the awesome vocal talents of Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle) and a cast of heretofore musically-unknown actors like Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, and Brittany Snow who really can sing. Notable trivia includes Jerry Stiller's appearance in both versions of the film (as Wilbur in the 1988 film and as Mr. Pinky in this 2007 rendition), and a cameo appearance by 1988 director and screenplay writer John Waters.Hairsprayis one of the best films of the year--it's powerfully moving entertainment that leaves you energized and motivated to fight for what you believe in.--Tami Horiuchi
We love it!!! Our whole family loves this movie and have watched it several times. We love the messages. We have the soundtrack to and love singing the songs.
My new favorite movie My wife and I love this movie. It just makes you feel so good. We keep watching it!Surprise So my wife brought home 'Hairspray' last weekend. Hmmm. I was dubious.
Now, I liked 'Grease' when it came out in 1978, me on the cusp of teen-ness, but if you had told me then that, 30 years later, I'd be watching the same John Travolta gyrate in a female fat-suit, I would thought you were crazy.
I imagine Mr. Travolta might have been dismayed as well.
Well, if that was ever the case, I'm sure he knows by now he needn't have worried.
I single him out, but the whole ensemble, Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes, Paul Dooley, Zac Efron, Allison Janney, Elijah Kelley, James Marsden, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Jerry Stiller, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, have created a terrific and energetic film!
