Hairspray

[KLAXXON]

“Uh, I'm sorry... you think that she can dance? Well, maybe you'd rather have her as your partner. You could get sponsored by Goodyear!”

In movie land there’s always room for a good musical and this time it’s the all singing and all dancing ‘Hairspray’ that’s being given the spotlight. Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta head up an all star cast in this faithful and oh so cheerful (and amazingly colourful) movie adaptation of the successful John Waters classic.

I’ve never been a big fan of the musical/movie myself, not for lack of quality but merely because they are so different to what I am used to. I mean it was different when I was growing up; back then I was happy for Bugsy Malone to burst into song every fifteen minutes or for sweet little Annie to tell me about her hard knock life… but I really didn’t think I would ever get that interested or that invested in a musical again. That is until I stumbled across a marvellous little gem called Hairspray.

Adam Shankman's new adaptation of the musical is a true feel-good movie in the first degree. Unknown actress Nikki Blonsky owns the screen in the portrayal of the lovable character Tracy Turnblad. Tracy’s biggest dream is to dance on The Corny Collins Show and after finally achieving her dream Tracy tries to intergrate the show, much to the objection of TV princess Amber von Tussle (Brittany Snow) and her racist mother, Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer).

Turning the town upside down with her antics, Tracy manages to raise the concern of her own mother, Edna (John Travolta), earn the respect the black population (Queen Latifah, Elijah Kelley), and even tries her luck with the hunk of the town, Link Larkin (Zac Efron). And despite how it might this movie really doesn’t have a controversial bone in its body. It celebrates a triumph of music and fun and soul over adversity and the addictive tunes keep things at a mellow and level-headed place.

I do miss jumping up and down on my bunk bed to these kinds of movies as they are the ones that stay with you the longest. Hairspray was created to be enjoyed by all so don’t feel bad when you catch yourself singing into your comb.

Escapism, yeah that’s the word I’m looking for. This decade has given us Moulin Rouge and Chicago; which then paved the way for Phantom of the Opera, Rent, Dreamgirls, and now Hairspray, and although they might not be to everyones taste these films are simply two hours of escapism. Stories with a more expressive and emotional tone – much like a play or the latest show at the theatre.

The performances of all involved and the fantastic choreography by director Adam Shankman managed to impress me throughout. Hairspray’s catchy melodies and bouncy, energetic dance numbers will have even the most cynical movie watchers breaking into smiles and tapping their toes. I implore you; see this one even if you don’t like musicals. It won’t disappoint.


Brilliantly written, superbly acted and achingly funny, this is a terrifically entertaining musical that will have you grinning from ear to ear throughout.



Based on the 1988 John Waters movie and the award-winning Broadway musical, Hairspray is set in Baltimore in 1962 and stars newcomer Nikki Blonsky as big-haired, big-hearted Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl whose only dream is to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Show – a dream that's encouraged by her loving parents, Edna (John Travolta in a dress and a fat suit) and Wilbur (Christopher Walken).

However, after winning a spot on the show, Tracy has her eyes opened to the issue of racial inequality and vows to do something about it, much to the consternation of the show's scheming producer Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer).



The songs (courtesy of Marc Shaiman, the genius behind the South Park movie songs) are toe-tappingly terrific throughout and the cast perform with such joyously infectious enthusiasm that's impossible not to be swept along. Nikki Blonsky is a real find – if they gave Oscars for Best Newcomer she'd win it hands down.

Alongside Blonsky, director Adam Shankman has assembled a terrific ensemble cast and they each get a chance to shine but the stand-outs are Travolta (whose weird accent only adds to his hilarious performance) and the always wonderful Walken. Their duet together is a definite highlight and Walken really makes you believe in his love for Travolta in a fat suit.


The script is screamingly funny and there are several wonderful gags and quotable lines. It's also great that Amanda Bynes has finally found a suitable vehicle for her mugging skills – she's superb as Tracy's best friend Penny, whose relationship with a black classmate inspires Tracy's stand against racial inequality.



This is a terrific film that will have you singing, dancing and laughing all the way home. It's easily one of the best films of the year. Unmissable.

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