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Hairspray (PG-13)





Release Date: July 20th, 2007 by New Line Cinema.
The Cast: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, Nikki Blonsky, Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, Brittany Snow, Elijah Kelley, James Marsden, Allison Janney, Jerry Stiller.
Directed by Adam Shankman.

BASIC PREMISE: In 1962, Tracy Turnblad (Blonsky), a plump teenager, joins a popular dance show, The Corny Collins Show, and tries to integrate it, which aggravates its manager, Velma (Pfeiffer).

ENTERTAINMENT VALUE: Regardless if you’re an avid fan of the 1988 original film by John Waters or the Broadway musical production, there’s no denying how fun this delightful remake feels. Nikki Blonsky plays the plump Baltimore teen who dreams of landing a spot on The Corny Collins Show, hosted by Corny Collins (Marsden). During detention in high school, she dances with black students, one of whom happens to be the son of Motormouth (Latifah), a record shop owner. Soon enough, she lands onto The Corny Collins Show, which causes much celebration for her mother (Travelta, in heavy drag) and quirky father (Walken). Michelle Pfieffer shines as Velma, the show’s smarmy, wicked manager who refuses to integrate the show and wants her daughter, Amber (Snow), to win the Miss Teenage Hairspray competition. Velma does anything she can to stop Tracy from winning. What makes Hairspray such a delight is the lively, charismatic cast members who seem to be having a lot of fun in their roles, especially Christopher Walken. Admittedly, Nikki Blonsky is just mediocre as Tracy as well as Zac Efron as Tracy’s love interest while John Travolta, dressed in drag and an uncomfortable fat suit, takes a while getting used to. Watch out for some hilarious cameos from the 1988 version, including John Waters himself. Director Adam Shankman moves the plot along at a fast pace and includes some of the songs and dances from the original film as well as some exciting new ones. It’s also worth mentioning the amazing costume designs and, of course, the hair/make-up designs which adds plenty of pizzazz. At a running time of 107 minutes, Hairspray doesn’t have a single dull moment.

SPIRITUAL VALUE: None is required or desired.

INSULT TO YOUR INTELLIGENCE: None.

NUMBER OF TIMES I CHECKED MY WATCH: 0

IN A NUTSHELL: Delightful and a whole lotta fun with a lively, charismatic ensemble cast.

RECOMMENDED WAY TO WATCH: Movie Theater


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