‘Hairspray’
Now it is time to talk about the movie that seems to be getting alot of hype. That could be because many actors that we know and love such as, Michelle Pfieffer, John Travolta, Quen Latifah, and many others are starring in this musical comedy. However, there is also someone new coming to the big screen and people are wondering if she’ll make it big or fall flat.
In case you’re keeping track, Hairspray has traveled the same production path as The Producers. First, it was a movie, then a Broadway musical, and then, a movie musical. The difference? Hairspray gets it right. High schooler Tracy has gotta sing, gotta dance and every day watches The Corny Collins Show, Baltimore’s hottest TV dance party. Though not as traditionally pretty as the other teens, she impresses the host with her hipster moves and scores a spot on the show.
Tracy Turnblad becomes an on-air sensation and wins the affection of heartthrob Link Larkin (Zac Efron from High School Musical). That ticks off dance diva Amber Von Tussel (Brittany Snow) and her scheming mother, Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer), so get ready for a cat fight. Okay, it’s more of a dance-off. Then Tracy becomes involved in a more significant battle, one for racial integration. While leading a protest march, along with classmate Seaweed J. Stubbs (Elijah Kelley) and Motormouth Maybelle (Queen Latifah), she’s slapped with an arrest warrant. How will she dance her way out of this one?
Energetically directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman, fizzy Hairspray features one applaudable number after another, as well as a high-kicking cast. Norbit-sized Travolta has sweet and funny moments, especially with hubby Wilbur Turnblad (Christopher Walken). The Queen does some regal belting, while Kelley, an amazing performer, tears it up in his featured songs.
But a major weight falls on newcomer Blonsky, and the sunny, spunky, comfortably zaftig actress (like Dreamgirl Jennifer Hudson before her) capably carries the show. I guess we can expect great things from this brilliant new comer.