After one hour and 47 minutes of the candy-colored, fluffy spectacle that is “Hairspray,” viewers leave with two things: a permanent grin, and maybe some new thoughts about discrimination. Bursting with pep, talent and eye candy, “Hairspray” is everything a movie musical should be. It entertains as well as teaches an age-old lesson – don’t judge a book by its cover. The third incarnation of “Hairspray” – after the 1988 John Waters film and the 2002 Broadway adaptation – tells the story of Tracy Turnblad (ebullient newcomer Nikki Blonsky), a teenager growing up in 1960s Baltimore. Accompanied by faithful sidekick Penny Pingleton (Amanda Bynes), Tracy aspires to nothing else but to be a dancer on American Bandstand-style The Corny Collins Show. Her dreams of stardom are hampered by her short and stout appearance, as well as by her mother Edna (John Travolta), who has not left their home in over 10 years.
The Corny Collins Show, like most of America in the 1960s, is rife with prejudice, and not just towards the heavyset. The cast of young dancers is purposely all white, except for once a month on a designated “Negro Day.” The all-black dancers on “Negro Day,” led by Motormouth Maybel (a showstopping Queen Latifah), fight for their right to dance on television, with forward-thinking Tracy by their side.
What truly makes “Hairspray” so much fun is the cast. Above all, Travolta pleasantly surprises as Edna. He approaches the role as a character study, perfecting a Baltimore accent and motherly mannerisms to the point where he’s simply adorable to watch, especially as Edna gains confidence and strength throughout the film.
Also appearing quite bony is Michelle Pfeiffer, fabulously evil as Velma Von Tussle, the crooked station manager in charge of The Corny Collins Show. Her waiflike appearance combined with pulled-back skin and designer apparel makes her instantly hateable, especially as she uses any means necessary to sabotage Tracy.Young Hollywood talent also dazzles in “Hairspray.” Standouts include Elijah Kelley as Penny’s love interest Seaweed, who steals the show during his upbeat rendition of “Run and Tell That,” and Blonsky, whose inspirational story – she was discovered while working at a Coldstone Creamery – is eclipsed by her talent and likability.
“Hairspray” is truly everything a movie musical should be. Without ever getting too depressing, the film imparts a serious message against racism (especially during the moving “I Know Where I’ve Been”) and discrimination of physical appearance. Up-and-coming stars mingle with established pros to produce what is truly one of the happiest movies of the year.
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