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A movie, a musical, an aerosol glue you spray in your hair . . . Hairspray.
Hairspray is a remake of the 1988 movie, but with a whole lot more dancing and singing. This version is all musical, much like the Broadway play which started running in 2002. In a brilliant move, John Travolta was cast to play the main character's...mother! Yes, Mr. Travolta plays a woman. The lead role is played by newcomer Nikki Blansky who's obsessed with dancing on the Corney Collin's TV show. Set in the early 60's, the movie takes on the serious topics of racial prejudice and prejudice against overweight people. It’s all done in a lighthearted and entertaining way. The cast is full of big names like Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow and Queen Latifa. All dance and sing their way into the hearts of the fans of this centuries Hairspray.
As far as movies turned musicals turned movie musicals go, Hairspray is pretty good. The movie pokes fun at how ridiculously stupid we were in the 1960’s with a nice story and superb singing and dancing. The movie’s strength, though, is its interesting and entertaining characters, made wonderful by extraordinary casting. John Travolta is engaging, even as a woman. And, Michelle Pfeiffer is extraordinary. And, yet, both are out-performed by newcomer Nikki Blonsky who perfectly portrays the main character, making the film a better and more enjoyable version of the original. |
