HAIRSPRAY
A film review by Steve Rhodes
Copyright 2007 Steve Rhodes
RATING (0 TO ****): *** 1/2
Wow, musicals sure can be a lot of fun. Okay, so our last trip to the
musicals, the dismal DREAMGIRLS, was anything but enjoyable, as the songs
were more like loud screaming than actual singing. HAIRSPRAY, on the other
hand, is more like CHICAGO, another wonderful musical.
A remake of John Waters's 1988 film of the same name, HAIRSPRAY is also a
Tony-winning Broadway musical. Most people who speak of this remake will
probably start off by saying it stars John Travolta in drag in a fat suit,
which it does, but to even talk about the movie that way diminishes its
sweetness. It is such a delight and is much more than just one actor's
stunt. Sure, Travolta is good and convincing, but the real stars of the
show are the other actors, most especially newcomer Nikki Blonsky as Tracy
Turnblad.
Tracy is short and fat and sings like an angel. Her hair gets her into
trouble, including a detention for "inappropriate hair height," since it's
so high that the boy behind her in class can't see the blackboard. The
story concerns her desire to be on "The Corny Collins Show." Set in
Baltimore in 1962, the TV show in question is a clone of "American
Bandstand" and is based on a real-life show like it that Waters was on when
he was a kid growing up in Baltimore.
Physically towering over everyone in the cast, Amanda Bynes (SHE'S THE MAN)
plays Penny Pingleton, Tracy's best friend. Bynes, in pigtails, steals many
a scene with some terrific eye work. She is given some lines to speak, but
her character is mainly there for some delicious reaction shots.
The songs are great, as are the many dance numbers. My favorite was one of
the simplest as Tracy's mom (Travolta) and dad (Christopher Walken) danced a
series of whimsical numbers under the family's clothesline in their
backyard.
One of the story's many subplots concerns Northern racism. The local
television station where the "The Corny Collins Show" plays is managed by
Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer). She runs a strict ship, which allows
only sporadic "Negro Days" on the show. Most of the time, the kids on the
show are all white.
Another subplot is about the upcoming crowning of the annual "Miss Teenage
Hairspray." Mrs. von Tussle assumes that her daughter Amber (Brittany Snow)
will win it again this year, but Tracy would appear to be a strong contender
to upset the reigning champ. With blonde Amber's popularity and friends and
with Mrs. von Tussle's control of the cameraman, surely Amber will win
again. Or, maybe not. One thing is certain; you'll feel like a winner for
having purchased a ticket to this little charmer of a production.
HAIRSPRAY runs 1:47. It is rated PG for "language, some suggestive content
and momentary teen smoking" and would be acceptable for kids around 9 and
up.
The film opens nationwide in the United States on Friday, July 20, 2007. In
the Silicon Valley, it will be showing at the AMC theaters, the Century
theaters and the Camera Cinemas.
Web:
http://www.InternetReviews.com
Email: Steve.Rhodes.RemoveThis@InternetReviews.com
***********************************************************************
Want free reviews and weekly movie and video recommendations via Email?
Just send me a letter with the word "subscribe" in the subject line.
Movies