MOVIE REVIEW: Hairspray

07/19/07

Full of energy, humor and music comes Hairspray, based on the 1988 Broadway screenplay. This reinvention of Hairspray by New Line Cinema is as big as its characters. Nikki Blonsky makes her debut as Tracy Turnblad, whose talent and charisma are incredibly unique. There is no doubt that a star is born. This star wasn’t the only one shining. John Travolta as Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother, is the greatest performance of his long career, taking into consideration that it was a big challenge for Travolta, who had to think of starring in this role for about a year before taking the part. His performance as an older loving and over protective mother was so amazing that it is easy to forget that behind the costume, makeup and mannerisms there is man. The chemistry and connection between these two actors as mother and daughter was so intense, real and sensitive that it touches many hearts.

The first and foremost element of this film is the music. Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award winner Scott Wittman and Marc Shaiman created brand new songs especially for this film adaptation. The lyrics and music keep you moving in your chair and wanting to get up and dance from beginning to end. However, it is the voice of Nikki Blonsky and Christopher Walken, as Wilbur, which help Travolta keep his lows in gear during their duets. In addition, Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle, continue to impress her fans with her outstanding voice and one of a kind performance. As the cast dances away, the dresses, makeup and hairstyle, true of the 1960’s, highlight the scenes with much color and style. There is no doubt that the fun and energy of Broadway have been translated to this new reinvention of Hairspray. Just as Tracy is a big girl, with a big heart, and even bigger dreams, this movie is big winner.

Review By Jen
jen@smartcine.com

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People Movie Review Hairspray

H.M.S.	70
I saw this movie yesterday at a special viewing with my teenage daughter. The movie was a lot of fun to watch but you must be a fan of musicals. My daughter enjoyed it tremendously and there were chuckles throughout the approx. 2 hour length. I though they did an amazing job on John Travolta's make up and Michelle Pfeiffer's role was acted especially well.

Michael C.

Having been a huge fan of the Broadway adaptation of Water's 1988 film "Hairspray", and also having suffered through the recent cinematic "treatment" of Mel Brooks, "The Producers", I decided to go into the newly released film version of "Hairspray" the musical with dubious discernment to say the least. Thank God I did. I did not leave hating the film. I left entertained. But I must go back to my earlier assertion that I am a FAN of the Broadway musical and as such, I would like to sit with the geniuses who decided to edit some of the musical numbers, deletez some of the musical numbers and in the most glaring "WTF" moment, decided to completely ALTER the impact of Tracy Turnblad's committment to racial integration.
FIrst of all, the casting in the film was well done. I often wondered why such roles are not just HANDED to those who created them on Broadway (especially the chorus kids) but I digress...Travolta, Blonsky and company were all wonderful. Travolta (which was the role I was most concerned about going into the film) actually brought an interesting sense of pathos to the character and there was much I enjoyed in his performance. Here are the elements that baffled me:

1. Where the hell was "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now"?? This was one of the
best songs in the show.
2. WHY was Velma Von Tussles (Michelle Pfeiffer) role beefed up so
much?
3. WHY was "Big Blonde and Beautiful" used as an introduction of the
MotorMouth Maybelle (Queen Latifah) character rather than what it was
intended to be....a convincing of Edna to JOIN THE ANTI-SEGREGATION
MARCH>
4. WHY as the cops descended upon the protest marchers did Tracy RUN
AWAY????
5. WHY if his daughter was not arrested after all, would WIlber
Turnblad motgage his business and home to bail out all 200 of those arrested
if his wife and daughter were not even there?
6. WHY was the "I Know Where I've Been" number used as a "let's walk
through the streets" ballad rather than placed where it SHOULD HAVE BEEN
...used for the purpose of a mother bonding with her children over the
inevitable pressures and predjudices that they will endure as she has
seen it over the years?
7.WHY was it necessary to have Velma attempt to SEDUCE WILBER? And
then on top of that...to have to use the lovely, toe-tapping number
"You're Timeless to Me" (heretofore used as a declaration of love between
Edna and WIlber) now used as an "I'm Sorry" lament??

Doug	90
Great entertainment a joy to see.movie for all to see. don't miss it on a scale 1-10 its a 9.

Janine	100
I saw Hairspray yesterday & it was AH-MAZ-ING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! It is a must see. No doubt bout that. Everyone should go and see this movie!!!!

J.P.D.	90
Totally enjoyable. The music keeps on coming, right through the credits. I enjoyed almost every moment. Nothing wrong with feeling happy, is there?

Laura	100
I saw this movie yesterday, and it was by far the best movie I've seen all year. It wasn't just a musical, it had a good story line about it too. It was one of those feel-good movies, with a bit of comedy thrown in with the whole John Travolta bit. I definitely reccomd that people go see this movie.

Jane Allen	90
Great uplifting movie. Entire cast was excellent especially the Edna role played by John Travolta. Excellent musical numbers. Made me want to see it on Broadway. I definitely recommend it. A hugh improvement on the current movies that are out there.

Megan	100
I love zac Efron of course and his hair is adorable in this one. anyways overall i thought the movie was awesome and the music is so enjoyable! Meg.

Cara	100
the film was top!! every one should watch it really good film I felt like jumping up and dancing my self and singing zac efron top actor

Ross	100
Thought it would be another chick flick. To my surprise I really loved this movie. I'm a hugh fan of musicals, and I particulary enjoyed the soundtract. I would definately recommend it!!!

JoAnn	100
Best movie I have seen in a long time. I have been 3 times!! I had a smile on my face and a tapping foot the entire time. Ran right out and bought the soundtrack, it is great. Oh, and did I mention, Link is adorable. I want to be 18 years old again. Don't miss this one, it is just plain fun.

Ner	100
First of all... my mom told me to see this movie ... and I said: Hairspray!!??? are you kidding me? I don't know how I decide to see it buttttttttttt it was awesome!!! the music, dancers etc.... every character were amazinggggg....

Moe	90
It was Fabulous i own the dvd and i have seen it so many times i give it a 4 and half stars out of 5. some parts i don't like as much but overall it was GREAT! I deffinatly recomend seeing it

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Director: Adam Shankman

Writer: Leslie Dixon

Thomas Meehan

Mark O'Donnell

Genre: Comedy Musical

Duration: 1hr 55mins

Staring: John Travolta

Michelle Pfeiffer

Christopher Walken

Amanda Bynes

James Marsden

Queen Latifah

Producer: Neil Meron

Craig Zadan

Distributor: NEW LINE CINEMA

Rating: PG

Release Date: July 20, 2007

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