Dir. Adam Shankman, US, 2007, 116 mins
Cast: John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Zac Efron, Amanda Bynes, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken, James Marsdeni
Review by Michelle Moore
Big hair is back with a vengeance this summer. Based on the 1988 John Walters’ cult classic and the Broadway hit musical, Hairspray has all the makings of a masterpiece. When Tracy Turnbland (Blonsky) auditions to appear on the ‘Corny Collins Show’, a television 'dance party', despite her plus size figure her passion for dance set her free. Through life experiences, and those on the show, she begins to realise there are others in town that are also treated differently as they are not of the norm. Together with her best friend Penny (Bynes), dance diva Maybelle (Latifah), her son Seaweed (Kelley), and the shows heart-throb Link Larkin (Efron), Tracy is about to open the eyes of the world to racial inequality, larger ladies on television and a new way of thinking - and dancing.
Cast your mind back to the 1988 version of this film. The cast were all fairly unknown young film actors, and this way of casting seems to have worked perfectly here too, with the inclusion of some familiar, yet not so recognisable faces. Efron, star of High School Musical, is able to yet again prove he can sing, dance and act, Marsden shocks the crowd with his amazing set of lungs, and there are no words eligible to describe the impact the voice of newcomer Blonsky will have on you. She is an amazing actress and has the voice of an angel. Then, there is the talent of Travolta and Pfeiffer, who we knew –if you saw the both the Grease movies – could sing and act and this flick proves they still have what it takes. Look out also for a surprising cameo from John Walters.
This film is amazing from the opening shots and the sound of Blonsky singing ‘Baltimore’ right through to the end credits. The sets look terrific, and are beautifully put together on screen. The musical sections look like they are in one constant shot, rather than cut scenes. The ending to this flick is heart-warmingly moving, and breathtakingly stunning in all aspects. It is truly magical and inspirational.
This film is guaranteed to shoot these young stars to superstardom, while being able to relight the careers of Travolta and Pfeiffer. It appeals to everyone; teenagers, fans of the original or musical fanatics. With big hair comes big dreams, but Tracy is able to prove that someday dreams do come true, no matter how big they are.
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