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What it’s about:
The 1960s: a time of big change, big dreams and big hair. Tracy Turnblad, a spunky plump teenager, has always dreamed of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show", and after humiliating auditions she finally lands a spot on the hottest television show in Baltimore. But it's only a matter of time before her "liberal" style of dancing, extra large dress size and open-minded personality alarm conservative network execs.
But Tracy has bigger issues troubling her. In a volatile time of racial inequality, the outspoken teenager finds herself fighting segregation and advocating integration. Can one teenager really change the course of history through music and dance?
What we thought of it:
For a feature film that has generated as much pre-release publicity as this musical has, Hairspray gets off to a rather sluggish start. The opening sequence is a bit disappointing, especially if producers were hoping to kick the movie off with a larger-than-life intro.
However, don't judge a book or its leading actress by its cover. The catchy music and infectious dancing will soon have you bobbing your head and tapping your toes. If not, the dialogue will at times make you laugh out loud. In the myth of the 60s, you can always find a carefree pick-me-up – if you can overlook the racial tension and conflict.
So this tricky subject rescues Hairspray from evolving into yet another trivial musical about bright, shiny teenagers dancing away their carefree lives and juvenile crises on television. The story line gets in touch with the racial turmoil of the time and reminds us that while it's all good and well to kick up your heels and break out in song, there also comes a time when one needs to dig in your heels and stand your ground.
Despite the hardship of the uequal times, the black kids always seem to be having so much more fun than their white peers. Whether they’re in detention or at Ms Motor Mouth's record store – look out for a highly enjoyable scene that could put even Dirty Dancing to shame.
John Travolta blossoms into a quite convincing woman as Tracy’s mother, Edna, and proves he still has what it takes to pull off fancy footwork – even in a fat suit. But it's a pity he only breaks out of the self-contained shell and explodes on screen in the final scene of the movie.
Christopher Walken's comic genius should never be doubted. He delivers a perfect balance of wit, charm and suave bravado, while Queen Latifah puts on yet another sterling performance to rival her role in Chicago. Michelle Pfeiffer also brings her talents to the party; it’s just a pity that age is finally starting to catch up with her.
But it's Nikki Blonsky that'll have you wondering where this talented young lady has been hiding all this time? Although she’s no Jennifer Hudson, Blonksy has great potential. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds for this bright young star.
Although a few bloopers were painfully visible (tissues and hair falling out of place, steps out of time and Travolta's ankle buckling on high heels), the story is so darling all is forgiven by the next song and dance.
Musicals might not be everybody's cup of tea, but Hairspray is a delight to watch. Everybody has to see it, at least once.
- Megan Kakora
The 1960s: a time of big change, big dreams and big hair. Tracy Turnblad, a spunky plump teenager, has always dreamed of dancing on "The Corny Collins Show", and after humiliating auditions she finally lands a spot on the hottest television show in Baltimore. But it's only a matter of time before her "liberal" style of dancing, extra large dress size and open-minded personality alarm conservative network execs.
But Tracy has bigger issues troubling her. In a volatile time of racial inequality, the outspoken teenager finds herself fighting segregation and advocating integration. Can one teenager really change the course of history through music and dance?
What we thought of it:
For a feature film that has generated as much pre-release publicity as this musical has, Hairspray gets off to a rather sluggish start. The opening sequence is a bit disappointing, especially if producers were hoping to kick the movie off with a larger-than-life intro.
However, don't judge a book or its leading actress by its cover. The catchy music and infectious dancing will soon have you bobbing your head and tapping your toes. If not, the dialogue will at times make you laugh out loud. In the myth of the 60s, you can always find a carefree pick-me-up – if you can overlook the racial tension and conflict.
So this tricky subject rescues Hairspray from evolving into yet another trivial musical about bright, shiny teenagers dancing away their carefree lives and juvenile crises on television. The story line gets in touch with the racial turmoil of the time and reminds us that while it's all good and well to kick up your heels and break out in song, there also comes a time when one needs to dig in your heels and stand your ground.
Despite the hardship of the uequal times, the black kids always seem to be having so much more fun than their white peers. Whether they’re in detention or at Ms Motor Mouth's record store – look out for a highly enjoyable scene that could put even Dirty Dancing to shame.
John Travolta blossoms into a quite convincing woman as Tracy’s mother, Edna, and proves he still has what it takes to pull off fancy footwork – even in a fat suit. But it's a pity he only breaks out of the self-contained shell and explodes on screen in the final scene of the movie.
Christopher Walken's comic genius should never be doubted. He delivers a perfect balance of wit, charm and suave bravado, while Queen Latifah puts on yet another sterling performance to rival her role in Chicago. Michelle Pfeiffer also brings her talents to the party; it’s just a pity that age is finally starting to catch up with her.
But it's Nikki Blonsky that'll have you wondering where this talented young lady has been hiding all this time? Although she’s no Jennifer Hudson, Blonksy has great potential. We'll have to wait and see what the future holds for this bright young star.
Although a few bloopers were painfully visible (tissues and hair falling out of place, steps out of time and Travolta's ankle buckling on high heels), the story is so darling all is forgiven by the next song and dance.
Musicals might not be everybody's cup of tea, but Hairspray is a delight to watch. Everybody has to see it, at least once.
- Megan Kakora
