Hairspray (2007) Review
4/4 Stars
Rockin' Musical With Important Messages
There are some musicals that work. Not all of them though. It's tough job making them because they have to apply to all ages. Well, Hairspray is for absolutely anyone, and then to add in an anti-racism message? Those two combined aren't very common. Yet this movie defies all the odds. The truth is, if you don't like this movie, it's just because you don't like musicals. That should be the only reason.
So this story is set in the 1960's in Baltimore. Back in a time when obviously colored people were free, but not really. They were still being constantly being segregated in schools and public places. However in Tracey Turnvlad's (Nicki Blonksi) eyes, that is wrong. Tracey though is overweight and is basically treated like colored people. Then one day Tracey notices a member from her favorite dance show is dropping out (only for nine months :D) and auditions are available for the spot. Her mother Edna (John Travolta) doesn't want her girl to get hurt because of her size, so she discourages her from it. Her dad Wilbur (Christopher Walken) though, he says she can do anything she sets her mind to. So, auditions come around and she and her best friend Penny (Amanda Bynes) skip class to go. They are surprised though to find the lady who auditions them, Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer) is the mother of one of the dancers, Amber (Brittany Snow), on the show. On top of that, she is very racist. But lo and behold, Tracey is the best dancer regardless of her size, and is chosen (which is unfortunate in Velma's eyes). So as the story goes on, Tracey meets many colored people and decides it's to take a stand. It's up to her and her friends to finally make a difference in their town and hopefully the world will follow.
Now, I’m not a huge fan of musicals, however these songs are so infections and awesome that it's impossible not to get up and dance or at least tap your feet to the beat. And also, I would like to give a shout out to newcomer and lead character (Nicki Blonski) for an amazing first performance and also the great John Travolta for taking on Tracey's mother. I'm not sure if this started out as joke or what but however it started, John put 100% into his role and scarily looks like a real woman. So, if you've never seen this movie before, rent it, (or buy it cause you'll probably love it plus it never gets old) and lay back and get ready to enjoy an uplifting and funny musical with a BIG message.