Hairspray is adapted from the Broadway musical of the same title (also adapted from the 1988 comedy film by John Waters). It takes place in `60s
Hairspray gathers a perfect set of cast. Nikki Blonsky is amazing as the main character. The she appeared on the screen, singing “Good Morning Baltimore,” she’s not Nikki Blonsky anymore but Tracy Turnblad. She did her role very well. Her character’s optimism is infectious, although later in the film, she also realizes that no matter how she believes in the innate goodness of people, her belief that “fairness is just gonna happen” has to take a step back.
As the shy best friend, Amanda Bynes, despite her few lines, faultlessly played the role. She may be unsure most of the time, but she remains supportive to
John Travolta is back and dancing again! Although this time in a fat suit and high heels! He plays
Michelle Pfeiffer’s performance is wicked; a real stage mother in the truest sense of the word. She’s prepared to manipulate everyone and will do anything (even cheat) just to make sure her only daughter will not be outshined by anyone.
Queen Latifah’s Motomouth Maybelle, a local R&B deejay who hosts the Negro Day on Corny Collins Show, is simply vivacious. Enough said.
Relatively unknown actors that steal the screen without effort are Elijah Kelley (plays the role of Seaweed, Maybelle’s son and Penny’s love interest) and Taylor Parks (as the energetic Little Inez, Seaweed’s sister).
Hairspray is full of joy that you’ll rarely notice slow-paced moments. It’s unpretentious, a candy-colored celebration of outcasts. It’s a must-see film with great singing, great dancing and lots of great time!
Hairspray is directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman; written by Leslie Dixon; music by Mark Shaiman, lyrics by Scott Wittman and Mark Shaiman. It stars John Travolta (Edna Turnblad), Christopher Walken (Wilbur Turnblad), Michelle Pfeiffer (Velma Von Tussle), James Marsden (Corny Collins), Amanda Bynes (Penny Pingleton), Queen Latifah (Motormouth Maybelle), Zac Efron (Link Larkin), Brittany Snow (Amanda Von Tussle), Elijah Kelley (Seaweed), Taylor Parks (Little Inez), and Nikki Blonsky (Tracy Turnblad).