Monday, July 28, 2008

Hairspray (4½ Stars)

In Baltimore, 1962, Tracy Turnblad A short and plump high-school girl who dreams of being a dancer on a popular song and dance show, the Corny Collins show, gets her chance when another dancer on the show rather indiscreet 9-month leave of absence. But when her dream comes true, she realizes that it’s about more than just her chance, and she joins in a revolution to get white people and black people dancing together on television.

To be honest, I haven’t seen the original 1988 version, but I was quite impressed by this one, particularly by the performance of Nikki Blonsky as the adorable, plump, and ever-positive star of the film. She seems to have literally come out of nowhere, to star in her first film, and a musical at that, and wow, can she ever dance! Christopher Walken as the practical-joker-dad, and John Travolta as the shy and reclusive mom are also very entertaining, and Elijah Kelley had some pretty sweet moves. And of course, Michelle Pfeiffer was excellent as the despicable, racist, will-do-anything-to-win villain. The songs are clever, and humorous, and the dance numbers are really well choreographed and rehearsed.

I would recommend this to everyone, but especially to overweight girls who feel inferior to all the twiggy Barbie-doll clones out there. This might inspire you. Come and see Nikki Blonsky and Queen Latifah blow those skinny bitches out of the water. Brilliant musical – 4½ Stars

No comments: