Hairspray

I'm not normally one to do book or movie reviews, though I always appreciate reading them, but I couldn't help but take a few minutes and share my thoughts on the movie Hairspray. I'll say right off I didn't expect much from this show. I mean, come on, John Travolta not only in drag but in a fat suit? It just didn't click for me. I went to the theatre on the spur of the moment one evening hoping to see something cool like The Bourne Ultimatum. Unfortunately it hadn't been released yet so I picked the only show that wouldn't keep me cooling my heels for an hour and it was a tough choice between two movies I'd already seen and Hairspray.

I must admit I was very pleasantly surprised. The premise is a young, weight-challenged girl who is head over heels for one of the stars of a local song and dance show. She has the opportunity to audition for the Corny Collins Show, and makes an impression, both good and bad depending on who you're talking to. I don't want to ruin it for anybody who hasn't seen it, but newcomer Nicki Blonsky did an amazing job as Tracy Turnblad, in my opinion. There were a lot of familiar faces and I was surprised to learn that they could actually sing. Amanda Bynes (She's the man) as the sweet and airheaded best friend, James Marsden (The X-Men as Cyclops) as show host Corny Collins, Michelle Pfifer as the wicked studio manager, and many, many more.

As far as family appropriateness goes, it's rated PG for some small language, a little inappropriateness, and a short teen smoking sequence, but for me at least, they were small enough as to go mostly unnoticed.

I've got to admit in the end I love, love, LOVE this movie. It's slightly cheesy, but then so am I, and the music keeps your toes tapping from start to finish. I'm not one who will pay full price to see a movie multiple times but I've seen this three times already and plan to go with a friend for a fourth next week.

All in all, I'd highly recommend it. It's a movie that shows characters trying to overcome prejudice, not only with the color of skin but also with size discrimination, something that is still prevalent in our society today. It actually has a message and moral to the story that is quite obvious by the time you reach the end.

So go see it, and if you want a movie partner, call me up. I'm certainly willing to go again.