Review of Hairspray (2007) by Billys — 19 Jul 2007

I gotta admit I went into this movie expecting to hate it. I love the John Waters original with Divine and I was ready to rip apart another big Hollywood commercialization of a great cult movie with the big old gimmick of casting John Travolta as Edna.

Well, I've gotta suck it up and admit it. Hairspray is one great entertaining movie. When I saw Mr. Waters in a cameo 5 minutes into the film, I figured he must have at least, given the makers his blessing.

The thing is, the movie is infectious and grows on you as you watch it. You never really believe Travolta is a woman, but the character somehow grabs you in a great big bear hug and never stops squeezing.

Travolta could be looking at a Supporting actor Oscar nomination. Nikki Blonsky makes an impressive debut though not as scene stealing as Jennifer Hudson in last years Dreamgirls. The supporting cast are all very good, especially Allison Janney who practically steals the movie in one knee dropping hysterical scene.

The credits are all top notch with the music complimenting the socially aware story with cheery foot tapping lyrics and even a gospel style anthem sung by Queen Latifah that reminds you of the serious subject.