Review of Hairspray (2007) by Johnm — 18 Jul 2007

I went to the premiere in Hollywood the other night and I loved the movie. A couple of notes: - Travolta was pretty funny. I was all set to hate him, but somehow I didn't. - Michelle Pfeiffer was great as the evil Velma Von Tussle - her evil looks were quite camp.

..clearly she's not the strongest singer in the cast, but her numbers were fune and she hystericaly bitchy. - Nikki Blonsky was wonderful as Tracy Turnblad - she's so exuberant and full of fun.

- Queen Latifah was okay...great voice, but played it too much like a NAACP psa - Zak Efron - yawn...CUTE...yawn...but he really shines when he can sing and dance. - The real breakout performance was Elijah Kelley who plays Seaweed.

This kid can dance and sing like nobody's business and again, brought a real sense of exuberance and life to what has always been just a supporting part. Here's the thing - the movie is interesting because it is a movie inspired by a broadway musical which was inspired by a cult movie.

If you don't like musicals, don't see it. If you want a sweet, funny couple of hours then see it. But don't expect a remake of the original....nothing could be further from the reality.

..and what's more, it doesn't try to be. In fact, John Water's advice to Adam Shankman (the director) was not to try to remake his movie or the show..but rather to find his own voice. And honestly, while it isn't the original or the broadway version, it succeeds in its own way.

I can see how we could all go in with a lot of preconceived notions and while I respect your opinion, I have to say the movie was a lot of fun and I highly recommend it as a fun time at the movies.