Review of Hairspray (2007) by Matt M — 30 Mar 2013

This modernisation and commercialisation of the original 1988 Roger Waters is, as one would expect, annoyingly unbearable. What is strange is that John Waters was actively involved in the production. The story is set in a 60s television show idolised by teens, and brushes on subjects like racial conflict and the same be yourself crap that you get out of all musicals nowadays.

Everything is obnoxiously hyperactive and none of the elements are particularly appealing to the wider audience; the idea of putting Travolta in a fat woman suit just sums up how uncomfortable the whole thing feels.

However, there is something slightly appealing about the whole colourful production, and sone great support turns by Michelle Pfeiffer and Christopher Walken.