Hairspray Review
by Sean Lynch
|
Admittedly, I had this little puppy reviewed in my head
before I'd even stepped into the cinema. It went something along the
lines of: "Not for me, but it's something my sisters would love - and
would happily fork out the dosh for the accompanying CD and DVD".
How wrong I was...
Hairspray is, without question, the single most enjoyable flick of 2007.
From the opening frame and the opening beat, Hairspray and it's kitsch 1950's flair will keep your toes tapping for the entire running time.
Based
on the 2002 Broadway musical, which was previously based on the 1988
film (starring former talk show host Rikki Lake - who makes a surprise
"Blink
& You'll Miss It" cameo in this updated version), Hairspray follows
over-sized dreamer Tracy Turnblad (the fabulous Nikki Blonsky) as she
pursues her
dream of becoming a dancer on 'The Corny Collins Show'.
Ignoring
those who question her rather large behind (in particular the
saucy Stage Mother/Studio Executive, played by Michelle Pfeiffer)
Tracy goes on to become an instant phenomenon - and along the way
she finds love, while becoming a civil rights activist and even a fugitive.
There
is a lot like about this flick, which is strange considering
it's director was the same fellow behind the throw away hits Cheaper By The Dozen 2 and Bringing Down The House.
Everything from the songs, to the cast, to the deliciously camp overall
look of the film seems to work and kick into play at all the right
moments.
John Travolta (who plays Tracy's middle aged, overweight mother) delivers some big laughs and an impressive performance,
as does his on screen husband (it sounds kind of wrong doesn't it?),
the superb Christopher Walken. The chemistry on screen between these two is
superb, with both veteran screen actors bringing a great deal of humour
and heart to the film.
It's actually difficult to find a weak
point in Hairspray, which is strange considering I went into the flick ready to
shred it to bits. It's just such an easily consumable bit of Popcorn
fun. Zac Efron will keep the teen girls in check, while James Marsden
(normally restricted to a few lines and a series of facial movements in
X-Men) truly impresses. And Amanda Bynes is pretty easy on the eye as well. All told, Hairspray has a fine cast who do the production proud.
Do
yourself a favour, get your girlfriend, boyfriend, wife, husband,
gigolo or mistress - stack up on candy bar snacks - and get yourselves
tickets to Hairspray. Not only will you win some browny points for seeing a chick flick, but you'll enjoy it yourself.
Just don't tell my girlfriend I told you that... 5 out
of 5 Hairspray
Australian
release: 13th September,
2007
Cast: John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Amanda Byrnes, Nicole Blonsky, Zac Efron
Director: Adam Shankman
Website: Click
here.
| 
