Tracy Turnblad, this is the toe-tappinest social commentary ever
comedy fan, a woman, into movies that tell a great story, Lover of quirky, unique films, DVD collector
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NOV
24
2007
Hairspray —
A musical with a moral. It's 1962 Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad (Nicki Blonsky) is an unpopular, overweight high school student with a dream: to be one of the teen dancers on the Corny Collins (James Marsden) show.Initially turned away because of her appearance, she still perseveres. With the help of new friends Seaweed (Elijah Kelly) and the other teens who only dance on "Negro Day," learns some new moves that land her a spot on the dance show.
That's not enough for Tracy, though. When she learns that "Negro Day" has been canceled, she encourages a protest to allow her friends to dance with the white kids. Behind the scenes, Corny has been pushing for integration, too. The idea infuriates Velma von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer), the station manager and mother of the show's star dancer (Brittany Snow), and Mrs. Pingleton (the woefully underused Allison Janney), mother of Penny (Amanda Bynes), Tracy's best friend.
Tracy's mother, Edna (played in drag by John Travolta), is against the whole thing, not out of overt or covert racism, but because she doesn't want to see her daughter hurt and rejected because of her weight. Edna is grossly obese and hasn't left her own home in 11 years out of shame.
Queen Latifah once again plays a classy woman being kept out, but not down, by society. As Seaweed's mother, Motormouth Maybelle, she understands the struggle that comes from bucking the system and shows quiet pride in those who make a stand.
The dance sequences and songs really make the movie, notably newcomer Blonsky and old hand Travolta, who plays Edna with surprising effectiveness.
The characters are written rather simplistically: The good guys are bright, upbeat and positive. The baddies are unthreatening and one-note. But all in all, the movie comes across with a positive message and a toe-tapping beat.
Hairspray is recommended by boliyou
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