Hairspray Review

I was a bit surprised at how much I enjoyed Hairspray We first saw it at the theater and then bought it when it came out on DVD.

Hairspray is a story about Tracy, (Nikki Blonsky) a pudgy teenage girl who dreams of two things: being a dancer on the The Corny Collins Show (think American Bandstand) and the girlfriend of her popular schoolmate, Link (Zac Efron), who is already on the show. Tracy and her best friend, Penny (Amanda Bynes), hurry home everyday after school to catch the show. When one of the regulars unexpectedly takes a break (for 9 months LOL) Tracy sees her chance to get on the show. Of course it isn't that easy but, it is when the fun starts!

Hairspray is set in 1962, not only follows Tracy as she becomes an unlikely star but also an wide-eyed force for racial integration. In addressing the social unrest of that time, the movie does so in a PG way that still makes a clear racism is bad message.

It is a musical, and there are plenty of fun, memorable songs to make a best selling, fun soundtrack.

Cast and Crew:
Nicole Blonsky -- Tracy Turnblad
Amanda Bynes -- Penny Pingleton
Zac Efron -- Link Larkin
Allison Janney -- Prudy Pingleton
Elijah Kelley -- Seaweed
Queen Latifah -- Motormouth Maybelle
James Marsden -- Corny Collins
Taylor Parks -- Little Inez
Michelle Pfeiffer -- Velma Von Tussle
Jerry Stiller -- Mr. Pinky
John Travolta -- Edna Turnblad
Christopher Walken -- Wilbur Turnblad

Director: Adam Shankman
Producers: Craig Zadan and Neil Meron
Rating: PG