Now that she is on the show, Tracy finds herself at the heart of the integration movement, beginning with the whitewashed dance show. Like I said, it does not offer anything new by way of the story, the fight for civil rights, the desire to dance, the need to be accepted for who you are, but it has so much energy. Hairspray is so bright, innocent, and happy, that it is nearly impossible not to get sucked in. Even if you recognize the story, where it is going, and how it will end, you will still float along as if it was the first time that you'd seen it.
In essence, the movie is pure pop. Musicals are not known for their basis in the real world, they are true fantasies. How else would you be able to explain why everyone knows the words and the dance moves? Well, they don't actually, but no matter. It is merely a conceit that you have to accept if you expect to get any enjoyment out of the genre. With that out of the way, you need to take a look at the songs contained within, and the songs here are fun. Many of them are big showstopping numbers that worm their way into your head and transport you to another, more innocent time. The music and delivery perfectly evokes a '60s fantasy world, an innocent time seen through innocent eyes with a desire to do what is right, a desire that comes as naturally as breathing to these kids.
The cast is filled with recognizable faces and up and coming talent. The most notable cast member would have to be John Travolta if, for nothing else, the fact that he is all bundled up in a fat suit and a dress. This has been a point of contention for some groups considering Travolta's membership in the Church of Scientology, and their non-acceptance of gay lifestyles. I don't really have an opinion on that, but I am willing to give my opinion on his performance. He is not a convincing woman — you can see Travolta underneath all of that latex; however he does bring a sweet girliness to it as a woman trying to come to grips with herself.
Article comments
1 - Sean Paul Mahoney
Chris, I agree to some extent. It's a fun frothy film but is it original? No. I actually threw in my copy of the original dvd and found it waaay superior.
Travolta blows but Michelle and the rest of the cast is amazing!
2 - Ty
That's the thing, problem is, the original movie came out in 1988, less than twenty years ago.
This movie is properly labeled, "TOO SOON!!!!"
3 - Chris Beaumont
Ty,
What is your opinion last year's Best Picture winner, The Departed? It is a remake of Infernal Affairs from 2002. Or how about The Wizard of Oz? The 1933 classic follows the 1925 feature (with Oliver Hardy). Remakes have been apart of movies as long as there have been movies.
Also think about this, how many more people now will be interested in seeing the 1988 original now that they have seen this? probably a good number, I know I am. It's not like it was a blockbuster of any caliber. I didn't crack $7 mil at the box office.
4 - Rebecca Wright
This is one of those movies that's just plain fun. I thought Travolta was a bit weak in his role. I heard one critic describe "Hairspray" as "Grease" for this generation. That seems very appropriate.
5 - hugz
hairspray was the bestest film i have ever seen its fantasitic xxx