From beginning to end Hairspray is a heartfelt, fast-paced good time. Even from the very start, the film gets things rolling with a burst of song and dance and never lets up. The film’s star, newcomer Nicole Blonsky, is able to helm the picture filled with a lot of big hair and even bigger names including: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, Christopher Walken, James Marsden, and Zac Efron. Though full of big stars, the movie never feels over-stuffed or as though is has too much going on. Instead, Hairspray, feels fun and happy, something rarely found amid all the action-packed summer blockbusters and more serious dramas at the box office today.
The story is simple enough. A lovably chubby young woman wants to prove to the world she can dance just as well as any skinny girl, while along the way falling in love. In fact, the plot sounds a lot like an old episode of Made. The difference, however, is in the subplot and main theme of the film. While trying to prove she can dance, that chubby girl is also trying to battle racism and prejudice in 1960s Baltimore. Add to the plot catchy songs and intricate dances, as well as a hilarious performance by Travolta in drag, a fabulous Pfeiffer as the deliciously evil stage manager, and you pretty much get Hairspray. The film stays true to the original, with guest spots from John Waters, the director of the original movie, and even Ricki Lake, the star of the original. The movie is able to keep an upbeat, positive outlook on life throughout the movie, even in its sadder moments, due mainly to the lovable presence of the movie’s breakout star, Blonsky.
So, if you’re looking for a movie that will leave you feeling good at the end, Hairspray is exactly what you want to see. Overall the movie is good, it comes off like High School Musical to the tenth power, or like Moulin Rouge set in your local high school. In the end, Hairspray is a colorful, musical work of art full of fun characters and great music.
My rating: 3.5 out of 4 stars
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I absolutely love this movie!! I just bought the two disc special edition and it has loads of special features. However if you just wanna see a good movie rent it now! You will laugh, cry, feel mad, feel wicked happy…so many emotions at once. But you will definitely leave this movie feeling good and maybe a bit more open minded. Check it out!
[1] Posted by: peacenlovebaby | December 2nd, 2007 at 2:14 pmI was not sure about this movie. I heard good things, but it looked a little strange, I mean it is a musical, but the review made it sound pretty good so I will definitely check it out now.
[2] Posted by: pickymicky12 | December 4th, 2007 at 7:53 pmGreat review and nice reference to Made, what ever happened to that show? Anyways, I really enjoyed the movie and your review, nice job!
[3] Posted by: MissDonJuan | December 4th, 2007 at 8:43 pmYou stole my name jerk! Hahaha, good review and about time you came to SparkLife, I told you, you’d like it. Now you’re going to be posting like crazy.
[4] Posted by: jamex15 | December 4th, 2007 at 9:00 pmI might actually go rent this movie now that I read your review.
Thanks for the praise. Haha. It is really appreciated. I can’t belive you guys actually joined just to post. It makes me feel all mushy inside…and I don’t like it. Just playing. Thanks again to all you who posted.
[5] Posted by: theJamexican | December 4th, 2007 at 9:10 pmYou’re welcome. It better make you feel mushy. For real though, it was a good article and I hope you know I honestly liked it, not just because I know you, haha, who knew?
[6] Posted by: jamex15 | December 4th, 2007 at 9:14 pmi saw this in the theater and loved it! much better than the original….amped up for this generation but not sexed up like so many people in hollywood think we want.
[7] Posted by: smrtgrl16 | December 10th, 2007 at 11:48 pmCheck it. This movie stunk. People should get paid to watch it. Why not just go to the gym and work out. Keep it real. RESPECT
[8] Posted by: Punisher911f | December 11th, 2007 at 12:54 amWell, everyone has the right to their own opinion. Punisher911f. Again, I, personally, thought it was a good, fun movie, I’m not saying anyone else has to. Thank you for posting your opinion.
theJamexican
[9] Posted by: theJamexican | December 11th, 2007 at 9:48 amIt\\\’s my absolute favorite movie ever. I dont know what it is about it, but i could watch it everyday and find something new that makes me laugh, or smile, or cry. Zac Efron doesn\\\’t make me gag in this movie with horrible one liners and annoyingly adolecsent charm, because all of the funny things that he says and does that are annoyingly scripted are perfectly placed to make them, well…not annoying. For Nikki Blonsky this is most definatley the beginning of an amazing career, as well as Elijah Kelly (spelled that wrong). For Christopher Walkin, Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, and John Travolta it\\\’s just another success of their many. All in all a great effort.
[10] Posted by: LAXRules07 | December 14th, 2007 at 8:56 pmOMG this movies rocks! its my favorite and i absolutely love the soundtrack! Good Morning Baltimore wakes me up every day. this moveis was so amazing, i think it will end up becoming a must have to any movie collecter!
[11] Posted by: Rissy2008 | December 18th, 2007 at 7:35 pmI loved Hairspray! I watched the original and the musical and now I can add this to the collection. I loved the music, the acting, the dancing, and all the stars! I think its a must have for everyone! Or at least people who like to watch a good movie!
[12] Posted by: NotSoWellBoy | December 20th, 2007 at 11:12 pmI loved this movie. It was so fun and upbeat, with catchy music and fun dances. I watch it ALL the time!
[13] Posted by: emilirossum | December 21st, 2007 at 1:55 pmI’ve found that people either loooooveee this movie or they absolutely hate it. Some people just don’t like the idea of musicals. Personally, I thought it was amaazzzinng and you should totally watch it! Even if you don’t like it, it’ll probably make you laugh at least once!
[14] Posted by: kdaizy12 | January 13th, 2008 at 5:10 pmi loved this movie. it was really good.
[15] Posted by: theonetruelex | January 14th, 2008 at 7:49 pmFilm is a total waste of time and money.
[16] Posted by: nahs12 | January 15th, 2008 at 2:10 pmI fell in love with this movie. It’s so fun and big and bad and great. All wrapped up with a bow.
[17] Posted by: SweetSourChick | February 4th, 2008 at 7:04 pmA must see for everyone.
Thank you to everyone who posted their opinions on the movie, especially those with different views then mine. It’s really great to see people express other points of view on subjects, like this movie, and I’m glad that people are responding to the review. Thanks again and keep it up.
theJamexican
[18] Posted by: theJamexican | February 19th, 2008 at 11:47 amhey peeps!!!
[19] Posted by: Chelsy01 | February 28th, 2008 at 12:52 pmHey back.
theJamexican
[20] Posted by: theJamexican | February 28th, 2008 at 9:07 pmHey to you too!
[21] Posted by: MissDonJuan | February 28th, 2008 at 10:26 pmHow you doin’, MissDonJuan………..
[22] Posted by: Chelsy01 | February 29th, 2008 at 10:25 amNot too bad actually.
[23] Posted by: MissDonJuan | March 2nd, 2008 at 3:54 pmthats good, same here, hey i have a question to ask u….
[24] Posted by: Chelsy01 | March 4th, 2008 at 10:13 amuh uh…
[25] Posted by: MissDonJuan | March 5th, 2008 at 7:29 amis diz tha only way u can email peeps, or is their another way….
[26] Posted by: Chelsy01 | March 7th, 2008 at 10:45 amTechnically there isn’t a way at all, this is really just used to comment on the article above, not really to talk to people. This place is more like a web-newspaper than a friends network. You know?
[27] Posted by: MissDonJuan | March 7th, 2008 at 2:20 pmhope that was helpful
[28] Posted by: MissDonJuan | March 7th, 2008 at 2:22 pmyeah,it was thanx. I am kinda new at this so I really didn’t know…
[29] Posted by: Chelsy01 | March 11th, 2008 at 11:33 amhey, if u really can’t like email people then why do u get sparkfriends and u can’t even talk to them?….
[30] Posted by: Chelsy01 | March 11th, 2008 at 11:34 ami like the movie its very funny and different and my gurl queen latifa did her thang keep u da good work.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
[31] Posted by: 15sexyandhot | April 29th, 2008 at 9:07 am