trailer...
Synopsis
Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show.
My Take
I don't believe in musicals. I think the movies and music should be separated at the hip; a separation like state and religion. To this date I think I've seen maybe three musicals total: My Fair Lady, Singing in the Rain, and parts of West Side Story. That's about it. If someone says, "Hey, lets go see a musical!" I hesitate and run in the other direction. I don't like musicals. And then there's Hairspray. I don't know what makes this one is different. Maybe it's the great song and dance that makes up a majority of the movie's plot; maybe it's the great selection of actors and actresses that sing and talk their way through the production (10 Points for a singing Christopher Walken, 20 for John Travolta dressed up as a woman, and 30 points for Amanda Bynes); maybe it's the fact that I couldn't stop smiling the entire time. It's happy, it's musical, it's Hairspray.
Hairspray tells the story of "pleasantly plump" Tracy Turnblad and her whimsical journey from average school girl to town hero. Along the way she encounters the obvious hurdle of her physical appearance, despite the fact of her incredible high self-image. A fan of the Corny Collins (James Marsden) Show, Tracy and best friend Penny (Amanda Bynes) can't miss the show as it airs day to day. Eventually Corny announces the need for a replacement dancer and singer. Looking for her big break, Tracy auditions and although is rejected at first, enlists the help of the black community, and struts her way back into the show's lineup. Singing her way through diversity and celebrating difference, Tracy touches her friends, her parents, even her enemies as she begins to radically change her town and America forever.
Hairspray emboldens the word "fun". From start to finish you can't help but enjoy the film. If you're just like me, coming from a background of a severe case of musicalitis, Hairspray might be the antidote. It's got great music, great dances, great acting, and best of all a great message. With a PG rating, this movie screams family entertainment and reeks of enjoyment. Sometimes the best of movies, comes in the most unique packages. Give this movie a chance, and you'll find yourself head over heels in love with Hairspray. Or, close to it at least (wink, wink).
Until the next flick,
Zachary Anderson
No comments:
Post a Comment