REVIEW: Hairspray

Saw the movie Hairspray this weekend and was pleasantly surprised at how much I enjoyed it. Despite getting an overwhelmingly positive response from rottentomatoes.com (critics 93%, users 88%) I did not think it would be very good, even though I have never seen the musical but I did see the original 1988 film by John Waters that both of the two most recent incarnations of Hairspray are (very loosely) based upon. Frankly, I am as surprised as anyone else that two successful projects could be adapted from such flimsy source material.

What works about the Hairspray movie for someone who has never seen the musical that this film is adapted from is three things: the singing of newcomer Nicole Blonsky, the amazing choreography by Adam Shankman (who also does an impressive job directing the film) and the very catchy tunes by Marc Shaiman and Scott Whitman. It also doesn't hurt to have an easy-on-the-eyes cast that includes the very handsome James Marsden (Cyclops in the X-Men movies), Zac Efron (Disney Channel teen heart throb) and Elijah Kelley (African American newcomer in the role that Tevin Campbell is currently playing on Broadway).

A word about John Travolta as Edna Turnblad. Physically, I think John Travolta nailed the characterization of the rotund housewife originally played by Divine, the exceedingly overweight drag queen who often appeared in John Waters low-budget films. Travolta's movements and guestures were absolutely appropriate for his obese character. However, his appearance and voice were so peculiar as to be distracting and frankly off-putting. This is particularly noticeable during the character's singing interludes.

Despite Travolta's unfortunate appearance in the film, Hairspray is still the most enjoyable film of the summer to date, more fun than any of the "threequel" blockbusters Shrek, Spider-Man 3 or Pirates of the Caribbean.

GRADE: A-.