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Hairspray
Film of the
week
Director
Adam Shankman
Starring
Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Christopher
Walken, Amanda Bynes, Queen Latifah, Michelle
Pfeiffer, James Marsden, Brittany Snow,
Zac Efron
What's it all about?
A musical version of the cult 1988 film
Hairspray,
this stars newcomer Nikki
Blonsky as chubby teen Tracy Turnblad,
a 60s schoolgirl who dreams of dancing
on TV's The Corny Collins Show. When her
dream comes true, she faces jealousy and
prejudice
from the likes of rival Amber Von Tussle
(Snow). But she also attracts the attention
of cute boy Link Larkin (Efron) and a
marginalised group of black dancers.
What's good?
When did you last see a film that made
you smile nearly all the way through?
Hairspray
is so upbeat, action-packed and funny,
it's a real treat. Blonsky is spot-on
as chirpy Tracy, and John
Travolta is hilarious as her oversized
mother (yes, really!). The singing and
dancing are fabulous and may well have
you skipping out of the cinema like an
idiot. But you won't be alone.
What's bad?
It gets a lot less cheerful when tackling
the racism issue, but how could it not?
Also, you can see Christopher
Walken, who plays Tracy's dad,
laughing in his scenes with Travolta –
he can't keep a straight face!
new! veredict
A good old-fashioned musical with great
songs, fab dancing, a witty script and
top-notch performances all round. Hairspray
deserves to be the sensation of the summer!
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