Full Movie Reviews
Rating of
4/4
Hairspray
Franz Patrick - wrote on 12/24/2007
I dislike musicals but I love this movie. I didn't expect a lot from it, let alone be that good, so I was really surprised after the credits started rolling. The songs are upbeat and catchy, the clothes, the lingo, the setting take you back in time, and the story will make you feel good about yourself. I'm glad that it didn't take itself too seriously. Considering all these qualities, I think this musical is better than "Chicago" or even "Moulin Rouge" because of its simplicity. It's one of those movies that I'll buy on DVD because it deserves to be watched multiple times. Lastly, I must give kudos to the actors for giving such heart-warming performances. This movie would not have been the same if one or two of the actors were played by someone else. I hope the Oscars recognize this …
Rating of
3.5/4
Hey there Baltimore
patjohnson76 - wrote on 12/12/2007
Having seen this on stage, I was a little wary of how this musical's high energy and enthusiasm could transfer to the screen. I was very surprised to see it works well.
Hairspray is the rare type of musical that not only has a strong story but also provides great music. From the solid opener "Good Morning Baltimore" to the concluding, energetic finale of "You Can't Stop the Beat" there is rarely a dull moment. I will say, however, that the finale plays much better on stage - here I thought it was a little choppy, but if you haven't had the stage experience you most likely won't notice.
This being Hairspray, the tradition exists for the large Edna Turnblad to be played by a man. John Travolta offers his own spin on the role, actually downplaying Edna rather that portraying her …
Rating of
4/4
Review - Hairspray (2007)
Delorted - wrote on 11/23/2007
Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) was a pleasantly plump girl living in the 60’s and knowing nothing by dancing and big hair, but her life suddenly changes as she becomes a local daytime television star on The Corny Collins Show. Her journey of liberation and integration is told in “Hairspray.”
One thing that I am not particularly fond of is musicals where characters are dancing around for no particular reason, but “Hairspray” has the excuse of several songs taking place on a dance show. Even when the singing isn’t done on TV, the choreography works and the songs are nothing less than fantastic.
Probably the main attraction in this movie is John Travolta playing Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s self-conscious mother. The make-up used to turn Travolta into a woman is great, and …
Rating of
3/4
You Can't Stop the Beat!
efrain - wrote on 11/15/2007
Ever since “Malcolm X” came out in 1992, I wanted to be Black. Black people seem to make things cooler, and that’s what happens in “Hairspray”. When the Black actors show up on screen, that’s when an already hip ride gets even better.
Now before you banish me into politically incorrect exile, let me explain.
At first glance, it might look like this movie’s nothing but another silly white-bread sing-along filled with yesteryear cheese, but “Hairspray” is actually an inspiring and hilarious story of inevitable change set against the backdrop of 1960’s racial inequality.
Newcomer Nikki Blonsky plays Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and big dreams. Tracy’s perky and positive demeanor along with the encouragement of her loving parents allow her to brush …
