Hairspray (2007)
Allison Janney, Amanda Bynes, Brittany Snow
Set in Baltimore during the 1960s dance TV craze, a zaftig high school hair-hopper, Tracy Turnblad, graduates from outsider to celebrity trendsetter and along the way she stars on "The Corny Collins Show," wins the heart of resident hunk Link Larkin and kicks down the barriers for black and white in... (read more) Set in Baltimore during the 1960s dance TV craze, a zaftig high school hair-hopper, Tracy Turnblad, graduates from outsider to celebrity trendsetter and along the way she stars on "The Corny Collins Show," wins the heart of resident hunk Link Larkin and kicks down the barriers for black and white integration on local television.
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PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed by:
Adam Shankman
Release Date: Jul 20, 2007
DVD Release Date: Nov 20, 2007
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Flixster User Reviews
Not a bad musical. The story is charming, and despite having this happy-go-lucky attitude, there are some pretty serious issues being talked about. The highlight, without a doubt, is Travolta and Walken as the parents. This is actually the first t... (read more) Not a bad musical. The story is charming, and despite having this happy-go-lucky attitude, there are some pretty serious issues being talked about. The highlight, without a doubt, is Travolta and Walken as the parents. This is actually the first time I've liked Travolta in a movie for a long, long time. And Walken is Walken. 'Nuff said.
The downside is...the songs are not all that great. There are a few standout numbers, but since they are invoking the style of late 50s, early 60s rock/pop/motown music, a lot of them kind of sound the same. It doesn't make them bad, you just won't remember most of them when the credits start to roll.
Haven't seen the original John Waters' film, so I don't know how it compares, but this is one of the better movie musicals in recent years.
All of the actors in this movie did an amazing job and the music was wonderful. It is one of the best musicals I have ever seen.
Alright, here's the thing. I didn't actually know anything about the plot (because I pay attention... Obviously.) and kind of rented this just for the heck of it. I was SUPER surprised and happy that the movie had an actual message, plot, and aweso... (read more) Alright, here's the thing. I didn't actually know anything about the plot (because I pay attention... Obviously.) and kind of rented this just for the heck of it. I was SUPER surprised and happy that the movie had an actual message, plot, and awesome cast. Bravo Hairspray, bravo. PS the music was catchy :-)
This movie was an amazing show. the actors were brilliant, the singing was soulful and fun, the story was deep, rich, and important and the dancing was incredible. this is now one of my favourite movies EVER! it is amazing!!!
I cannot believe I almost missed this! I really enjoyed it! Far better than it's original:perfect costumes, excellent set design, great music, incredible dancing and an incredible performance by none other than John Travolta.I was very impressed. Fun... (read more) I cannot believe I almost missed this! I really enjoyed it! Far better than it's original:perfect costumes, excellent set design, great music, incredible dancing and an incredible performance by none other than John Travolta.I was very impressed. Fun movie watch it.
For some reason, every time I see this movie, I love it more and more.
A really good, fun, entertaining film with great songs and dances in. A really uplifting, happy film :D
Critic Reviews
It's hard to keep a smile off your face and your toes from tapping during this unpretentious and spirited adaptation of the stage musical by director/choreographer Adam Shankman.full review
Marc Shaiman's peppy music conspires with Shankman's energized, retro-musical choreography to make for a giant cinematic grin -- a dimpled dental testament of faith in the powers of nice over nasty, tolerance over bigotry and aerosol over the ozone.full review
John Travolta is no Divine. And this shiny musical just doesn't have the crazy, messy charm of John Waters' original.full review
It rocks the house! Guaranteed to be an unqualified 100% summer smash, it's a total blast. You have got to see Travolta's hilarious, risk-taking performance to believe it! He (or is it she) and the entire cast are terrific.full review
Hairspray is a playful, kitschy, sweet but snarky tribute to the era of sky-high bouffants, TV dance parties and desegregation.full review
That Hairspray is good-hearted is no surprise. The surprise may be that this Hairspray, stuffed with shiny showstoppers, is actually good.full review
By the big finale, even homophobes will tap their feet. OK, maybe not. But the less close-minded are sure to respond. Hairspray has a beat. And you sure can dance to it.full review
Based on John Waters' 1988 satire of civil rights-era nostalgia, this movie-musical adaptation makes the same mistake as the 2002 Broadway incarnation -- it domesticates Waters' parodistic anarchy into general-audience silliness.full review
Adam Shankman's movie of the Broadway Hairspray gets better as it lumbers along, but there's something garish about its hustle -- it's like an elephant trumpeting in your face.full review
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