Hairspray

"Hairspray" might just be my guilty pleasure of the summer. Granted, it's also the first movie I've seen in a while without explosions and intense action. Still, this is a light and lively musical that keeps you engaged and entertained throughout. Now, before I go any further, let me state that I have not seen the 1988 John Waters version of this Broadway play. While I cannot compare the two, I don't see how this version would disappoint.

Set in 1962 Baltimore, we watch young Tracy Turnblad (Nicole Blonsky) dance across the screen as she desires only one thing in life, to be on the Corny Collins TV dance show. Her parents (wonderfully played by John Travolta (in drag as her mother) and Christopher Walken) refuse to let her try, telling her that girls her size would never make it onto television, so don't even bother. Tracy won't give up though, and when an opening comes up she actually makes it as a dancer on the show. Not only that, but she becomes a hit throughout all of Baltimore. This does not sit well with the station manager (Michelle Pfeiffer) and her teen-queen daughter, who both work to sabotage Tracy.

Meanwhile, Tracy ends up making friends with the black students in school as she spends more and more time in detention. She also impresses them with her dance moves. Now, keep in mind this is 1962 and interacting with this group is seen as being quite radical. Tracy also wants to see her new friends on the Corny Collins show. Unfortunately, they only get to do so once a month, on Negro Day. Tracy's "radical" ideas eventually get more encouragement from the dance show's top stud, Linc (Zac Efron), who she idolizes. This conflict eventually becomes the climax of the story.

Don't be fooled by what seems like a sugary sweet song that starts the movie. The musical lyrics in "Hairspray" start out sounding like teeny bop songs of the early '60s, but when you listen you'll find they also pack a punch. Every character is played out well, with Blonsky solidly carrying the weight of the movie. The supporting roles also have some break-out moments, with Travolta and Walken stealing the screen every time they're on. Granted, it does get preachy at times and makes sure you get the point over and over again. Still, "Hairspray" holds its form throughout and offers an alternative to robots, wizards and cartoons. I give it an A.

"Hairspray" is rated PG with a running time of 107 minutes.