Hairspray is a classic musical to see. At least that what everyone has been telling me since I was in high school, but the opportunity to see it had never come along. The closest I got was playing the rock and roll introduction to Hairspray's "Corny Collin's Show" for my school's show choir, and that didn't exactly reveal much about the musical.

Except, that is, for the one lyric we censored : "...and once a month we have our Negro day!"

That line was enough to make me very curious about the musical because I'm not a fan of racism - and that lyric sounds like nothing but. However, it's been a while since I've been in my old high school's show choir and I had quite forgotten about that line, but I had never forgotten that I was, for some reason, interested in the movie Hairspray. So, when I found an opportunity to see the movie in the same showing as the press, I thought I'd take the chance.

I'm glad I did. I liked it.

What's the Story?
Hairspray centers around one high school girl, Tracy Turnblad, and her life in 60's Baltimore. Tracy faces the problem of not being the perfect slim and fit girl that everyone idealizes. In fact, she is quite the opposite, and that has always had a big impact on her life. Why would it matter? What Tracy wants to do more than anything else in her life is dance. She wants to be a member of Baltimore's "hippest" show, the Corny Collin's Show, which features different kinds of dances and music from various regions across America.

However, this plot is just a sunny overlay to a much more socially conscious theme: Racism. On the Corny Collin's Show, they had "Negro Day" once a month to showcase the cool scene for African American dance styles and music. The entire show would be staffed by an African American cast for that one day a month in the interests of preserving 'fair' segregation. The thing is, Tracy learns to dance in the same styles as the black members of the show. And when she does, she breaks ground and stirs up quite a sensation!

I won't go into more in the plot, for the sake of not giving things away, except to mention that racial integration is definitely the key to the plot. I will say that this is a pretty feel good musical overall. The plot and ending are rather idealistic, but not unrealistic - after all, we now thankfully live in an integrated society!

People, Places, and Things
The singing and acting is all very good! I had trouble seeing John Travolta as a weeping middle aged wife, for example, but he pulls off his part very well. I was afraid that it was just a gimmick, and perhaps it was, but he managed to be somewhat endearing. The lead actress, Nicole Blonsky, performed magnificently, has a beautiful voice, and definitely knows a thing or two about breaking it down! In fact, most of the singing and dancing cast in the show are very good at what they are doing and it is easy to see why they got their parts. The wonderful thing about a musical is that almost every speaking character has their own song to feature in, so no matter who strikes you as the best or favorite singer, you know you will get to see them shine for a least a scene or two.

The music itself is fantastic and very catchy. If you are a fan of musicals and/or old fashioned rock and roll music, you will probably enjoy almost every tune in this entire show. There aren't really any special effects to watch out for, per se - it's a show set in the 60's, not the super high tech future or a magical laden alternate present. The costuming and settings are all top notch.

Things well done...
+ The integration of music and dialogue: Very smooth and not corny or over the top
+ The musical scores, vocal performances, and dancing
+ The discussion of race where it brought out two different cultures working together
+ The acting was good, overall

Things not so well done...
- Some characters are a little stiff; Mr. Turnblad, Penny Pingleton early in the film
- Some of the scenes do have a predictable feeling, especially towards the end
- The musical itself is not very deep as far as delivering a message

Final Thought
Perhaps this isn't the greatest review; I'm certainly not a movie critic. I'm not sure how to approach reviewing a movie, and I bet that came off pretty clear. But I do have one more thing to add that I think is worth noting : I've seen it once, early and for free. When it comes out, I definitely plan on seeing it at least one more time in theaters!

Recommended: Yes

Movie Mood: Feel-good Movie
Viewing Method: Sneak Preview at My Local Theater
Film Completeness: Looked complete to me.
Worst Part of this Film: Nothing