Once in a while, a movie comes along that bears a premise that sounds unpromising but has inexplicably attracted a fantastic cast. Pessimists can dismiss that as “Catwoman” syndrome and keep their low expectations. But then they walk into the theater and, to their complete surprise, end up seeing a film that is not only fun but actually pretty good. That’s “Hairspray.”
Our unreasonably optimistic heroine, the plump and plucky Tracy Turnblad (Nicole Blonsky), is a '60s teenager obsessed with the local TV dance show. She parlays a detention trip into a spot on the cast and gets caught up in the civil rights movement. Along the way, she learns important lessons about herself, justice and love. Unpromising-sounding premise, check.
Then the movie gets going. From the first number, it’s clear “Hairspray” is one of the sharpest stage musical adaptations in years. The tunes are catchy, the direction is spirited, and the dancing is terrific (with the exception of Christopher Walken, who should keep his day job). “Hairspray” is a vibrant blast of color, a loving yet ironic ode to the 60s, and its joyful sensibility shows in every frame.
Most of the recent crop of big-screen musicals have been artistically serious efforts with Oscars on their minds. “Hairspray” couldn’t care less about award season; it’s a happy, exuberant, often goofy movie and proud of it.
It’s saved, however, from corniness by its sly, subversive sense of humor. While you may walk out with a huge loony grin on your face, many of the best moments are slipped in with brilliant deadpan subtlety.
A group of actors has seldom appeared to be having a better time. There’s nothing subtle about the characters in “Hairspray,” and the cast plays them to the hilt. In any other movie the scenery would collapse into bite-marked boards, but in this world of big dreams and bigger hair, the broad acting not only works, it radiates ebullience. Standouts in a cast full of scene-stealers include Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Allison Janney and Queen Latifah.
The broadest performance unquestionably belongs to John Travolta. Despite Travolta’s recent questionable career decisions, he has made a good choice here. His Edna Turnblad, like several characters in the film, may take a while to completely warm up to, but she plays a large part in keeping the movie both funny and grounded. Travolta’s big solo dance scene would earn laughs on its own but made doubly hilarious by his past (John Travolta, then and now).
In a summer sadly short on good times at the movies, “Hairspray” is a welcome if somewhat unlikely source. Like its protagonists, “Hairspray” may look a little different. But get to know it, and it’s irresistible.
Rating: 3 stars out of 4
"Hairspray” is rated PG. It opens Friday at the Regal Green Hills and the Regal Hollywood 27.
