Customer Reviews
only recommended if you like this kind of thing 
2008-06-15
There's a lot of things to flat out hate about Hairspray. The extremely disgusting appearance of John Travolta dressed up as a woman (and not a very believable one either), the overabundance of singing and dancing segments that come across very obnoxiously several times, and the overall fakeness of the entire thing (and I never really could tell whether they were mocking Baltimore or not).
When it comes down to it, I can't get into the movie because all the things I mention above are just too much to tolerate for me. Maybe for most people this kind of stuff is entertaining, but to me it's just not a funny style of comedy. If you like singing and dancing "plays", then check it out. If not, skip it.
A fat girl rocks black 
2008-06-14
It is good to remember the Band Stand days...
It isn't a West Side Story (Full Screen Edition)!
We were young and so was the new music.
This movie like Grease talks to the 60's
when rock and roll was the swing.
Some people have tried to roll back the clock
and turn back time, but these songs and
performances show that isn't really possible.
A happy, funny and human movie that is right on time.
Clean Fun 2008-06-11
Fun for the entire family. John Travolta was hilarious. Former "Grease Hunk" strutting his stuff across the dance floor as "da Mama" without missing a step too.
Positively Wooooooooooooooooooonderful!!!!! 
2008-06-11
I first saw this version of Harispray last night and quite frankly, am still glowing from the experience. Totally engaging, excellent new songs, captivating choreography, great clothes and a beautiful variation on the original.
Even more interesting is that this version also presents delightful variations on the original characterizations as well with the end result making them somewhat more sensitive/poignant than in the first. Divine's Edna Turnblad was just as loving to her daughter as Travolta's Edna - though Travolta's Edna was not nearly as confident as Divine. Christopher Walken, abandoning his usual scary persona, is downright adorable as Wilbur. Jerry Stiller, this time out playing Mr Pinky was just as much fun as he was as Wilbur in the first. Michele Pfeiffer is loads of fun as Amber's ambitious mother and Queen Latifah's MotorMouth Mabel is fierce!!!!
This version also stays true to the overall theme of racial equality and the setting remains in a teenage world still idealistic enough to not only want to effect change but also honestly believing that they could.
One cannot mention the attributes of the movie without mentioning the enormously powerful music. The music, expertly based on 60s sensibilities enhanced by modern flourishes is a crucial element to the success of the film.
It is also worth noting that both versions can indeed stand on their own. The latest version does not AT ALL try to copy the original - it simply presents another variation. This also has a somewhat different format as it is essentially a Broadway show on fim....that works beautifully.
What's even more amazing is that the message is still MOST relevant in 2008 and this was set in 1962!!!!! (sigh...)
Nonetheless, this is a powerful, uplifting film with a remarkable cast. Additionally, it is quite funny.
Hiiiiiiiiiighly recommended!!!
Fun, fun, fun. 2008-06-11
Sweet and fun...the music is upbeat, and the dancing is pretty good, too. Tracy Turnblad is an inspiration. This was an uplifting, quirky musical, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.
Better than I anticipated 2008-06-30
I've put off watching this movie because I had caught snippets of the '88 version years ago was never impressed enough to watch the whole thing. I might do so now to compare. I found this version fresh and fun and even a little inspiring. And even though I can respect John Travolta for being a actor's actor-a man who even over 30 years in the biz willing to take some serious risk, I pray that he will now please step away from dresses and high heels. I easily found him to be the weakest singer of the lot and his makeup more disturbing than anything else. That was my only gripe. I love the music and the message. I also think Michelle Pfeiffer is just stunning and Christopher Walken as funny as always.
Get Ready to Rock Out! 2008-06-29
Absolutely phenomenal ensemble cast! Nikki Blonsky as our heroine Tracy Turnblad is fresh and delightful with star power to spare! John Travolta's Edna Turnblad is endearing and unlike any gender bending performance I've ever seen. It's not a "man" playing a "woman" - he embodies Edna and you can easily forget that she's being played by a man! Christopher Walken as Edna's husband, Wilbur, is just (as Edna defines him) the shiniest white knight ever! During his big dance number with Travolta, you can see he is genuinely enjoying his "wife!" Amanda Bynes could be my favorite! She delivers her one liners with perfection and I believe she could be the next generation Lucille Ball - just watch this girl's facial expressions! Her comedic timing is flawless. James Marsden is always easy on the eyes and is perfectly cast. Queen Latifah, Zac Efron, and Brittany Snow - they are all superb! Michelle Pfeiffer is delightfully cruel and watching her chew up the scenery as well as the other cast members is great fun. This is one to watch over and over again! Integration is the new frontier! :)
Awesome movie! 2008-06-24
This is the most fun musical since Grease. The singing, dancing, and relevant story line will definitely put a smile on your face.
NOT BAD, BUT NOT AS GOOD AS WATER'S ORIGINAL 2008-06-15
Let me first say that though other's have not liked Travolta's turn as Edna Turnblad, I thought he was the highlight of the movie. It was brave of Travolta, considering all the gay rumors about him. As for the rest of the movie, I was sorta bored, I thought the score was not very good, the songs are for the most part..bad. The choreography was first rate, how unfortunite the songs don't do the dances justice. The girl that plays Tracy is fine, she looks the part, all chubby and height challenged, with a bit of rhythm. The story is uplifting, I suppose, it's all P.C. and the ending is predictable..really I recommend it for one reason and one reason only: the singular Travolta...enjoy. FYI, rent dont buy.
ADAM SHANKMAN, OPUS 6 2008-06-15
***1/2 2007. Directed by Adam Shankman. Three Golden Globe nominations. Remake of John Waters's 1988 Hairspray. Baltimore in the early 60's. A fat teenager dreams of becoming a dancer in a local TV show. If one may wonder whether it was really necessary, if one excepts the financiary reason of course, to present another adaptation of John Waters's outstanding script, this 2007 version is nonetheless an excellent film for the family. Recommended.
