“Hairspray”
Director Adam Shankman
NEW LINE CINEMA
With the 1988 film at your neighborhood video store and the popular Tony-award-winning musical currently running on Broadway, it may seem a bit superfluous to create another version of “Hairspray” so quickly. However this summer’s much-anticipated blockbuster brings in new songs and new talent, proving that old can be new again.
“Hairspray” takes place in Baltimore in 1962, a time when racial integration is discouraged. Yet teenager Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) tries to change this through groovy dance moves and a peppy attitude.
Tracy’s dream is to dance on “The Corny Collins Show,” a high school variety show, but she has one problem: She’s fat. And when Tracy finally impresses Corny (an excellent James Marsden) and makes it on the show, she continues to defy everyone’s expectations not only in her dancing but also in her adamant platform for racial equality.
This new version stays faithful to the story and music of the previous versions, though with a little shuffling of the song order and the change of a few lyrics. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman, who wrote the Tony-award-winning original score, also wrote new songs for this film adaptation, which might be disconcerting to cult followers of the musical. Yet to the average viewer, they are a charming addition to an already wonderful collection.
In a cast that brings old-timers and newcomers together, the younger stars are the ones to notice.
Blonsky, making her professional debut, energetically embodies Tracy Turnblad. “High School Musical” star Zac Efron, in a surprising performance as heartthrob Link Larkin, proves that he can handle the big screen. And Amanda Bynes and Brittany Snow in supporting roles add a delightful color and quirkiness to the film.
The headlining stars, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, and Queen Latifah, demonstrate that there’s a reason why they’re still acting. Both Pfeiffer and Walken show off unexpected singing and dancing talent, and Latifah, although a little modern for the role, manages to deliver an original and charming take on Motormouth.
Now, what the world has been waiting for: John Travolta as a woman. Travolta plays Edna Turnblad so convincingly that half the time, it seems as if there really is an obese woman in the part. Considering that the role is meant for a man to play, this believable performance may not achieve the original goal of the casting, but it sure is entertaining.
One thing lacking in the film though is the chemistry between love interests, but the upbeat music and dancing cover up for the lack of sparks. The one exception is the oddest pairing: Travolta and Walken. As husband and wife, they are hysterical in their heartwarming duet.
Despite a few absurd film sequences (Why is Efron singing with a picture frame?), “Hairspray” is a feel-good family film, albeit campy, and will be enjoyed by audiences of all ages. The film loudly sings, “You can’t stop the beat,” and this beat definitely hasn’t stopped yet.
““ Suzy Evans
E-mail Evans at sevans@media.ucla.edu.