Dancing Through the 60's
Hairspray
Review by Ross Anthony

The film bursts onto the screen with robust energy, youth, and vigor. With tongue firmly in cheek, it pokes fun at everyone. Keep an eye out, between the square-in-your-face humor, there are also plenty of quietly subtle ironic jokes sprinkled throughout. But it’s the high octane tunes and dancing that keep this little number rocking.

Actually, the first half simply doesn’t let up. This is A+ entertainment, snappy dialogue, quick cuts, and hoppin’ music. Unfortunately though, the second half has a little trouble with its footing. But the music is still good and the hearty momentum barrels on.

As you may know, John Travolta plays a women, the main character’s mother. This takes some getting used to and seemed almost entirely senseless until I put two and two together and figured that the Michelle Pfeiffer character was probably supposed to be Olivia Newton John. That would be quite slick and fit in nicely with the film's quirky humor and homage to musicals of the past, namely “Grease.” That’s my guess. Anyway, it’s odd with just John, but it sort of almost works.

That said, let me just praise Christopher Walken. He’s such a joy to watch -- especially in roles like this (also see Catch Me if you Can) where he plays the caring parent. Overall, I enjoyed the film, great first half. All do a fine job of singing and dancing (save for Walken and Travolta -- but they‘re amusing anyway), Elijah Kelley stands out.

-- Book Contest --


  • Hairspray. Copyright © 2007.
  • Starring John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christpher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney, Jerry Stiller, Paul Dooley, Nikki Blonsky (as Tracy), Taylor Parks
  • Directed and Choreographed by Adam Shankman.
  • Screenplay by Leslie Dixon. Based on the 1988 screenplay by John Waters and the 2002 musical stage play with book by Mark O'Donnell and Thomas Meehan.
  • Produced by Craig Zadan, Neil Meron at Newline/Ingenious Film Partners.

Grade..........................A- (3/4)


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Copyright © 1998-2025 Ross Anthony, Author - Speaker - Solo World Circumnavigator In addition to reviewing films and interviewing celebs at HollywoodReportCard.com, traveling the world, composing great music, motivational speaking, Mr. Anthony also helps others tell their stories with words and video. While traversing the circumference of the planet writing books, Mr. Anthony has taught, presented for, worked &/or played with locals in over 30 countries & 100 cities (Nairobi to Nagasaki). He's bungee-jumped from a bridge near Victoria Falls, wrestled with lions in Zimbabwe, crashed a Vespa off a high mountain road in Taiwan, and ridden a dirt bike across the States (Washington State to Washington DC). To get signed books, thoughtful experienced help telling your stories through words or video, or to schedule Ross to speak check out: www.RossAnthony.com or call 1-800-767-7186. Dig into the world and inspire the people you meet with your love, kindness, and whatever it is you're really good at. Being alive is the miracle. Special thanks to Ken Kocanda, HAL, Jodie Keszek, Don Haderlein, Mom and Pops, my family, R. Foss, and many others by Ross Anthony. Galati-FE also deserves a shout out. And thanks to all of you for your interest and optimism. Enjoy great films, read stirring novels, grow.


Last Modified: Monday, 23-Jul-2007 08:41:00 PDT