DVD Reviews: 'Hairspray'

Published: November 30, 2007

"Hairpray” is remarkable for a number of reasons, but three dance immediately to the forefront. It is a remake that actually improves on the original (in this case, John Waters' 1988 comedy), newcomer Nikki Blonsky steals the show from some formidable talent, and it is a musical with great songs that actually fit the action. It is a musical for people who don't really go for the whole "people breaking spontaneously into song” concept.

Blonsky plays Tracy Turnblad, a plump, hair-hopping teenager in Baltimore who is obsessed with R&B music and the local "American Bandstand” knockoff, "The Corny Collins Show.” Her unlikely appearance on the dance show sparks an integration battle, much to the dismay of producer Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer).

The show is packed from start-to-finish with great songs and note-perfect performances, especially Christopher Walken and John Travolta (in fat-suit drag) as Tracy's parents, Oklahoman James Marsden as Corny, and Zac Efron as star dancer Link. But it's Blonsky's show, and this new version of "Hairspray” is as big and bold as her bouffant.

— George Lang

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