“Hairspray” the musical is a remake of the cult classic movie “Hairspray” by John Waters. The musical version evolved on Broadway and from there was taken to film. This version is a good film with plenty of energy, quirky characters and great musical numbers.

The two stand out performances are by newcomers Nikki Blonsky and Elijah Kelley, both excellent. Nikki Blonsky really carries this film and is perfectly cast. Elijah Kelley is electrifying in his musical numbers.

The supporting performances are all strong and the cast fully committed to the muscial numbers. I always enjoy seeing Christopher Walken act. If you haven’t seen “The Deerhunter” rent it and find out what a great actor this guy is. I liked John Travolta as Edna Turnblad and thought he did a good job in the role. Travolta played the role differently than the edge Devine and Harvey Fierstein gave the part in the original movie and Broadway versions.

Overall the cast provides a fun filled musical with a message. The movie is well done. For me the edge and tongue-in-check feel of the original John Waters movie is somewhat missing in this movie version.

2007. Directed by Adam Shankman. Starring Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Christopher Walken, Michelle Pfeiffer, Queen Latifah, Zac Efron and Elijah Kelley.

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