HAIRSPRAY
2007

"You can't stop the beat"

Everyday after school Tracy Turnblad (Blonsky) and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Bynes) rush home to watch 'The Corny Collins Show', the most popular programme for teenagers on television in Baltimore. Bringing you the best music and latest dances that were setting the 1960s alight, Tracey dreamed of been on the show but even though she was an excellent dancer and singer, the show's producer Velma Von Tussle (Pfeiffer) didn't want anyone she thought didn't portray a good image and because Tracy is overweight, she definitely didn't fit in.

The resurgence of the musical continues but as Hollywood scours Broadway and the West End, could a remake show them how a song and dance movie should be made?

Back in 1988 cult director John Walters created a small budget musical that became a classic and then headed to the Broadway to recreate it for the stage. Now the play returns to the silver screen with an all-star cast to create a remake that is ever better than the original.

The story of pushing for your dream and overcoming prejudice makes 'Hairspray' just relevant today as it was in 1988 and especially during the 1960s setting. With Tracy pushing to overcome people expectations of her because she is overweight, she soon realises that she is not the only one trying to equal rights. This was a time of segregation, when white and black people couldn't mix in US sociality but it was also a time that music and dance was trying to push down those barriers and it was bringing the younger generations together. This racial and social equality storyline forms the backbone of the story and makes the musical about acceptance and one that will get you thinking as well as have your toe tapping.

What makes this remake such a good musical is the performances of the strong ensemble cast. Director Adam Shankman and his creative team have gathered together a mix of seasoned musical performers, new actors to the genre and a complete newcomer who is going to set the world alight. Nothing will prepare you for witnessing the sight of John Travolta in a fat suit, dressed as a woman to play Edna Turnblad but as soon as he graces the screen you will see a performance that is filled with fun and is probably his best in quite a few years. The same can be said of Michelle Pfeiffer. As the evil and extremely prejudice Velma Von Tussle, she is almost the pantomime villainess, making you want to boo every time she graces the screen. Christopher Walken proves he has a weapon of choice when it comes to singing and dancing. Unquestionably cool, the man can move and he can sing with the highlight been a duet with him and John Travolta's Edna. Queen Latifah is as good as ever Motormouth Maybelle, Brittany Snow has fun as the wannabe superstar Amber von Tussle, James Marsden shows a real talent for singing and dancing Corny Collins, Elijah Kelley will really get himself noticed as Seaweed and Amanda Bynes is suitably cute Penny Pingleton.

Stealing the film however is the performance of Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad. The film lives and dies on her performance, putting a massive amount of pressure on the actress, especially when this is her first movie but is the shining light of the movie. A fantastic singer and dancer, Nikki Blonsky is the movie and is definitely a star in the making and shows that whatever you look like, if you have star quality you will be a star.

With songs that will stay in the memory and have your toe tapping throughout, 'Hairspray' is an exceptional example of a modern musical that shows how good this genre can be. While the message maybe all tied up with the happy ending, which doesn't really reflect the time, it is the message itself that rings true and just as much relevance today as it did in the setting. You definitely can stop this beat.

Sing along with the movie using the lyric track!
Step-by-step dance instructions
Deleted scenes including Tracy's never-before-seen musical number 'I Can Wait'
'You Can't Stop The Beat: The Long Journey of Hairspray' Documentary
Hairspray Extensions: Breakin' Down the Dance Scenes'
'The Roots of Hairspray - From Buddy Deane to Broadway!'

Grease

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2007