First Hit: I was very pleasantly surprised. It is a good lighthearted romp.
It must confess that musicals are something I generally don’t like; however the last three I’ve seen have been good including this one.
The first one I liked was Moulin Rouge. The second was film, which is reviewed on this site, is Once and then there is this film Hairspray.
The songs worked, the period was brought forth faithfully and I immediately remembered my own local dance program that I use to watch. The film brought back good memories.
Nikki Blonsky was wonderful and believable in her role. Travolta had a more minor role and was good, although I keep seeing John Travolta playing a character versus the character.
Michelle Pfeiffer was funny as a bitchy controlling station manager and mother. Christopher Walken has been doing wonders with small interesting quirky roles and he doesn’t disappoint here as the husband. The scene he has with Michelle Pfeiffer was great.
I liked the that they dealt with segregation in the language and the feeling of the time. It was a good reminder of the power of Martin Luther King and what was wrong back then.
Overall: It was a wonderful romp and I had a wonderful time and left the theater feeling good.