Read User Reviews and Submit your own for Hairspray (2007)

5

MartinDJul 20, 2007

I was very disappointed in this movie. All the dance numbers came across as flat and cried to be seen on stage. All the 'kids' were great but of the adults only Latifah and Janney really shined. Travolta never became Edna until the I was very disappointed in this movie. All the dance numbers came across as flat and cried to be seen on stage. All the 'kids' were great but of the adults only Latifah and Janney really shined. Travolta never became Edna until the last number and "Timeless" came across as wasted time. Walken was flat and I waited 3-4 years to see Pfiffer back on screen only to feel she was miscast (and the makeup job horrible!) IF I will buy the DVD--wish would really surprise me--it would be only for 3 or 4 of the musical numbers.… Expand

1 of 1 users found this helpful

5

SaraEJul 20, 2007

Glorified Disney movie. Travolta completely misses the point of a man playing Edna, oh why didn't they use Harvey Feinstein, who was born to play this role? Also, most of the young actors are just not up to the task.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

6

beingryanjudeAug 24, 2014

Filled with wonderful musical renditions of the now-classic Broadway musical, Hairspray is a delightful and charming adaptation of the stage version and it's mediocre predecessor film.

1 of 1 users found this helpful10

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4

MichaelDNov 23, 2011

One thing for sure, this movie is definitely not my type. But in some way, it was entertaining at some parts which is why it only JUST gets a 4.

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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9

jetpackulleySep 9, 2012

One of the best movies I've seen and yet, I'm not really into musicals. The movie just made me stand up and dance all my way to the best "You Can't Stop the Beat". A movie with true and quality content, not the crappy films that are beingOne of the best movies I've seen and yet, I'm not really into musicals. The movie just made me stand up and dance all my way to the best "You Can't Stop the Beat". A movie with true and quality content, not the crappy films that are being released. Simply great!… Expand

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10

ZachZAug 1, 2007

This is one movie that you will be guaranteed to walk out of feeling genuinely happy!

1 of 2 users found this helpful

10

MarkS.Aug 20, 2007

I am a huge fan of the Broadway Hairspray; I even played in the pit with a touring company of it. The composer, Mark Shaiman, is a genius. Who knew that a gay Jew could write such funky music? Anyone who likes movie musicals even a little I am a huge fan of the Broadway Hairspray; I even played in the pit with a touring company of it. The composer, Mark Shaiman, is a genius. Who knew that a gay Jew could write such funky music? Anyone who likes movie musicals even a little bit will LOVE this movie. My only complaint (which applies to almost all filmed dancing now) … Expand

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10

KenM.Dec 7, 2007

Just when you thought Hollywood couldn't do anything feel-good, it comes through with this. Blonsky, Efron, Kelley and Bynes are awesome -- and they aren't even the "name" players. John Travolta goes where Harvey Fierstein and Just when you thought Hollywood couldn't do anything feel-good, it comes through with this. Blonsky, Efron, Kelley and Bynes are awesome -- and they aren't even the "name" players. John Travolta goes where Harvey Fierstein and Divine have gone before. Great job. Motormouth wasn't written for Queen Latifah, but she redefined it. This generation's "Grease"? This movie has more substance and better music.… Expand

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10

jesssJul 22, 2007

A wonderful, exciting, charming musical film with expert performances by the entire cast especially the marvelous Travolta and Blonsky. Go see it.

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10

WilliamMJul 24, 2007

People applauded at the end of some of the dance routines and at the end of the movie. For good reason!

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9

TylerDr.Aug 18, 2007

You know, I'm not one that SHOULD like this movie. I'm a 15 year old guy. My girlfriend dragged me along to this movie and at the beginning I thought, "My God, save me." As the movie progressed, I started to like it more and more. You know, I'm not one that SHOULD like this movie. I'm a 15 year old guy. My girlfriend dragged me along to this movie and at the beginning I thought, "My God, save me." As the movie progressed, I started to like it more and more. By the end, I was smiling the entire time. This is a very, very enjoyable movie. Give it a chance.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

9

SandyC.Aug 9, 2007

Great story; great songs - I felt good about taking my 8 year old daughter to it. We both had a great time.

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10

SarahP.Jan 6, 2008

This movie was the best movie this year! ( besides Rataouille ) John Travolta was at his best as a woman. If I could, I would of gave this movie a hundred!

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9

SteveM.Jul 19, 2007

The buzz was good on this one, but I only liked the Broadway show, and I was apprehensive about John Travolta from the previews. But from the first moment I got sucked in to the sheer pleasure of this one. It is a sweet confection with a The buzz was good on this one, but I only liked the Broadway show, and I was apprehensive about John Travolta from the previews. But from the first moment I got sucked in to the sheer pleasure of this one. It is a sweet confection with a moral that played much better on film than on stage. Great visually, wonderful choreography and a terrific cast. I recommend it without hesitation.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

3

keithJul 20, 2007

John Travolta and Christopher Walkin were totallly mis-cast.

1 of 2 users found this helpful

9

EricDJul 21, 2007

an excellent movie, with a wonderful cast and moral greater then all modern movies hairspray puts a unique twist on a challenging yet exciting time period in our history. the singing and dancing were fantastic and the actors helped the show an excellent movie, with a wonderful cast and moral greater then all modern movies hairspray puts a unique twist on a challenging yet exciting time period in our history. the singing and dancing were fantastic and the actors helped the show maintain its high energy level. the only let down was the fact that they cut two great songs: the big doll house and mama I'm a big girl now, resulting in the lyrics changes in without love that were not to my liking. otherwise a great movie to be enjoyed by all… Expand

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1

MikeFeb 5, 2008

Very colorful, likable for the first 15 mins, and then it just became annoying! Travolts sucks a woman, he didn't look like one, didn't move like one, or speak like one. Also this is a "MUSICAL" so why are actors singing when they Very colorful, likable for the first 15 mins, and then it just became annoying! Travolts sucks a woman, he didn't look like one, didn't move like one, or speak like one. Also this is a "MUSICAL" so why are actors singing when they don't have the talent too sing!… Expand

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3

GrantW.Nov 3, 2007

Terrible acting, terrible music, Queen Latifah was terrible Michelle Pfeiffer was worse, and Christopher Walken needs to learn to decline roles.

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5

JoelH.Sep 9, 2007

Had high expectations, and I know it's supposed to have a bit of a camp feel to it, but John Travolta just kind of killed the whole movie, and none of the musical numbers were very memorable in my opinion. I did like the nod to Waters, Had high expectations, and I know it's supposed to have a bit of a camp feel to it, but John Travolta just kind of killed the whole movie, and none of the musical numbers were very memorable in my opinion. I did like the nod to Waters, Ricki Lake and Jerry Stiller, though.… Expand

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1

JimY.Aug 16, 2007

This movie will not appeal to any man who does not have a strong desire to live in San Francisco. or key west. It is about the most mind numbing thing I have watched this side of rush Limbaugh. There will always be people who like any crap This movie will not appeal to any man who does not have a strong desire to live in San Francisco. or key west. It is about the most mind numbing thing I have watched this side of rush Limbaugh. There will always be people who like any crap served to them because they think they are sophisticated. but this move it not. I think Travolta days are better spent flying instead of acting if this is the best he can do. I strongly sug. you do not spend your money on this film, I down loaded it from the net and even though I did not pay for it, I felt cheated out of my time and want it back.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful

3

MokoReviewsApr 19, 2013

It fails on almost every level to be the amazing-ness of the 1988 original. Also, John Travolta acting as some bubblegum version of Divine is tacky and downright cinema blasphemy.

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9

Trev29Nov 26, 2015

A wonderfully entertaining movie. A very funny script with so many diverse characters. They all come together and shine in their performances. Just flat out enjoyable.

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10

xahkdlys119Apr 13, 2012

Bravo! This is the best movie I have seen in years. The songs, dancing and music make this movie an enjoyable musical. Even if you don't like musicals, you are sure to walk out of the cinema or switch off your TV smiling.

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10

gill000Aug 14, 2013

This is one of those films that is sure to put a smile on your face. I can't think of the film without getting a song stuck in my head. Well worth a watch

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9

RikiegeNov 1, 2012

The best movie musical of all time.

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10

survivorfan989Dec 31, 2012

Easily my favourite musical and it's not hard to tell why because its full of catchy songs and stand-out performances from the cast. Not only is it a great concept but it's crosses over from a Broadway show to Film so easily! Nikki Blonsky inEasily my favourite musical and it's not hard to tell why because its full of catchy songs and stand-out performances from the cast. Not only is it a great concept but it's crosses over from a Broadway show to Film so easily! Nikki Blonsky in her first major role is just a delight and she is joined by so many talented stars here, but there's no looking past John Travolta and his hilarious portrayal of Edna! Overall a delightful film to watch and it will always be one of my favourites :)… Expand

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8

khviviDec 27, 2013

Ended up watching this because family put it on tv, and i didn't expect much.
However, it was actually very entertaining, musical film really not my thing but definitely worth the watch.

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7

MovieGuysMar 19, 2014

Hairspray is a delightful revival of the cult classic. John Travolta is hilarious in his role as a women, and the movie prances along with respect to the original.

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7

HerlyantiJan 6, 2016

The opening was great and emerged self-confidence inside me. And the story was good actually. Somehow, something's missing here and I'm not quite sure what that is. Is it because it tells the story of the '60? I don't think so. Chicago'sThe opening was great and emerged self-confidence inside me. And the story was good actually. Somehow, something's missing here and I'm not quite sure what that is. Is it because it tells the story of the '60? I don't think so. Chicago's setting is away later than this and I love it so much. Mmm, maybe it's the songs??? Well, I guess they're really not my fave. Yet I'm happy enough to find that this movie is not telling the story of beauty salon as I've predicted from the cover and the title.
Queen Latifah is here and she's a lot skinnier than in Chicago. But I like her better in Chicago. And I don't see something special in John's acting besides the fact that he acts as an obese woman.… Expand

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8

Jk9785Feb 26, 2017

I sat down to watch this film after owning the DVD for years, but never actually watching it. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. A feel-good film with great acting, a good story, and great musical numbers, Hairspray delivers on justI sat down to watch this film after owning the DVD for years, but never actually watching it. I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised. A feel-good film with great acting, a good story, and great musical numbers, Hairspray delivers on just about every level and exceeded my expectations.… Expand

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0

JimSJul 20, 2007

The original is better.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

0

TylerG.Aug 8, 2007

My girlfriend wanted me to go see it, so i did for one reason, because John Travolta is in my favorite movie of all time (Pulp Fiction), but seeing him play an overweight woman made me leave the theater and my girlfriend before it was over, My girlfriend wanted me to go see it, so i did for one reason, because John Travolta is in my favorite movie of all time (Pulp Fiction), but seeing him play an overweight woman made me leave the theater and my girlfriend before it was over, that really genuinely sucked.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful

1

[Anonymous]Jan 17, 2008

A terrible, overlong, bland, stupid, unoriginal, overblown, hammed-up waste of space, for reasons that are too glaring and all-consuming to even begin discussing here.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

3

LennyC.Jan 23, 2008

If you have never seen a train wreck, watch this movie, it is an hour and a half boring music video with no let up, i felt like sceeming,, "STOP THE MUSIC"

1 of 3 users found this helpful

3

MattL.Jan 4, 2008

Good performances from Nikki Blonsky and James Marsden, otherwise this is a cringeworthy excuse for entertainment. The songs and general over-exaggerated performances made me wanna throw up, and the plot was poor and implausible.

1 of 3 users found this helpful

10

ArthurCJul 20, 2007

Wow! I haven't felt this good at a movie in quite a long time. It was emotionally peppy, the music was awesome, and John Travolta's role as Edna quickly moves from stunt casting (look, it's Danny Zuko in a fat suit and a Wow! I haven't felt this good at a movie in quite a long time. It was emotionally peppy, the music was awesome, and John Travolta's role as Edna quickly moves from stunt casting (look, it's Danny Zuko in a fat suit and a dress) into a fully realized character that you actually believe is a shut-in longing to break free. Also, this Nikki Blosky is an amazing revelation, easy to fall in love with. I can't fault this movie for anything, it's been a long time that a musical has been this fun.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ChrisV.Aug 14, 2007

Great movie, i usually dont like this kind of movies, like musical and a lot of songs on it, but i think is very funny, and the chubby girl looks amazing in this film, is great... See it on the movie theater!!!!

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10

DoddiJ.Aug 28, 2007

In a summer and year of so many three- and sequels, I find this film to be so upbeat and great. Yes, it's a "remake" of the John Waters film, which is great by the way, but the music and songs are brand new and specifically done for In a summer and year of so many three- and sequels, I find this film to be so upbeat and great. Yes, it's a "remake" of the John Waters film, which is great by the way, but the music and songs are brand new and specifically done for this movie. John Travolta was quoted saying, that the reason he did this musical (after having been in one of the most popular musicals of all time - Grease), that the director's enthusiasm was so enormous and contagious (not a direct quote, but you catch my drift). This enthusiasm is apparent in all the actors, and while I love Michelle Pfeiffer and John Travolta, I think the kids along with James Marsden are a great team here. Wow wow wow - I feel good after this movie!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

9

SihleMAug 29, 2007

I went with my 2sisters 2 c it. Even though I,m a guy I did enjoy it, much better than dreamgirls. That girl was so energitic it nearlly rubbed of me, as I nearlly joined my sisters on the dancing back home

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ChristinaK.Aug 11, 2008

A great movie, loved every minute. Great songs too.

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7

BillySJul 20, 2007

I gotta admit I went into this movie expecting to hate it. I love the John Waters original with Divine and I was ready to rip apart another big Hollywood commercialization of a great cult movie with the big old gimmick of casting John I gotta admit I went into this movie expecting to hate it. I love the John Waters original with Divine and I was ready to rip apart another big Hollywood commercialization of a great cult movie with the big old gimmick of casting John Travolta as Edna. Well, I've gotta suck it up and admit it. Hairspray is one great entertaining movie. When I saw Mr. Waters in a cameo 5 minutes into the film, I figured he must have at least, given the makers his blessing. The thing is, the movie is infectious and grows on you as you watch it. You never really believe Travolta is a woman, but the character somehow grabs you in a great big bear hug and never stops squeezing. Travolta could be looking at a Supporting actor Oscar nomination. Nikki Blonsky makes an impressive debut though not as scene stealing as Jennifer Hudson in last years Dreamgirls. The supporting cast are all very good, especially Allison Janney who practically steals the movie in one knee dropping hysterical scene. The credits are all top notch with the music complimenting the socially aware story with cheery foot tapping lyrics and even a gospel style anthem sung by Queen Latifah that reminds you of the serious subject. The finale of Hairspray sums up the movie perfectly- "You can't stop the beat", and I admit it, you can't!… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

LaurenceCJul 20, 2007

I can barely breathe. huff huff. It was WONDERFUL!.

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4

EdgarJul 26, 2007

Did anyone else find this film a little racist? The squares are demonized in such a way as to suggest a more or less bankrupt culture, and then it's Funk to the rescue. There seems to be no end, in this film, to the pontificating, bible Did anyone else find this film a little racist? The squares are demonized in such a way as to suggest a more or less bankrupt culture, and then it's Funk to the rescue. There seems to be no end, in this film, to the pontificating, bible thumping verdict that all white people need to do is to adopt African American culture wholesale. The treatment of the white people in this film is no more sophisticated than the way white people treated African Americans in, let's say, the 50s. The pendulum has now swung quite a ways since then, yes? Should we not be concerned about the obvious racism in this so-called fluff film? Is it not disturbing that no one seems to care that we so easily swallow this mess of negative stereotypes? I'm disturbed when, in older films, I see African Americans being marginalized. I'm just as disturbed by this very commercial entertainment and by the lack of responsibility required from the filmmakers to treat each character as a human being. There's much to love in most cultures today. I just don't understand why we feel the need to sanctify one over the other. It's worrisome, to me.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

0

AdamLJul 27, 2007

This movie has to be the most stupid and pointless movie ever made. Teletubies is better than this. I walked out of the theater in the middle of the movie and demanded my money back. I recommend that no one should see this movie.

0 of 2 users found this helpful

10

GaryM.Jul 28, 2007

It was a brilliant, feel-good movie with an excellent musical soundtrack! If you were a fan of the original Hairspray you immediately clocked John Waters as the flasher.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

8

DougN.Jul 29, 2007

Great music, never a dull moment, well done!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

TimLAug 1, 2007

John Travolta totally stoled this movie. I am a big fan of both the original and the stage musical and just felt he made Edna his own and when he sang and danced it simply rocked. This movie is one of most entertaining events I have seen in awhile!

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

CoolGuyAug 1, 2007

I loved this movie. Very amazing talent and awesome story/sequencing of events.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

MartinMAug 1, 2007

One of the best films I've seen in theaters in years. Pure fun from beginning to end. I've seen it thrice and will watch it thrice more this week.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

HoneyJR.Aug 13, 2007

This is the best movie I've seen this year so far. I'm officially predicting John Travolta will take home the Golden Globe and probably even get an Oscar nod for his amazing performance. His role was an easy one to over or This is the best movie I've seen this year so far. I'm officially predicting John Travolta will take home the Golden Globe and probably even get an Oscar nod for his amazing performance. His role was an easy one to over or underplay, but he got it just right. It's a shame uptight men insecure with their sexuality can't appreciate the fun and brilliance of Travolta's performance and of this movie. And as far as the allegation that this movie racist against whites, I'd say please stop sleeping in history class like Tracy!! This is actually the way it was in the early 60s. White people wouldn't let black people mingle with white people, sit at the same lunch counters or drink from the same drinking fountains or use the same bathrooms and in places like Baltimore, this kind of treatment didn't end until the civil rights movement in the middle 60s. That's what this movie was really about, the birth of the civil rights movement. I actually found the portrayal of the Amber and Velma characters very realistic and not at all racist, as that's exactly how some white people were in 1961, that's how they behaved that those were the beliefs they held, which is why the civil rights movement, Martin Luther King, Jr. the bus strike of Alabama, the march on Washington, happened. I knew quite a few Ambers in my high school days myself. I loved the score, the songs are catchy and fun and let's give props to James Marsden as Corny Collins!! He was great as Scott/Cyclops in the X-men films, but who knew he could sing and dance like that? I loved him!!!… Expand

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10

BenT.Aug 14, 2007

Well first off... one word, PHENOMINAL! this movie has such a great theme most of us in the U.S. and pretty much all over the world can relate to it. It sends out a message to all of us: It doesnt matter what size you are or what color you Well first off... one word, PHENOMINAL! this movie has such a great theme most of us in the U.S. and pretty much all over the world can relate to it. It sends out a message to all of us: It doesnt matter what size you are or what color you may be. Wonderful people come in all shapes and sizes. Amazing Amazing AMAZING songs and daces. And to that one man who said something like: "If you are a guy you will hate it!" well.... im a happy straight guy and you no what??? I LOVED IT!!! so dont speak for the rest of us guys cause i no some straight guys who loved this musical!!!! and youno what maybe it isnt the broadway version but it is just as good if not better. Some say nothing can beat the original well....you're wrong. This movie helps people not be insecure about some of the problems they might have. It shows us that you can have fun with insecurities and maybe show to the world what people thought you could never do. It also tells us to follow your dream and never give up no matter what or who is in your way.… Expand

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10

BrianR.Aug 17, 2007

how can you NOT love this movie! pure joy, great acting and the music is very well done. much like the songs, the movie builds and builds until the beat can't be stopped. Shankman earns his cred 100%.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ChristopherH.rAug 18, 2007

Excellent and entertain all the way to the end credits. It truly is a film for everyone and it just makes you feel good and want to tap your feet.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

PeteAug 21, 2007

A totally amazing film!!! really cant beat it, its so uplifting, and such a feel good movie. Don't listen to the silly people who give it a 1 out of 10 (i mean the idiotic masochistic men, who, because they are "men" the film is A totally amazing film!!! really cant beat it, its so uplifting, and such a feel good movie. Don't listen to the silly people who give it a 1 out of 10 (i mean the idiotic masochistic men, who, because they are "men" the film is rubbish) ignore them, that is narrow minded. Give this film a chance and your full attention, let go, relax, and enjoy.… Expand

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10

DanR.Aug 22, 2007

I'd give it a 20 if I could. I've seen it 7 times so far and went to 2 singalongs. The music is perfect and the talent is unsurpassed. John Travolta I love you1 He plays Edna to perfection: he doesn't play it drag and he I'd give it a 20 if I could. I've seen it 7 times so far and went to 2 singalongs. The music is perfect and the talent is unsurpassed. John Travolta I love you1 He plays Edna to perfection: he doesn't play it drag and he doesn't play it gay. He plays it real, and it works. He's worth the price of 10 admissions. Elijah Kelley who plays Seaweed is one of the most talented singers and dancers in Hollywood these days. Nikki Blondsky makes you want to shout hallelujah there's real talent out there. James Marsden is the perfect Corny Collins. What a voice! I've seen the original movie, the stageplay and now this new movie and each of these productions stands on its own. People who can't get past the whole "gay/straight/female impersonation/ musical/male/female" thing is WHAT the whole movie is about, HELLO. And people who think the movie panders to racial stereotypes don't understand the idea of archtypes and should continue to vote Republican like they always have: they'll never get it and we'll need movies like Hairspray forever, which is fine by me! If you want to laugh, cry, sing and dance in your seat, see this movie! John Travolta deserves an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor and a Golden Globe. Remember all you stick-in-the-muds: You Can't Stop The Beat!… Expand

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9

KindredP.Aug 2, 2007

It was a great movie about living your own dream, not just watching it. My friend and I came out of the theater and learned something about the world we never knew. (I never knew where Baltimore was until I looked it up!) See it, I enjoyed It was a great movie about living your own dream, not just watching it. My friend and I came out of the theater and learned something about the world we never knew. (I never knew where Baltimore was until I looked it up!) See it, I enjoyed it and for those people who think it was racist, it wasn't. Thanks… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

ErikaN.Aug 24, 2007

John Travolta was absolutely fabulous. I love him.

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10

BeckyAug 7, 2007

YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT!! This is a very funny, happy excellently choreographed movie. Guaranteed to make you want to sing and dance along with the songs. I love movie musicals, this my second favorite of all time!!! Nikki Blonsky and YOU CAN'T STOP THE BEAT!! This is a very funny, happy excellently choreographed movie. Guaranteed to make you want to sing and dance along with the songs. I love movie musicals, this my second favorite of all time!!! Nikki Blonsky and John Travolta all the way!!!… Expand

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9

MichaelCAug 27, 2007

This is what American cinema can and should be... a celebration of gratuitous enthusiasm, camp, and wonderful homage to Waters, West Side Story, and music. You'll walk out humming and light-hearted.

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9

MarkB.Aug 29, 2007

Who would've guessed in 2006 that in 2007 Karl Rove would exit stage left...er, right; that either Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie would serve ANY jail time whatsoever...or that the guy who brought us The Pacifier AND Cheaper by the Dozen Who would've guessed in 2006 that in 2007 Karl Rove would exit stage left...er, right; that either Paris Hilton or Nicole Richie would serve ANY jail time whatsoever...or that the guy who brought us The Pacifier AND Cheaper by the Dozen 2 would actually follow them with a really GOOD movie? Not that the original source material (John waters' cleanest movie to date, an early-1960s-set satirical-sociological study of how a local Baltimore, MD American Bandstand-type TV dance show goes from having a once a month "Negro Day" to making every day "Rainbow Day") isn't already quite irresistable, or that the stars and songs aren't pretty terrific, but Adam Shankman directs (and choreographs) with a flawless lightness and wit I never suspected he had in him. Casting is uniformly spot-on, ranging from John Travolta's amazing ability to find true tenderness in his role as Edna Turnblad, heroine Tracy's painfully shy, overweight shut-in mom (completely making us forget that we're watching him take over a role originally played by Divine!), Christopher Walken as his (her?) novelty-store proprietor husband displaying a deep love for him (her?) as convincingly as he did for Brooke Adams in The Dead Zone, and Michelle Pfeiffer thoroughly relishing her newly-regrown cat claws as a snobbish, bigoted local TV honchette looking to further her daughter's stardom. (Pfeiffer looks a little TOO emaciated, though, even if the role calls for it. If her gaunt appearance isn't the result of the same kind of special effects and makeup magic that helped make Travolta so convincing, only in reverses, then let's hope that now that this movie has long since wrapped, that David E. Kelley has stuffed a few much-needed double cheeseburgers down his wife's gullet.) Best of all, and making the debut of the year, is the infectiously sunny Nikki Blonsky as Charm City teen Tracy, who almost simultaneously discovers the pain of racism, the pleasure of celebrity and the thrill of a first romance; she's adorably cheery and perky without being saccharine, and when she smiles she could pass as Cynthia Stevenson's plus-sized kid sister. Hairspray's box office stealth success as a summer favorite (a notable accomplishment given that most of the movie musicals that followed Chicago were financial disappointments--including, sadly, Dreamgirls) shouldn't be too surprising considering how resonantly it taps into a couple of recent pop-culture undercurrents (even though it's a period piece): America's slowly growing acceptance if not embracing of personality over "perfect" looks, as evidenced by Ugly Betty's status as a TV heroine, and the yearning of many of its youth to define their own paths rather than be defined by steeotypical labels, an essential thematic element of the Disney Channel's wildly beloved High School Musical movies (which feature Hairspray's Zac Efron). Add to all this art direction and set design that flawlessly capture Baltimore at the time (I lived there for the first 25 years of my life, from 1956 to 1981, so if I'm not an expert witness, who is?), endlessly clever, catchy and exuberant songs that top Marc Shaiman's brilliant work with the South Park movie score because here they're LONGER, and a notable cameo appearance early on that undoubtedly made Hitchcock quiver with envy in his grave, and you've got a total triumph that may not necessarily be 2007's best film so far--Zodiac, Grindhouse, Black Snake Moan and Michael Moore's Sicko offer it some hard competition--but it'll certainly make you FEEL the best!… Expand

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10

CurtisD.Nov 14, 2007

I LOVED this movie. I am a big fan of the original 1988 movie, never had the chance to see the Broadway show, But thought this movie was perfect. I had some reservation about Travolta and Efron and never knew that Marsden could sing. But I I LOVED this movie. I am a big fan of the original 1988 movie, never had the chance to see the Broadway show, But thought this movie was perfect. I had some reservation about Travolta and Efron and never knew that Marsden could sing. But I was very pleasantly surprised. This is definitely one of the best movies of the year and definitely one to the top Hollywood Musicals of all time.… Expand

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7

EssenceOfSugarJul 24, 2012

It's supposed to be light-hearted, I can guarantee you that, but the bright colours just make everything look so garish. When it comes to making a feel-good musical comedy about racism, you've got to get the ingredients right - this just hasIt's supposed to be light-hearted, I can guarantee you that, but the bright colours just make everything look so garish. When it comes to making a feel-good musical comedy about racism, you've got to get the ingredients right - this just has a little too much sugar in it. Sometimes that songs can also get a little sickening each time you watch it as well. When it comes to John Travolta, he looks a little weird (and perhaps stupid) playing Tracy's mother. Nonetheless, it had clear boundaries over certain characters, understandably pointing out the antagonists from the good guys (and gals). I also found it fascinating about the depth of the exploration of Baltimore, where we met a few eccentric, yet funny, characters.… Expand

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3

MrMovieBuffMar 29, 2016

It's time to get your singing lungs on as 'Hairspray' is supposed to be infectious, and jazzy. It's supposed to put a smile on your face, and leave you brimming with joy, and caring for the characters as they sing their way to stop racism,It's time to get your singing lungs on as 'Hairspray' is supposed to be infectious, and jazzy. It's supposed to put a smile on your face, and leave you brimming with joy, and caring for the characters as they sing their way to stop racism, and other prejudice.

Not me, unfortunately. 'Hairspray' is an overstuffed, thinly developed, almost confusing product... I am intended to care for the characters that appear on screen, but I just don't. I see no reason whatsoever to root for the lead character that is Tracy (a very charming Nikki Blonsky), other than the fact that I admire her hate for racism, and wanting black people to get equal rights...but the rest of her character I just couldn't care for.

She seems to have the hots for a young dancer boy named Link (Zac Efron, energetic as always), but why is she so madly in love with him? Is it his hair? His eyes? His dancing skills??? He is nothing more than a blank, thin sheet of paper. That blank sheet of paper must be full of his character development, which there is none of in case you didn't understand where I was getting at.

James Marsden plays Corny Collins, the host of a very popular TV all-dance and all-singing show "The Corny Collins Show", where they are looking for young talent to sing and dance for the show's live broadcasting. Working on that show is the scheming Velma (Michelle Pfeiffer), who is more or less no different to any other blonde, female villain you've seen in the past. She has an evil laugh, her blonde hair is full of volume, she wears eye shadow and blood-red lipstick, and high heels that click so hard against the ground she walks on. Why should I find her extra intimidating?

This is not a discredit to Michelle Pfeiffer's performance as she does do an excellent job as always, but here her character just seems so...boring.

John Travolta plays Tracy's mother, Edna, dressed in drag, I can see why this may be, since the musical was originally written by John Waters, known for his gross-out content and working closely with a famous transvestite named "Divine". However, I'm not sure if this is supposed to be ironic, but Travolta's voice is too deep for a woman, I am not sure if it is supposed to be a joke, or if we are supposed to believe that he is in fact playing a woman with some manly features.

I don't know, and frankly...I just don't care after a while.

The movie is filled with musical numbers and inspired choreography, and also moves at a fast pace, but what is the story's focus? Why does it seem like there are so many unnecessary sub-plots that involve the romance between Tracy's friend Penny (Amanda Bynes) with a black teen Seaweed (Elijah Kelly)? Or take Tracy's father Wilbur (Christopher Walken) trying to win back the heart of Edna. Why were they there? And why did they need to take up so much of the movie's time? If you took them out of the movie, it wouldn't make that much of a difference, other than the run-time being a little shorter.

All in all, 'Hairspray' is a failed opportunity, with good-meaning. It obviously tries to fit in a social commentary about racism and other forms of discrimination, but fails to do it with characters that I just couldn't see myself rooting for. They all seem to be cardboard stereotypes of their own, if they wanted equality so bad, why do they act like the way that prejudice people see them? The music is good enough to keep anyone distracted, but I just wanted the end-credits to roll as soon as possible.… Expand

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6

Richard552Aug 15, 2022

Travolta never became Edna until the last number and "Timeless" came across as wasted time. $1 to buy a Netflix account, Google search: vtvshare

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1

EoinD.Aug 1, 2007

If you are a guy you will hate it. I stood outside the movie theatre waiting for my female companion and the contrast between the experience of man and woman was striking. The females seemed to love it due to its grease-esque overtones, ie If you are a guy you will hate it. I stood outside the movie theatre waiting for my female companion and the contrast between the experience of man and woman was striking. The females seemed to love it due to its grease-esque overtones, ie constant breaking into song for something as trivial as opening a carton of milk or doing the ironing. It is not my kind of film, but the females out there will enjoy it. MEN MAY NOT........HENCE My 1/10 rating.… Expand