A remake of the original broadway musical and film, Hairspray was a delight to watch. The songs were catchy and the plot was great.
The plot deals with several issues including breaking free from stereotypes, racism and moving forward into the future.
Tracy is a plump teenager in the 60’s and her one dream is to dance on the Corny Collins Show, which she and her friend, Penny, watch faithfully. When one of the girls from the show takes leave, Tracy is determined to go to the auditions. Mrs. Von Tussle, the station’s manager, decides not to hire any of the girls who show up as none of them fit into the perfect, white stereotype, especially after Tracy makes a comment on how she supports integration of blacks and whites. Link, Tracy’s crush from the show, catches a glimpse of Tracy dancing and encourages her to go to the dance, where he’s sure Corny will notice her. He does and Tracy is put on the show. She now has the chance to become Miss Teenage Hairspray, much to Amber Von Tussle’s dismay. Amber and her mom do what they can to get Tracy off the show: cancelling Negro Day and seducing Tracy’s father, to name a few. However, Tracy, Penny, and their group of friends (black and white) are determined to not let Mrs. Von Tussle have her way and combat her every move.
It’s a wonderful, touching story with excellent songs, some of which were new additions for the new movie. Tracy’s mom was played by John Travolta, but by the end of the movie, he has won us over as the loving mother character he is playing. Though the film is a musical, the songs flow in easily and all really connect to the story. You’ll want to see it again and again. I know I do!
A remake of the original broadway musical and film, Hairspray was a delight to watch. The songs were catchy and the plot was great.