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Movie night: Hairspray

Last night we watched Hairspray, an excellent, entertaining movie and I'll give it a 4 on my scale of 1 to 5. I had no idea there were so many big names in it besides the mom of the main character, played by none other than John Travolta, super-sized (and female). In addition, there was Christopher Walken who played JT's character's husband, then Michelle Pfeiffer, who played the "bad guy," perhaps the most beautiful looking bad guy I've ever seen. There was also Amanda Bynes, Zac Efron, and two dads from Seinfield, one who played George Castanza's father and one who played Jerry's father. There was also Queen Latifah, who seems to be in a lot of movies these days. Overall, the acting was fabulous and the characters were well suited.

The movie, adapted from a Broadway play, was in essense a musical set in the sixties, and the underlying message was to accept people based on their inner beauty rather than their physical appearance. I had already figured out that part before seeing the movie, since John Travolta's character played a large woman, mom to another plus-sized lead character, Nikki someone, who incidentally has a remarkable Broadway-type of voice. What was new to me was how the racial biases of the time would be a main plot of the movie as it takes the viewer back to an era when people would actually specify having a "Negro day" on a popular fictitious television show. It really wasn't that long ago that such segregation dominated our country, and movies like this remind us. It's hard to imagine actually having separate buses for blacks or separation of who could dance with whom in public.

Even with this heavy topic, it was covered in a light tone with a happy ending, and everyone becomes integrated into one big happy family, dancing and singing 'til the end. It put a smile on my face the whole night as I was watching it. Lindsey is definitely going to enjoy watching this one tonight.

Comments

i have heard great things about it. my sister went to opening night at her theater and it was a sing-a-long. mY sisters and i used to watch this show together when we were little so i'm excited to see the new version!
Lonna said…
Gwen loved to watch the trailor of this one on the apple t.v. She was really into the singing and dancing. I am glad that you liked it. I have heard a lot of great things about it.
Amanda said…
I've been curious about this one and am glad to hear something about it from someone whose opinion I trust. I'll have to add it to my list of movies to see!
Callisto said…
I walked out of this movie grinning like an idiot! It's a fun show.
ninnies said…
that was a very cute movie. I loved it. =]
Heidi said…
I love this movie!!
~ Tina said…
During the 3 hour ride home from our last dance competition weekend, the back two rows of passengers got to watch Hairspray. I however, was riding 'shot gun' - so missed the visuals, but did get to take in some of the music, etc. Good stuff!
Julie V. said…
I took my girls to see it and what a fun night to just sit and smile the whole time.
Julie said…
This is on my list to see. I'm glad to hear you liked it! In fact, I don't think I know anyone who hasn't liked it so that's good.

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