Our first big time musical of the year. "Hairspray" is based on the 2002 broadway musical that is based on the 1987 John Waters picture. The original has a huge cult following and the musical has been doing gangbusters since it opened. The movie takes place in 1962 Baltimore. Everyday Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Nikki Blonsky) comes home to watch her favorite "The Corny Collins Show" hosted by James Marsden (Putnam North alum, holla'). Once a week they let the black people dance on the show calling it "Negro Day" (quoting, nobody get mad at me). Tracy desperately wants on the show and is at the same time color blind. Tracy's mom (John Travolta) has mixed feelings about all of this, but still finds time to sing and dance for no reason like every musical.

I went into this not knowing a thing about it. I have never seen the original and have never heard the music. I really enjoyed it. It's really a lot of fun. Travolta is pretty funny playing a woman (not much of a stretch from what I've heard, right Craigers?). The whole thing is a satire on civil rights and the era of these kinds of TV shows. Marsden was really good and needs to completely stay away from any more comic book movies. Overall this movie is great. It's not for every one. If you don't like musicals you probably shouldn't see it. I think women and gays will love it.

Rating: Full Price - Not for everyone, but a lot of fun!