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*** 1/2 STARS

If you know me well, and if you have read this blog a lot, then you already know that the original “Hairspray” movie by John Waters from 1988 is my ultimate, all time favorite movie EVER. I have seen it more than 200+ times, I know all of the dances and dearly love the early 60’s soundtrack (I even own a rare vinyl copy autographed by John Waters himself).

When I heard that the movie “Hairspray” was being made into a Broadway play, I was excited. When I watched the stage musical in San Fransisco, I liked it and was amused, but I didn’t love it as nearly much as I did the movie. Now that I have seen the ultra fabulous movie adaptation of the stage play, I am excited to say that it is a great companion piece to the much beloved original film.

I was so nervous to see how my favorite characters and plot lines would be treated in this big screen adaptation. To my surprise 2007’s “Hairspray” is the best movie musical to come out in the past 10 years. This is the film that “Dreamgirls” wanted to be. “Hairspray” has so much vibrant energy it can hardly contain itself.

From the fabulous opening credits to the awesome ending musical sequence, “Hairspray” creates a refreshing movie going experience that has been long over due this summer. Without pandering to it’s audience “Hairspray” feels like a silly adventure with creative choreography, vibrant set designs, original yet retro costumes and instantly catchy tunes. You would have to be completely heartless to not get a kick out of the outrageous story and eye popping scenery.

Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken do such a great job with their scenes but it is John Travolta who steals the show. At first the make up and voice work throw you for a loop, you are not sure if you are willing to give into the preposterous set up of Travolta as a suburban 60’s housewife. But Travolta gives a surprisingly entertaining and sweet performance as Mrs. Turnbladt, so much so that you forget about the make up and fat suit instantly and fall in love with Edna. Somehow the spirit and odd charm of the original movie stays in place much in part because of Travolta’s stellar performance. I was also very happy to see Michelle Pffeifer doing such great campy acting and pitch pefect singing as “Velma”.

I cannot express how surprised and pleased I was with “Hairspray”. The choreography, acting and singing all captivated the audience on opening night to a level I was not expecting. People who are sick of all of the hype surrounding sequels this summer will be pleasantly surprised to find out that “Hairspray” is the best summer movie of 2007. “Hairspray” is by far the best musical and family film to come out in many years, I wouldn’t be surprised if it remains on my top ten for 2007 by years end, it is that great!