NICEST KIDS IN TOWN: So I went with Carrie to see a preview of Hairspray tonight, and I am pleased to report that director/choreographer Adam Shankman has pulled off a fairly faithful and completely enjoyable film adaptation of Marc Shaiman's musical adaptation of John Waters' 1988 film. Nikki Blonsky is absolutely adorable and pitch-perfect in the demanding lead role as Tracy Turnblad, Amanda Bynes is a charming Penny Pingleton, Queen Latifah is as good as Motormouth Maybelle as you'd expect, Christopher Walken is a dapper Wilbur Turnblad, and John Travolta . . . . doesn't completely suck as Edna, and is occasionally endearing, but it's no match for Harvey Fierstein's original. And his attempt at a Baltimore accent just grates, hon.
A few songs are cut that I miss from the original, but I'm not going to harp on it right now, though my favorite fourth-wall-breaking line does disappear from "Without Love" (which, if you know the musical, you know what I mean.) And that's because the overall movie is so positive, fun and catchy. You will smile. The dancing is energetic, and it's all done with a wink -- especially from Zac Efron's Link.
We can talk in more detail once it's released on July 20, but for now, just know that if you were looking forward to seeing the film, you'll be satisfied; and if you weren't, you should. And be sure to pay attention to a few nice cameos -- from the talent agents in the final scene, and a certain flasher who lives next door...
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