"Hairspray"
Rated PG-13
Now playing
****

GOOD MORNING, BALTIMORE: “Hairspray” is an adaptation of the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical and the remake of the 1988 comedy. It’s set in 1960s Baltimore and follows Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), a “bigger” girl whose real passion is dancing, despite her mother’s (John Travolta) criticism.

After being noticed dancing by television star Corny Collins (James Marsden), Tracy lands a part in the cast of “The Corny Collins Show” and becomes an instant sensation in Baltimore.

Her fame, however, comes at a price, and Tracy must soon deal with issues such as racial inequality and the schemes of the mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) of her rival, Amber von Tussle (Brittany Snow).

(Photo: John Travolta, left, and Nikki Blonsky star in "Hairspray." Credit: David James -- Newline.)

THE NEW GIRL IN TOWN: With a star-studded cast, the acting and singing was spectacular. Bronsky is amazing in her break-out performance, making the character of Tracy spunky but lovable. 

Other notable stars who gave their characters a “spark” were Michelle Pfeiffer, who portrayed the prejudiced and stuck-up Velma von Tussle with attitude; Travolta, whose performance as Tracy’s mother was humorous; and, of course, the wonderful Queen Latifa, who played Motormouth Maybelle, an African-American woman who is oppressed because of her skin color.

YOU CAN’T STOP THE BEAT: The dancing is one of the most critical parts of “Hairspray,” so it was no surprise that the cast did a fabulous job. There’s a particularly funny scene in the end where even Travolta dances.

WELCOME TO THE ‘60S: “Hairspray” carries a lot of important messages, all sugar-coated with humor and music. A few described some of the racism  people faced in the 1960s, especially from people like von Tussle. The film also brings up the topic of accepting people for being different, especially Tracy, who is “plus-size” and must battle criticism from her peers, despite her natural talent at dancing.

I CAN HEAR THE BELLS: This is definitely a film that should not be missed. With its clever lyrics, upbeat music, great dancing and mature messages, “Hairspray” is most likely one of the best films of the summer!

-- Roberto Rodriguez, Santa Teresa High, San Jose