It is so refreshing to finally see a movie that celebrates the true joy of being a teenager, regardless of how hot your clothes may be, how rich your parents are, or how much you weigh.
The musical "Hairspray" is just such a celebration. Aside from the fact that this film captures the look, feeling, and sense of innocence of highschool life in the early sixties (that is pre-Beatles, pre-hippies, and pre-Vietnam war) "Hairspray" deals with universally serious issues such as racism, agoraphobia, and religious fanaticism, all within the context of terrific music and choreography.
John Travolta is an absolute revelation in his fat-suit, ultra-feminine role as Edna the agoraphobic, overweight mother of Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), the adorably joyful highschool girl with a heart of gold. Michelle Pfieffer makes a return to movies in the risky role of the evil, seductive villainess, who is all superficial fluff, and ugly on the inside. The supporting cast of young newcomers are all coiffed and dressed exactly the way teenagers did back in 1963, all the way down to Tracy's little white tennies.
This happy little movie brought back great memories for this viewer, but should be seen by anyone who enjoys effervescence on the screen, or just needs some cheering up.
