If you like kitsch and don't mind a little plaid or a cardigan or two, HAIRSPRAY is the movie for you.
The Broadway hit was recently adapted for the big screen and never lets up from the get-go.
The setting is in Baltimore in the 1950's.
The premise goes something like this.
Each day, when the school bell signals the end of class, excited teens dash home to turn on the boob tube to grind and gyrate to popular tunes on the Corny Collins Show (undoubtedly styled after yesteryear's trail-blazing American Bandstand once hosted by the affable perennial host Dick Clark).
Here, James Marsden has more sex appeal in his baby finger than Mr. Clark ever resonated in his entire being.
Sorry, Dick!
In fact, there are a number of stand-out performances by up-and-coming young performers.
For instance, actress Nikki Blonsky is captivating in the lead role as "Tracy Turnblad".
And, there's also a surprising on-screen turn by Michelle Pfeiffer, as well.
One day Tracy receives a slip for tardiness and heads down to detention hall where she encounters a juggernaut of appealing black youths lithely jiving and raucously harmonizin' to a jungle beat she finds irresistible.
At last, she is in her element.
When she learns that Corny Collins will be auditioning for a replacement for the popular Dance Show, she's first in line to strut her stuff - all jowls and cheek - much to the dismay of the Station Manager who has a slanted eye towards what is palpable for the hit music show.
Of course, Tracy is turfed out because she's way too hefty and a tad beyond light of foot.
But, some intriguing plot twists put her up front with all the underdogs rooting for her on the way to the annual "Miss Hairspray Talent Competition".
The musical numbers are all big and glitzy and way over-the-top - but in their context - make HAIRSPRAY truly entertaining toe-tapping bill-of-fare.
Unfortunately, the Travolta bit didn't work for me.
John, whatever were you thinking?
The role was more suited for a "Divine" type, if you get my drift.
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