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senior and ice cream store employee, auditioned for the role, and caught the eye of director Adam Shankman.

"Tracy clearly has a distinctive look," Shankman says. "We all knew it was going to be a momentous challenge to find an adorable, loveable 17-year-old, overweight girl who could sing, dance and act and hold her own up against the likes of John Travolta, Queen Latifah, Christopher Walken and Michelle Pfeiffer. But we didboy did we ever!"

Shankman's Choreographer-background helped tremendously in shaping up the energetic tone of "Hairspray." I've never been a big fan of Shankman, whose directing credits include the mediocre "The Pacifier" and "Cheaper by the Dozen 2." But in "Hairspray," Shankman infuses great timing to every musical number and comedic routine.

John Waters' cameo as a flasher shows the director's approval of this new version. Ricki Lake also gives support as one of the talent agents, and the original Mr. Turnsblad, Jerry Stiller, now plays Mr. Pinky, the owner of the plus-size store, Hefty Hideaway.

While the importance of chasing a dream and working for social change are recurring themes in "Hairspray," the film is not preachy. Unlike "Dreamgirls," this musical is consistent from start to finish. From the opening scene of "Good Morning Baltimore" to the show-stopping finale, "You Can't Stop the Beat," "Hairspray" is one of the most enjoyable movie experiences you'll get this year.

So I say, dreamers rejoice! Get your big hair ready and spray it on. And for that, "Hairspray" gets 4 big girls are beautiful kisses

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