idea of segregation is outdated and absurd. The only ones who support it are the antagonists.

With Tracy's unbridled enthusiasm, we are convinced the world would be a lot better off if people were allowed to be just who they are. It just never dawns on her that there is anything at all wrong with being different.

Scribe Leslie Dixon, whose credits include Mrs. Doubtfire and Freaky Friday, uses her protagonist as a catalyst for all the other characters who need to change, and the most tender of relationships include the one between Edna and Tracy. With the infectious "Welcome to the 60s", Edna and Tracy dance through the street singing a positive message about self acceptance.

Probably one of the more memorable scenes in the movie is stolen by Christopher Walkin, who plays Edna's husband Wilbur, and John Travolta's Edna as they indulge in a classic sing and dance to "(You're) Timeless to Me", an affectionate tribute to beloved classic movie musicals.

In fact, all the music is so joyous and fun that you'll immediately want to go out and buy the CD so that you can hear it anywhere. I highly recommend it when you're stuck in traffic. It's hard to be mad over gridlock when you're singing "Big, Blond and Beautiful" with all the sass of Queen Latifah.

In a movie that tackles subject like racial tension, segregation, protests and interracial dating, "Hairspray" has probably the grandest ending scene of all time. With the irrepressible "You Can't Stop the Beat", every problem finds its resolution in an escalating crescendo.

By the time you find out if Tracy will succeed or fail in her goals to win "Miss Hairspray", fall in love with Link, see her mother shine and see Velma (and Amber) finally get her comeuppance, you're practically up out of your seat and dancing in the aisle yourself.

In a very family friendly movie short on language, violence and sexuality and long on fun, acceptance and tolerance, everyone from age eight to eighty will find something to love.

So rent it today and experience the joy.

Do it now, or forever wish you had.

A+

Learn more about this author, Ginger Voight.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

• << previous page
• 1
• 2

---

Add your voice

Know something about Movie reviews: Hairspray?
We want to hear your view. Write now!