Yesterday, Matt, Lauren, Hannah and I went to a matinee of Hairspray. I really enjoyed it. It was hard to believe this was Nikki Blonsky’s first film. While playing the part of Tracy Turnblad, Nikki shows us an emotional journey. Starting out as a naive girl with simple causes (How’s my hair? I hope my best friend isn’t in trouble. I want to watch my favorite show!), Tracy soon realizes the ricism (and size-ism) that constantly surrounds her. Although Nikki fails to show us the internal conflict in choosing between doing what’s right and doing what will immediately benefit her character, she does an excellent job of portraying a carefree girl who turns into a responsible young woman who, in spite of being wronged again and again, always tries to see the best in people, but is wise enough to know who she can and can’t trust. It was wonderful watching the breakout performance of this newcomer, and I hope to continue seeing great things from her.

Aside from Blonsky, the cast of Hairspray was consumed by big named actors, including Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Queen Latifah, and John Travolta. Michelle Pfeiffer gave a wonderful performance as the antagonist, Velma Von Tussle. You could clearly see Velma’s ignorance regarding how she was losing control of her surroundings, then desperately trying to hang on until it all came crashing down around her. Her performance was hysterical!

Christopher Walken was a pleasant surprise. I must admit that I did not know he was in the cast. I am used to seeing Walken in dark roles, which he performs with finesse (scaring the crap out of me!), so it was a nice change of pace to see him in the humorous role of Tracy’s father, Wilbur Turnblad. This was a role in which I feel he truly enjoyed himself, but not as much as John Travolta who played Edna Turnblad, Tracy’s mother. Never in my life did I think I would see John Travolta in either drag or a fat suit, and certainly not both at the same time. Travolta played his part well, although it seemed like a charicature. I suppose this was intentional, but I hated not seeing true emotion coming from such a talented actor. However, it was clear that Travolta put his heart and soul into the performance. That made Travolta a joy to watch. Great actors are at their greatest when they are enjoying their job.

Up and comer Zac Efron redeemed himself in this movie. Although High School Musical was entertaining, the characters were not well written and too easily performed. Hairspray is a different story. As he gave one of the best performances in the production, Efron showed that he is a capable actor. He showed his internal conflict in fine form, and made the viewer see that difficulties exist even in the lives of those who are envied by the less fortunate. Considering his co-stars, it is amazing that he was able to shine with a supporting role. He has great potential.

Overall, I give the movie a nine out of ten. One point was lost because Travolta’s costume did not look realistic. The shape was good, but the make-up and material did not look like real skin. It ruined the effect for me, and was distracting for the first half of the show.