It's a delight — 'Hairspray'

In this summer of sequels and threequals, it's a pleasant surprise to see the "feel good" movie, "Hairspray."

Although such mega-hits as "Transformers" and "Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix" are getting all the attention, I think the wizards who transformed John Travolta into Edna Turnblad deserve a round of applause, too.

"Hairspray" was written and directed by John Waters. It was released in 1988 and was his first PG-rated movie. The film was turned into a hit Broadway musical in 2002 that won eight Tony awards. Waters also wrote and directed such films as "Cry-Baby," "Serial Mom" and "Polyester."

The remake of "Hairspray" opened this past Friday (July 20).

The film takes place in segregated Baltimore in the early 1960s, where plus-size teenager Tracy Turnblad has one dream — to dance on the "Corny Collins Show." — think Dick Clark and "American Bandstand."

When the TV show has an open call for dancers, Tracy tells her parents she wants to audition. Her mother, who is a plus-size woman, too, tries to discourage her because she doesn't want Tracy hurt. Her father, remarkably played by Christopher Walken, tells her to go for it.

Tracy shows up, but she doesn't make the grade because she's too different. Although she's disappointed, she doesn't give up. When Corny Collins sees Tracy strut her stuff at a school dance, she wins a spot on his show and becomes an instant dance sensation.

With Tracy's new found confidence, she encourages her mother, Edna, to step out of their apartment and experience a bigger world.

John Travolta is wonderful as Edna. It took Travolta four hours to put on the more than 30-pound fat suit and make-up that was required for him to become Tracy's mom.

Although its' been a long time since he hoofed it up in such hits as "Grease" and "Saturday Night Fever," he hasn't lost his touch. He's nimble on his feet and can dance with the best of them.

When the television station that broadcasts the "Corny Collins Show" cuts its negro day, Tracy takes to the street with her new friends marching for integration.

Queen Latifah is great as Motormouth Maybelle. She was the emcee for negro day and leads the march on the television station when the show is cancelled. Latifah steals the show with her fabulous voice.

This is a joyful movie with a lot of singing and dancing complete with a satisfying ending.

In addition to the film's high spirits, it also touches on the important subject of race relations when whites and blacks didn't cross the color barrier and what it took to change America.

"Hairspray" is highly recommended. The film is rated PG. Running time: 1 hour 55 minutes.

(Kay Johnson is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. She can be reached at johnson@hutchinsonleader.com)