Haven't seen the film yet, so I can't comment on Travoltas performance, but I never felt Harvey played Edna like a man in drag - He WAS Edna Turnblad.
From the previews, Travolta reminds me more of Dawn Davenport, which in its way is a valid alternative.
I think the way Travolta plays Edna is a vaild alternative to Harvey's interpretation. With Nikki Blonsky playing a less in-your-face Tracy than MJW did on Broadway, the two fit together perfectly as a more humane pair of characters.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
I respect Travolta's choice to play Edna as more "real." She's insecure, sensitive, and vulnerable---which makes her transformation at the end that much more exciting. I wasn't in agreement with his choices 100% of the time, but he really won me over. I don't see Fierstein working in the role on film---with that foghorn voice and oversized personality blown up 40 feet high and blaring in Dolby Digital, he could be a bit "much."
Featured Actor Joined: 9/11/05
"guest critic of Entertainment Weekly said that Nikki Blonsky looks to be a breakout star similiar to Jennifer Hudson, except she won't win any awards."
That's fine, it's not always about winning awards. Plus I don't think Jennifer would have won any awards either if her role had of been the lead, I don't think she'd have beaten Helen Mirren one time.
With that said, Nikki is having the time of her life and that's all that matters. For an 18 y/o newcomer the poise that she's showing is amazing. I saw both Dreamgirls and Hairspray and Nikki acted the pants off Jennifer. Plus, I'm sure she already knows she's not winning any awards, there has been no oscar buzz around her role so she isn't expecting it. Unlike hudson, oscar buzz was around that role before she started.
Some asked when was the last time a light breezy comedy movie was nominated for best picture? How about Little Miss Sunshine, though I didn't see it, in the clips it sure did look light and breezy and it was a comedy.
It was a comedy, yes.. But I wouldn't call it light and breezy.
It's now at 96%. There's one green splotch and one blank line.
Broadway Blog: “When you’re listening to this, try to ignore the lyrics. I know it’ll be difficult, but block them out. They’re not the best. But the tune is beautiful.”
Broadway Legend Joined: 6/21/06
Well, the critic that gave "Hairspray" a bad review also gave "Chuck & Larry" a good review. Talk about bad taste!
It's now at 94%...I'm shocked at how positive these reviews are (the trailers looked...mediocre at best) but I'm thrilled...the show is brilliant and I hope the film is too...
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
The reviews are pouring in, and it's still at an amazing 95%! Wow....the critics are really loving it. The one big element they're most divided over is, not surprisingly, Travolta. They either find his performance endearing or a complete mistake.
I'm in the "complete mistake" camp, but that doesn't stop it from being a great film.
I will be so sad if 'Up-Chuck and Larry' debuts higher.
BUT C&L will drop out of sight - where as Hairspray will continue.
Up-Chuck. lol.
Who wants to watch Adam Sandler pretend to be gay?! Now John... he is PLAYING a woman.
I was totally torn between hating Travolta and thinking he was great, so I'm not surprised that he is dividing critics. The audience around me seemed to think he was just wonderful, though.
yeah - audiences love him, crtics on the fence.
All I want is for Hairspray to suprise everyone at the box office- I seriously hope they are underestimating it. Most weekend predictions have it at 3 or 4.
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
Harry Potter will probably still clobber the competition this weekend. The real question is, who will come in second---Chuck & Larry, or Hairspray?
The demographics for Hairspray seem broader than those for C&L, but it's anybody's guess as to what will happen.
UPDATE: C&L's Rotten Tomatoes rating is at 14%.
Personally, I think Chuck and Larry will do better than Hairspray.
I think HAIRSPRAY will do better than CHUCK AND LARRY. I can't see Adam Sandler's usually following running to see this one.
I think the box office this weekend will look something like this:
1. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
2. Transormers
3. Ratatouille
4. Hairspray
5. Live Free or Die Hard
6. Chuck and Larry
7. License to Wed
I think Hairspray is going to big, huge big. It was so colorful, and fun. I can't stand Travolta in the role, what did they do to his face? He can still dance though. I thought everyone else was great. Let's see, that's two big musical movie's the Queen has been in, hmm good casting.
It is certified "Fresh" at rottentomatoes.com with a 95% positive reviews.
At 95%, that now makes HAIRSPRAY the 4th best reviewed film of the year so far.
Once (97%)
Ratatouille (96%)
Away From Her (96%)
Hairspray (95%)
Knocked Up (92%)
Leading Actor Joined: 5/4/06
Don't confuse john's Edna as "being a woman" as opposed to "playing a woman" just because the performance is undertated. Boring is Boring. Divine's performance was a large one, pardon the pun, but it was alive and not "winking". He played the role of a mother. I did not find him "commenty" in the role.Unlike Harvey. Divine's performance fit the style of the original movie but was still honest and ALIVE. Watch it again. He's a tired, fat ,sad and eventually joyful Mother. A great performance.
Broadway Star Joined: 11/2/06
Hairspray will do very well. Not only will little girls flock to it, teenage girls will as well due to its advertisement on channels like MTV.
You really think Ratatouille will do better than Hairspray, munk?
Broadway Star Joined: 9/28/04
Hairspray is now at 96% on RT.com, tying it for the second-highest rated film of the year so far.
where does it say second highest?
im looking here and its #5
http://www.rottentomatoes.com/top/bestofrt_year.php?year=2007
Videos