Just saw Hairspray

We had a sneak peak of Hairspray that I got back from a few hours ago. I have mixed feelings. (Bear with me guys, I don't know the full names of all of the actors because, well, I honestly haven't been following the film that much).

The best parts -
Elijah as Seaweed. So good. I would watch him do anything... "Run and Tell That" might have been my favorite number in the movie.
Nikki... whatever her last name is as Tracy. She really embodied the spirit that I think Ricki Lake introduced us to so many years ago.
Christopher Walken - usually not a huge fan... but here, he had just the right amount of subtlety and quirkiness.
The dancing. Honestly. Enough said.
And possibly James Mardsten... because he was adorable.

The worst -
The underutilization of Alyson Janney. My god people, this woman is HYSTERICAL! You give her a grand total of about three minute s in the movie?!? No excuse. BUT, those three minutes? My favorite of the entire movie.
John Travolta. I couldn't get behind it. And I feel like everyone else in the audience was only laughing when he said things because, "Hey! That's a guy! And that guy's famous! How funny!"
Michelle Pfeiffer... you're not a singer... you're not a dancer... you're simply... there. And you're there too much, thank you.

Maybe it's because I liked the first movie and the stage production so much... but I was kind of disappointed. I'll still go see it again... but there seemed to be something missing. I don't know...

Anyway, that's my two cents!

LOVE IT!

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Yeah, seriously. . . what do so many people on this board have against hairspray? If this was a Spring Awakening thread we'd be on page 6 by now..

The more clips I see of Travolta, the more I get nervous. I laugh, because it's John. I'm not really seeing Edna yet...we'll see.

Curtain- What the **** is your problem? Do you need to ask at least once about every single ****ing show if somebody appears shirtless? It is really ****ing annoying so cut it out.

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Bravo, B3TA07. Bravo.

I, too, just saw a preview of Hairspray and can assure everybody that John Travolta really is endearing and believable in the role of Edna Turnblad. I have been a big fan of Hairspray in general (had drinks with John Waters in 1987 when he was talking about making the film) and have followed its success throughout the years. This new version really lives up to the Hairspray franchise and as Mr. Waters recently stated, "He can't wait for the Ice Capades version" Chill, relax, and enjoy the film. "Let's Dance!"

Updated On: 7/12/07 at 07:18 AM

How come Marissa didn't do the movie?

Going back to brdwaybaby's original post - I've always felt that Allison Janney is underutilized. She is an amazing actress with terrific comic timing. Yet just look back at all the film roles she's had - Primary Colors (alongside John Travolta haha), Drop Dead Gorgeous, The Object of my Affection, The Ice Storm, American Beauty, The Hours, and now Hairspray. Always cast in minor supporting roles. I guess after the success of the West Wing she could have secured bigger roles if she had wanted them, maybe she enjoys playing supporting characters. I don't know.

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I'm going to be honest when I say that this original poster is right. Michelle P's acting I loved it was just her singing that was sort of dreadful. But when I was watching Hairspray, I was hoping they cast 2 people right: TRACY and EDNA. They got Tracy right but John Travolta is very wrong for the role. Travolta looks uncomfortable and he tries to fake a woman's sound; its actually awkward. But, very fun movie overall.

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I saw the film on Tuesday night, and, for me, from word one, John Travolta made Edna uniquely his own, which is what I think he needed to do. His characterization was endearing and honest, with a touch of heartbreak. Although it seemed his accent dropped during his vocals, it worked very well.

As for Michelle Pfeiffer, I enjoyed her ... when she wasn't singing. She sounded as though she struggled with the vocals, as well as seeming to be a bit bored or put out about the whole experience.

However, these quibbles with the film are minor, and I loved it! I hope it does big box office; it deserves to.

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Am I the only one that thinks Michelle Pfeiffer sounds wonderful?

I agree with the thoughts on Pfeiffer's singing not being very good. Not to mention that she has a very grating fast vibrato, probably due to a lack of ability to control it (training would help that.)

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