As I've stated or implied many times in previous posts, I'm thrilled that the movie-musical genre has made a comeback. Film musicals pretty much disappeared during the 80s and 90s, except for the occasional painful misstep like A Chorus Line or Newsies.
Now movie musicals are back with a vengeance. The problem is, there's no one left alive who really knows how to execute one well. Take, for instance, Hairspray. Director/choreographer Adam Shankman does a terrific job with the latter, but an awkward and unconvincing job on the former.
But Shankman isn't alone in his relative ineptitude. Bill Condon didn't fair much better with Dreamgirls, although it was certainly a valiant attempt. Rob Marshall did an OK job with Chicago, although it would have been great to see what Bob Fosse could have done with it. Susan Stroman certainly made a mess of The Producers. And the less said about Chris Columbus and Rent, the better. (Apparently I'm not the only one who feels this way: Columbus hasn't directed a film since.)
For me, nothing will ever replace John Waters' original "Hairspray" movie, but I certainly found the stage version of Hairspray entertaining. The score by Marc Shamain and Scott Wittman is fun and upbeat, although it certainly has its share of clunkers ("It Takes Two," "Cooties," "Miss Baltimore Crabs," "Without Love"). Overall, the show made me realize what a great show The Producers is. I had been mildly underwhelmed when I saw The Producers in previews, and was truly astonished when the show received such a rhapsodic reception. But seeing Hairspray made me realize how truly well crafted The Producers really is.
Anyway, back to the movie version of Hairspray. The real story here is the cast, and I have to say that based on the previews, I wasn't looking forward to seeing John Travolta as Edna Turnblad. But he grew on me. A little. Once I got past the fact that he shouldn't have been playing the part -- at all -- I sort of settled in and went with the flow. Not for a second did I ever believe he was anyone else but John Travolta, but I was eventually able to move on and consider the rest of the cast in turn.
Michelle Pfeiffer as Velma von Tussle sharp and funny. She's really held up well over the years, and it's nice to see her in a part that's worthy of her considerable talents. (As opposed to, say, Grease 2. Yeesh.) Christopher Walken as Wilbur Turnblad was an old pro, revealing his stage training and musical-comedy background. I was pleased to see that Queen Latifah as Motormouth Maybelle was much better than she was in Chicago. I didn't believe her for a second as Mama Morton, but she wasn't nearly as wooden as Motormouth, and actually seemed to be having a good time.
Nikki Blonski as Tracy Turnblad was downright adorable and very appealing. James Marsden as Corny Collins was one of the best things in the entire movie. He was a very natural screen presence, a great voice, and he's a terrific dancer, too. He was one of the few people on screen who really seemed to get what the movie was about. One major discovery for me was Elijah Kelly as Seaweed, another natural. Kelley has this amazing energy, despite some awkward camera angles during his big number, "Run and Tell That."
Three members of the cast stood out for me as being sorely miscast. The least egregious was Brittany Snow as Amber, who was fine but unremarkable. Amanda Bynes was practically nonexistent as Penny Pingleton. She had no presence, no sparkle, no nothing. Plus she's an awkward dancer. It's a shame, because Penny could have been a real stand-out role, as the wonderful Kerry Butler made it on Broadway.
Another disappointment was Zac Efron as Link Larken. Efron lacks the requisite charisma for Link, although it really seemed he was working hard at it, which of course is exactly how to make sure it won't happen. He wasn't arresting, he was just blandly cute. No wonder he's a Disney favorite.
Special shout out to my former student Hayley Podschun on her film debut as Tammy. Sweetheart, you were sensational! I couldn't take my eyes off you, and not just because I was looking for you in every number. You're off to a terrific start, and I wish you nothing but the best.
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