I have to fess up - I loved "Hairspray' the movie

I remember the original quirky movie by John Waters. I never saw the broadway version but had seen enough clips to know that this was a great musical.

And personally, I'm tired of the classic cult movie turned into a broadway show and revamped into another movie scenario. Clearly it didn't work for "The Producers" and they even had Nathan Lane and Matthew Broderick in the most recent movie of "The Producers"

So how the hell was "Hairspray" ever going to succeed as a movie? And John Travolta as Edna Turnblad - I just don't think so. Hell I even posted here how I thought it was just wrong to bring in John Travolta to do that roll when Harvey Fierstein could have done the part he originated on Broadway.

Well it's time for me to fess-up and say that I was wrong. It turns out that the recent incantation of "Hairspray" the movie based on a smash Broadway play based on the John Waters original movie - well it really works.

First, that girl that played Tracy Turnblad (I had to look it up - Nikki Blonsky), well she just sparkled. I could see why they brought in a new Tracy since she was to be a high schooler and the girl who originated it on broadway was probably in her - mid-20s by now. But this Blonksy girl - well she just sparkled. This was more than a role for singing, this was a major dancing role too. I was the first to criticize that I didn't think Jennifer Hudson deserved an academy award. Simply being able to belt out an emotional song doesn't qualify as a top actress (and Hudson will probably follow into the same jinx that many past supporting actress did - oblivion). But I truly think Nikki Blonsky deserves accolades for her role of Tracy - she sparkled, she danced and she had major chemistry with everyone throughout the movie especially with her mother Edna, played by John Travolta.

Now I'm not a big John Travolta fan. I personally think most movies are John Travolta doing some variation of his 'Welcome Back Kotter' Vinnie Barbarino persona. Sure he had a few killer roles with 'Saturday Night Fever' and 'Pulp Fiction' but personally I think Travolta is a hack. And to put him in the role of Edna Turnblad - well what crack were the producers of this movie thinking.

Travolta knocked this role out of the ballpark. He made a wonderful Edna which yes, had a bit of the Vinnie Barbarino persona tucked away in Edna. She was a protective mother, shyly sensitive about her weight (until Tracy brings her out) and had amazing chemistry with movie husband Christopher Walkens - Hollywood's great chamleonic actor. John Travolta owned the role of Edna and I wouldn't be surprised if he sees a few nominations in the upcoming award season.

Great supporting roles by Queen Latifah, Michelle Pfiefer (who makes an excellent vamp), James Marsden and all the high school supporting roles. Well - go out and get "Hairspray". It's definitely NOT the original version but it's a great time none the less!

Now I will queue it up in Netflix. Thanks! :)

I loved it.. and I got it on D.V.D last night.. will probably watch it again tommorrow :).