Hairspray (2007) [PG]

From the screen to the stage to the screen again comes this larger-than life musical about equality, change, and following your dreams. You know, that old chestnut.

"Hey Mama welcome to the 60s. Oh oh oh oh ooh. Oh Mama welcome to the 60s. Oh oh oh oh oh ooh. Go Mama go go go."

This had to be one of most fun and musical movies of 2007. Originally a dance movie by John Waters, Hairspray was then taken from the screen and make into a hit Broadway musical. And now it comes back onto the screen as a fantastic and very colourful musical film.

It's 1962 and change is blowing in the wind in Baltimore. Tracy Turnblad, a girl with big hair and big dreams to match, has one mission in life: to dance on the Corny Collins Show. When her chance finally arrives, she grooves her way into instant stardom, but the manager of the show makes it clear that there is no room for Tracy's dreams for Baltimore's future. Now Tracy will have to choose between was she wants and what she believes is right.

Using the songs from the Broadway show, Hairspray is a film about equality and standing up for what you believe in. It's a about ignoring adversity and overcoming barriers. These messages comes across very strongly in the film. Although it is a very message-oriented movie, it is not completely dominated by them. The toe-tapping songs and dazzling dance routines set the pace and provide balance and occasional relief for the audience.

Introducing Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad. A beautiful girl with an incredible voice, she is guaranteed to make a name for herself.

Although technically the film is about Tracy, I think it belongs to John Travolta and Christopher Walken. John plays Edna Turnblad, yes I know it's a man playing a woman. I'll have you all know that this gag was in the original movie. Divine played Tracy's mum. So understand that this film is in keeping with the original classic. Christopher Walken plays Wilbur Turnblad and the chemistry between him and John is sensational. At first glance, they seem like such an unlikely couple, but as you get further into the movie, particularly when you get to their duet, you just sigh, coo, and go with it.

It's a real chorus line of greats in this flick. Joining John and Christopher are Michelle Pfeiffer, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelly and Allison Janney. Not to mention the clever cameos of some of the cast of the original movie. Ricki Lake who was the original Tracy makes an appearance. Jerry Stiller who was the first Wilbur appears in the mix. There's even a quick glimpse of the genius behind it all, John Waters.

Filled with funky costumes, awesome dance routines, songs that get stuck in your head, and outrageous hairdos, Hairspray is a fun little musical comedy that will have you singing and dancing around your living room like a mad person. Well it does with me anyway.