'Hairspray' is more than Travolta
CRITIC'S CORNER
By DNA Smith
"Hairspray" Running time: 107 minutes MPAA rating: PG

John Travolta, left, stars in Hairspray alongside Nikki Blonsky. The film depicts a unique look into American culture during the racially segregated 1960s.

"Hairspray" is a movie based on a Broadway musical that was, in turn, based on a 1988 film by the King of Bad Taste, John Waters and which starred the legendary drag diva Divine. All versions share the same plot: A young, overweight girl longs to become a dancer on a local dance show; but this is just a plot device in order to address the issue of racial segregation and interracial relationships in the early '60s.

There's a lot to like in this new version. First and foremost is the performance by Nikki Blonsky as the zaftig heroine Tracy Turnblad, who wishes every day were "Negro Day" and longs to be a dancer on a local Baltimore teen dance party. Her bubbly enthusiasm is infectious, and she lights up the screen in every scene she's in.

Also of note is the performance by Amanda Bynes as Penny Pingleton, Tracy's tall, thin friend who dares to date a young black boy (Elijah Kelley, whose performance is electrifying) in strictly segregated 1962 America.

The weakest spots are the songs. The beautiful choreography only accentuates how uninspired the music is. I finished watching the movie a half hour ago and I can't remember a single tune.

And finally, I have to mention John Travolta, who has the unforgiving task of taking on an iconic role made famous by the amazing Divine. I doubt anyone will ever be able to command the screen the way she did. Divine was a force of nature -- in capris and cha-cha heels.

Travolta is ... well ... Travolta in a fat suit. No sense of camp. No flamboyance. His performance, as earnest as it was, was a disappointment.

"Hairspray," despite its few missteps, is still a delightful little romp and worthy of a matinee. Check it out. Most of the film is -- as Tracy exclaims -- "Afro-tastic."

GRADE: B (c) 2007 King Features Synd., Inc.