Hairspray (2007)

Real change rarely comes easily, but sometimes it starts with one determined girl who refuses to believe she doesn't belong. Adam Shankman's 2007 "Hairspray" captures the excitement of a live Broadway musical while reaching a broad movie audience, delivering an energetic, deeply moving film. Based on the 2002 Broadway hit, itself adapted from John Waters' 1988 film, the new version boasts more likable characters, a great cast and a fabulous score, while keeping the story's thoughtful look at prejudice and racism. Set in Baltimore in 1962, it follows plus-size teenager Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky), whose rousing "Good Morning Baltimore" sets the playful tone. You're quickly swept into her world of TV dance shows, towering hairdos, the stigma of being different and the first tentative steps toward integration in a segregated city. When "The Corny Collins Show," hosted by Corny Collins (James Marsden) and featuring dreamboat Link Larkin (Zac Efron), holds auditions, Tracy skips school to try out, only to be rejected by station manager Velma Von Tussle (Michelle Pfeiffer), who sees her as a threat to her daughter, Amber (Brittany Snow). With support from her best friend, Penny (Amanda Bynes), her father, Wilbur (Christopher Walken), and Seaweed (Elijah Kelley), a talented Black dancer, Tracy wins the spotlight, but soon learns that equality doesn't come without a fight. For all its serious themes, it's first and foremost a comedy, with standout turns from John Travolta as Tracy's mother, Edna - who ever imagined the star of "Saturday Night Fever" playing a woman? - along with Walken, Pfeiffer and Allison Janney. Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman's wonderful songs, including new numbers written for the film, get a huge lift from Queen Latifah's powerhouse vocals as Motormouth Maybelle, and newcomers Blonsky and Snow prove terrific singers. Fans of the original will enjoy cameos from John Waters, Ricki Lake and Jerry Stiller, who played Wilbur in 1988 and returns as Mr. Pinky. It's joyful, powerful entertainment that leaves you ready to fight for what you believe in.