Member review

The original Hairspray film came out in 1988 and followed a young girl who dreamt of being a part of a popular teen dance show but was told she wasn't the "right shape". The 2007 remake tells the same story but with some new twists and we see Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) in a whole new, fabulous light as she rises to fame and stands up for her beliefs. Blonsky is accompanied by other famous faces such as John Travolta, Zac Efron and Brittany Snow.

Altough full of dancing and laughs, the film's best qualities come from the stories it tells and the messages it conveys. Racism, acceptance, real love. All entwined in the beloved songs that continuously echo in your mind. Need some examples?

Tracy's mum and dad's song "Timeless to me" shows their journey on accepting one and other's flaws and loving each other in spite of them. It features lyrics like "You're fat and old, but baby, boring you ain't!" which conveys the message to the audience that we should always admire people's inside and not their looks.

Another example of messages being pushed is during the scene where Tracy's mum is convinced to stand by black people. She is persuaded to stay and party during the song "Big, Blonde and Beautiful" which highlights the needs for people to stick together through lyrics such as "cause ladies, big is back, and as for black it's beautiful". This powerful lyric shows the viewer that those who are victimised by society should stand together and support each other.

I have given this film 5 stars because though the whole film is about tackling racism and body shaming the way the messages are placed in the songs is genius. Everytime you hum the tune, everytime you blast the soundtrack in your car, you are greeted by the positive messages which is just what the world needs. I would highly recommend this film to absolutely everyone as it is fun, educational and suitable for most.