Sydney

I wanna say that I really don't like musicals but I don't think people are going to believe me after saying that Once is the best film of the year and now saying that Hairspray was totally awesome. But it was! (and don't forget that I really didn't like Chicago) It's got so much energy and is highly entertaining, I think this is the most fun and happiest summer movie yet. It really exceeded my expectations and you'd have to be a pretty grumpy old man not to become charmed by this grin-producing movie. There are some great choreographies so I'd be quick to say that I think the real star is director Adam Shankman who put all the dances together. John Travolta is pretty annoying at first (like a bad rendition of a fat female Dr. Evil) but he actually gets quite good as the movie goes on. However, all of his musical and dance numbers, especially the one with Christopher Walken, are unwatchable. Amanda Bynes is the oddity of the movie. Totally done up as eye candy (she constantly is sucking on a lollipop and is wearing pig-tails), she's the hottie of the movie but her acting and lip-synching is SO BAD that you're constantly at odds if it would be better off with or without her. But those are my only two beefs with the movie. Everything else is a total blast and I'd highly recommend it. But beware, this is your classic, flashy Hollywood musical and isn't in the same league as Once. But definitely one of the best movies of the year. I'd put it at a solid 4th place for best movie of the year as of date of release. Not too bad!

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