Director-choreographer Adam Shankman's (2007) "Hairspray" tells the story of plump teen Tracy Turnblad who is a typical 1960s high school student who loves to tease her hair and race home with her friend Prudy after a boring day of classes to watch the local teen dance-a-thon, "The Corny Collins Show." Run by a popular group known as the Council, Tracy ultimately lands a gig on the TV show. To the dismay of three-time Miss Hairspray-winner Amber Von Tussle and her mother Velma (the TV station manager), Tracy's popularity grows. Tracy tries to integrate the TV station but Velma opposes this, with intent to keep the station's all-white policy in force except for the monthly "Negro Day" when blacks are permitted on the show (Shankman 2007). After being sent to detention Tracy discovers African American dancers and routines and risks her election to the Council by becoming determined to integrate the show. In the end, Tracy's efforts are successful and she wins Miss Hairspray and the attentions of Amber's former boyfriend Linc.
Director Adam Shankman is also a choreographer and his filming of the dance routines demonstrates his willingness to let viewers appreciate the full-body motion of dancers. Instead of the rapid editing and flashy visualizations of MTV, the film looks more like a 1960s movie musical with Shankman packaging its sets, costumes, and landscapes into widescreen pastels. The acting goes a long way to keep the boisterous spirit of this film alive, especially with the self-confidence of Seaweed, who performs the movie's most energetic dance number "Run." Nikki Blonsky is perfectly cast as Tracy and, with her ebullient demeanor and big voice, sets the sunny tone of this irrepressible film. Top quality technical and design contributions make the film a sensory feast, including composer Marc Shaiman's appropriately "bubblegum" pop songs and various 1960s dance fads.
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