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See what they’ve done to John Travolta in ‘Hairspray’
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Chances are you’ve already seen John Travolta in drag and fat prosthetics in previews for the PG-rated “Hairspray.” He is definitely a sight.
But nothing can prepare you for the full Travolta and what he does in director/choreographer Adam Shankman’s shake, rattle and roll musical set in 1962 Baltimore.
As the film’s rotund Edna Turnblad, Travolta dons horned-rim glasses, later pushes his full-figured body into a short, spangly pink gown and, after you think you’ve probably seen it all, turns his back to solidly shake his double-wide caboose.
Some might call this scene-stealing. But just imagine the Travolta of “Saturday Night Fever” and “Grease” made to look like Kirstie Alley before her well-publicized diet and doing a Tina Turner dance stomp. It is mind-boggling.
“Hairspray,” based on the Tony-winning Broadway musical that was based on John Waters’ original 1988 film of rock and roll, TV teen dance shows and a call for integration, opens nationwide July 20. Several preview screenings have been held in Atlanta. The AJC attended one Thursday night.
In addition to Travolta, here’s what “Hairspray” moviegoers will likely be talking about:
The cast: It’s big and notable. Travolta gets to dance with onscreen hubby Christopher Walken. “High School Musical” star Zac Efron plays TV show dance and songman Link (he’s appeared to have learned a few things in between films). Oscar nominee Queen Latifah belts out a strong civil rights protest song. And plus-sized newcomer Nikki Blonsky goes toe-to-toe with Travolta on the dance floor as the film’s high school heroine Tracy Turnblad.
The cameos: Look for John Waters early in the film as a flasher. Ricki Lake, who starred in Waters’ earlier screen version, plays a talent scout. And Jerry Stiller, who played Tracy’s dad in the first film, shows up here as a store owner of plus-sized attire.
The songs: They’re plentiful, often especially energetic and seemingly arrive back to back to back. And just about everybody sings, including Travolta.
The style: Hair is, naturally for the era, piled high. One blond wig on Latifah seems headed for the moon. And costume colors are often quite loud — Travolta in purple; nemesis Michelle Pfeiffer in red.
(Click here to view photos from the “Hairspray” premiere.)
Permalink | Comments (11) | Categories: Bob Longino
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By Flo Jean
July 13, 2007 8:34 AM | Link to this
I’ve been waiting all summer to see HAIRSPRAY. This will be the GREASE for this generation.
By JJ
July 13, 2007 8:57 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see this movie. I love John Travolta, no matter what he does.
By AWW
July 13, 2007 12:10 PM | Link to this
Travolta doing drag is not a stretch. I bet he does it at home all the time.
By Brandon
July 13, 2007 2:03 PM | Link to this
I saw an early preview last night and can say anyone who loves Hairspray is in for a WILD ride!!! Everything about the movie is spectacular, tons of energy, the sets are amazing..the songs, actors, and scenes are top notched! Definitely the musical of the decade!!!
By Colleen
July 13, 2007 4:08 PM | Link to this
I am a huge John Waters fan. Nothing will come close to the original Hairspray and no one can come close to Divine. I’ll probably go see it but I have a feeling Travolta will be bad. I like him but will be surprised if he is any good. Commercials don’t look so hot.
By doodiebuddy
July 13, 2007 4:52 PM | Link to this
Does he do a dance scene with Mrs. Mia Wallace in this one, too? Travolta is a little piggie. I doubt that it was really prothetic fat. Don’t you remember him with his shirt off in Pulp Fiction? That was 12 years ago. He’s had plenty of time to pack it away. Besides, he’s married…most men let themselves go in their later years when they are married and have all the money they need.
By doodiebuddy
July 13, 2007 4:54 PM | Link to this
Does he do a dance scene with Mrs. Mia Wallace in this one, too? Travolta is a little piggie. I doubt that it was really prothetic fat. Don’t you remember him with his shirt off in Pulp Fiction? That was 12 years ago. He’s had plenty of time to pack it away. Besides, he’s married…most men let themselves go in their later years when they are married and have all the money they need.
By doodiebuddy
July 13, 2007 4:56 PM | Link to this
Does he do a dance scene with Mrs. Mia Wallace in this one, too? Travolta is a little piggie. I doubt that it was really prothetic fat. Don’t you remember him with his shirt off in Pulp Fiction? That was 12 years ago. He’s had plenty of time to pack it away. Besides, he’s married…most men let themselves go in their later years when they are married and have all the money they need.
By MtnMama
July 14, 2007 11:32 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see this movie either. doodiebuddy must have had his/her head in the sand the last 12 years if he thinks Travolta’s “fat” is real. Travolta has been all over the airwaves in recent years and there’s no “fat” on him! Most 50+ year old men only DREAM about looking as good as Travolta does!
By MtnMama
July 14, 2007 11:37 AM | Link to this
I can’t wait to see this movie either. doodiebuddy must have had his/her head in the sand the last 12 years if he thinks Travolta’s “fat” is real. Travolta has been all over the airwaves in recent years and there’s no “fat” on him! Most 50+ year old men only DREAM about looking as good as Travolta does!
By Jan
July 23, 2007 9:03 AM | Link to this
I went to see “Hairspray” at a preview party. It is fantastic! John Travolta is wonderful in this roll. The entire cast did a wonderful job. It is the only 1 movie of 2 (the other is “Chicago”) that I have seen where the audience clapped at the end. Everyone should see it.