Hairspray

Adam Shankman's Hairspray, a remake of John Waters' 1988 film of the same name, is a musical comedy set in early 1960s Baltimore. This  kitschy colourful film follows the adventures of Tracy Turnblad, a chubby teenager who dreams of dancing with the most popular kids in her high school on The Corny Collins Show, her favourite TV show.

A bitter critique of television and American society, the film portrays the intransigent exclusion of anyone who doesn't fit the norm.

Set against a backdrop of racial strife - Tracy sides with her African-American friends so that they can continue to dance in the Corny Collins Show after Negro Day is canceled - Hairspray is a powerful ode to tolerance and solidarity, driven by endearing characters and minutely choreographed performances.

Chloé Hofmann (CEC, Unil)