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Reviews
Hairspray (2007)
Perfect Casting!!!
I was a fan of the original John Waters movie and I was dubious when I heard they were making it into a Broadway musical. Then I was lucky enough to see the play on Broadway and became an instant fan, so I was again, understandably doubtful about a new movie version. After all, the Producers, another movie to musical to movie translation did not quite work out.
Am ever glad I was wrong! Nicki Blonsky is what every fat girl wishes she was. Unselfconsciously herself as Tracy. John Travolta as Edna captures the reality of what it is to feel fat and ugly and insecure. As a result, his Edna has a depth that even Harvey Fierstein lacked on Broadway. Christopher Walken, to be honest I was a little frightened when I heard of his casting, but his Wilbur was so touchingly enamored with Edna it was beautiful. The Travolta transformation was so complete that there was no moment when you cringed and remembered that the actors were actually two men.
And the kids were amazing! I mean, any one with a tween in the house knows Zac Ephron and Amanda Bynes intimately. But it wasn't just smart casting that would translate into tween ticket sales. These kids were amazing as Link and Penny. Link was a more three-dimensional character here than I had ever seen him, and Amanda can sing! And I am positive that we will be seeing much more of the very talented Elijah Kelly. His Seaweed was the highlight of the show for me.
And come on, Queen Latifah! Those of us who loved Mama in Chicago are going to love Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray. Michelle Pfiefer and Britney Snow played the queen and princess witches as the mother and daughter Velma and Amber Von Tussel.
Casting could not have been better! I took my seven year old niece to see it and she danced out of the theater. Then she begged for the next two days to see it again. We went back today and it was even better the second time. Every one should see it!
Everyone's Hero (2006)
Fun AND Heartwarming for the WHOLE Family!
My six year old niece and I saw Everyone's Hero today because it was the only kid's movie playing in our small town that we had not seen yet. I am so glad that we did see it.
A great story on the surface of a boy who sets out to help his hero, Babe Ruth, as well as his father. There was much more depth to the movie than most critics are giving it credit for.
There are lessons on bullying, (Yankee Irving, the main character is bullied) cheating, (The owner of the other team sets out to steal Babe's bat so his team can win the World Series) even racial and social acceptance. (Yankee gets help from band of hobos and a Negro League team)
There are no pop culture references, although a few historical inaccuracies,(like bobble-head Babe Ruth) but come on, the bat and ball talk for heaven's sake, so I think the inaccuracies are minor.
Although Everyone's Hero had a great message and was wonderful for families, I would not call it a Disney-material movie. It wasn't scary enough for that. (Be honest, who WASN'T terrified by the witch in Snow White, the whale in Pinocchio, or even the death of Bambi's mom?)
Go and see it and enjoy it for what it is. Great family fare.