Hairspray (2007)

Hairspray In Theaters

Above and below: The first official photos from the set of "Hairspray The Movie"

April 4, 2007 - New Poster Update!

March 1, 2007 - This just in: Wild About Movies publisher Tim Nasson spent a couple of minutes with John Travolta in Boston two weeks ago, where Travolta was promoting his film

"So how much fun was it wearing a mu-mu and donning a wig, and getting your eyes and face done every day for the entire shoot?" Nasson asked Travolta.

"I did it all. I wore nylons, bras, girdles, slips, high heels, well, not very high heels, wigs. You name it," laughed Travolta. "I had a blast making the movie and I think kids of all ages will embrace the movie just as much as they have the Broadway show and the original 'Hairspray' Movie. But, I am glad that the dress-up days are over."

December 2006 - This just in: Just as Edward Speleers decided to shorten his name to "Ed Speleers" for his big screen debut in "Eragon," Nicole Blonsky is going the same route. In the yet to be released trailer of "Hairspray The Movie," Blonsky will be referred to as Nikki - Nikki Blonsky. So Nikki Blonsky is the new Nicole Blonsky.

"Hairspray The Movie" has been pushed up five months from a Christmas 2007 release to a July 2007 release. Which, presumably, will put "Hairspray The Movie," on track to be released on DVD just in time for Christmas 2007.

Tom Cruise and John Travolta are both devout, so they say, Scientologists. But what do they have in common? Besides a billion dollars?

Above: Christopher Walken on the set of "Hairspray The Movie," in drag.

While Tom Cruise flew computer generated fighter jets in "Top Gun," John Travolta owns his own Boeing 707 and sits in the pilot's seat, flying himself almost anywhere he needs to go, even making pit stops in Boston during the past couple of years to promote his movies - "Ladder 49," and "Wild Hogs."

Tom Cruise likes calling attention to himself in the press, what with his public displays of affection last year to 'his love,' Katie Holmes, and dragging out, for months, the question of whether or not he and Katie produced a baby.

Travolta, on the other hand, still knows how to get publicity but of the good kind. And this time it involves switching gears - sexes, that is, in "Hairspray The Movie."

We all remember Travolta, (at least those of us over 30), in his prime. In the mid 1970s and early 80s, it was Travolta's swaying, slender hips that got the girls and gays gaga, especially when he danced onto the big screen in "Saturday Night Fever," Grease" and "Staying Alive."

After nearly three decades of mostly box office success, (we'll whisper the titles "Perfect," "Battlefield Earth," and "Lucky Numbers"), Travolta is poised to become one of 2007's most irrecognizable yet successful movie stars.

John Travolta and Queen Latifah just completed filming New Line Cinema's feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Hairspray," which was based on the 1988 John Waters movie of the same name.

As you can see, (from photos above) Travolta has already donned a wig and mumu to play Edna Turnblad, the role made famous by Divine in the 1988 movie of the same name, and by Harvey Fierstein and Bruce Villanch on Broadway, in the Broadway musical version of the 1988 film.

Queen Latifah plays Motormouth Maybelle in the film, which was directed by Adam Shankman (The Pacifier, Bringing Down the House).

Newcomer Nicole 'Nikki' Blonsky, a seventeen year old New York native, was picked to play the lead role of Tracy Turnblad in "Hairspray The Movie."

"From cult classic film to hit Broadway musical to major motion picture, "Hairspray The Movie" is a true New Line franchise," commented Bob Shaye and Michael Lynne, New Line Co-Chairmen and Co-CEOs, before filming began. "John and Queen Latifah will bring new sensibilities to the characters of Edna Turnblad and Motormouth Maybelle, and introduce this innovative musical comedy to new audiences." And, they hope, possibilities of sequel after sequel. Perhaps, "Hairsprayed Vagina?"

The original "Hairspray Movie" was a 1988 John Waters comedy movie about star-struck teenagers on a local Baltimore dance show, starring the drag queen icon Divine, who gained her fame in the 1971 John Waters smut film "Pink Flamingos."

The John Travolta version of "Hairspray The Movie" is based on the hit Broadway adaptation of the film which debuted in 2002, and went on to win eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, Best Score, Best Book and Best Director.

Marc Shaiman (Sleepless in Seattle) and Scott Wittman are contributing new songs to their existing Tony Award winning score. Shaiman is also serving as the film's music supervisor and will compose the music score for the film as well as produce its songs. Wittman and Shaiman are also serving as executive producers on the film. The new screenplay for "Hairspray The Movie " was written by Leslie Dixon (Freaky Friday, Outrageous Fortune).

Wild About Movies Grade: A