Scenes from "Hairspray," the new musical starring Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes and John Travolta.

At the Movies
A Hair-tastic Time!
By Alexandria, 16, and Felisha, 14

"Hairspray," starring Queen Latifah, Amanda Bynes, John Travolta and many others, contains drama, singing, dancing, and is loads of fun. "Hairspray" can best be defined as a musical that will have your hearts filled with laughter, tears, and joy.

The movie takes place in the past, when segregation still existed. This fun-filled musical starts off with a determined young girl trying to appear on her favorite TV show, "The Corny Collins Show." At first she doesn't succeed because her envious peers are out to get her. New friends by her side, Tracy stays in a continuous struggle. The question is: will she make it in the end?

We were delighted when we were given a chance to attend the sneak preview of this film. Check out our thoughts on this new summer hit.

Alexandria's Take

Honestly, when I first saw the title "Hairspray," I wasn't sure what to think. The first thoughts to cross my mind were, "great, the movie will be about kids and hairspray." Those thoughts were quickly corrected after seeing five minutes of the movie—its really about a girl following her dream and helping others follow their dreams along the way. The main character is an exemplary person who can be admired by all girls watching this film. Tracy is someone whose confidence and excellent leadership skills make her a person to look up to. Not giving up on her goal and pursuing it in spite of what everybody says, Tracy shows that having courage and believing in yourself triumphs over all. Through her determination and high self-esteem, the young Tracy keeps her mind set on her goals. She is truly one of the movie's most admirable characters because of her leadership qualities and cheerful, confident spirit. This is a movie filled with laughter, joy, and a whole bunch of fun surprises. It's going to be a summer hit that should be on everyone's must-see list.

Felisha's Take

"Hairspray" is sugar, spice, and everything nice. It sends out a powerful message of what confidence, courage, and persistence can do for a girl of any size, shape, or personality. The main character of this film, Tracy, is a very determined character who chooses not to give up on her dreams. As a result of Tracy's positive attitude, she shows that with confidence and courage girls everywhere, despite what they may be told, can achieve anything. Even with her mom sometimes doubting her potential, she never stops believing in herself or that she can successfully achieve her dream of appearing on the hit TV show, "The Corny Collins Show." Tracy's father also plays a strong role in her life by helping her with her trials and tribulations as she continues to strive for her dream. Her father really makes the movie hilarious. I would personally recommend that all teens see this movie and listen closely to the words of the inside jokes, such as the one by Maybelle (Queen Latifah), who remarks that "if anymore white people come up in here then it will be the suburbs." This film will have you laughing every moment. It's the best comedy and musical for your summer pick.