I've Been Sprayed

Just plain fun at the movies has been hard to get this summer. A number of supposed block busters turned out to be major disappointments (Pirates of the Caribbean: At World’s End, Shrek the Third). Other films were billed towards kids but were found to be inappropriate at points for children (Transformers). A number of films were good but I don’t think I would qualify them as “plain fun,” (Ocean’s Thirteen). But there is one film out now that is just that: plain and simple fun: Hairspray.

If the word kitsch comes to mind I won’t entirely argue, but this film is better than you may think, musicals usually are. With feel good music, spunk, and a talented young new born actress Hairspray brought a bit of “lift” to the summer screen in terms of sheer simple fun. There are no dark lords in this film, no magical spells, no CGI battleship wars, and no sky-scraper sized robots, but perhaps it was that simplicity that brought a smile to my face.

Musicals are rare these days, and appreciation for them has certainly declined from the early days of film, but I contend here that for a peaceful night out, for some relaxation, and for a simple smile a little bit of Hairspray just might do the trick.