If you're looking for a little pure counter-culture escapist fun, 'Hairpsray' is your movie.Hairspray began life in 1988 as the first John Waters film to earn a PG rating, despite such subversive elements as the casting of cross-dressing Waters favorite Divine as Edna, the mother of the main character, tubby teenager Tracy Turnblad. Although it doesn't have the star power or scale, I also prefer it to 'Chicago' - 'Hairspray' takes itself less seriously and not many movies have me laughing and smiling from start to finish. Of recent major movie musicals, this is easily better than 'The Producers,' (better comedy and music) and last year's 'Dreamgirls' (weaker songs but better pacing and strong beyond the first half). Keep a sharp eye out for the hilarious John Waters cameo during the opening number. Amanda Bynes has few lines to deliver but gives perfect comic deadpan when she does for excellent comic effect.

Queen Latifah adds some dignity and balance while Michelle Pfeiffer plays a terrific screen villainess. Christopher Walken and Travolta have a song and dance number duet that rates among the best moments of the film and isn't to be missed. John Travolta isn't bad and when he gets his chances to dance he's great fun. I had no problems with the cast and their performances. The satire is white hot (Alison Janney steals every scene she is in), the music catchy, the movie's spirit is irreverent. 'Hairspray' viciously lampoons bigots and reserves specific devastation for Ultra-conservative religious zealots, figures of authority and WASPs.

The film uses the racial divide between blacks and whites but the subtext of the film is Heterosexuals and Homosexuals. 'Hairpsray' is about tolerance, integration and acceptance of others. Not for the first time in my life was I wrong. Had it not been for a free pass to an advance screening, I must admit that my friends would have had trouble getting me to see 'Hairspray.' I don't mind musicals but 'Hairspray' didn't seem like something I'd enjoy.

Original hairspray movie soundtrack