While I've never seen the Broadway musical, I have seen parts of the original film. The trailer looked kinda fun, even if it was stuffed to the brim with former Disney and Nick stars. Posted by Shanna (Member # 7900) on :
My mom and I are ordering our tickets tomorrow for the Friday show at 7:20pm.
I'm pretty excited about it. My roommate gave me a copy of the Original Broadway recording after I first heard about the new movie coming out. I really liked it and I've already bought the new film soundtrack (though I'm upset they cut my favorite song "Mama I'm a Big Girl Now" from the actual movie.)
From what I've heard from pre-screenings, its supposed to be amazing. It has something like a 96% rating on RottenTomatoes. My mom told me this evening that she heard that "Hairspray" has performed better on test audiences than any other movie that has come out this year.
What other Disney/Nick actors does it have other than Zac Efron and Amanda Bynes? I wasn't too happy with Zac's casting at first since there's been all this pre-teen hoopla from that awful "High School Musical." But from movie clips I've seen, he looks and sounds like a pretty good Link. And I think Amanda is perfect for Penny (who is my favorite character.) She's not the best singer but I've also heard that the director told her to hold back because he wanted her voice to reflect the character's inexperience and how she comes out of her shell.
James Marsden is my favorite suprise casting though. His sounds great as Corny Collins on the soundtrack. And Michelle Pheifer should be deliciously evil as Velma. Then there's Brittany Snow who I first saw on "American Dreams" except it looks like she'll be playing an evil version of that character. My mom thinks she is great for 1900's period movies.
Posted by Lyrhawn (Member # 7039) on :
I think it looks entertaining enough from the previews to have earned a viewing, so I'll see it, but I might not be able to for a few weeks.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
I looked at the IMDB site and couldn't tell if John Waters was going to have any part in it (it credits him as writer of the '88 screenplay, but not as working on the current one). If not, I probably won't see it. I really can't see how Adam Shankman can improve on anything Waters has done, and this cast doesn't look as good as the '88 cast, except for Christopher Walken.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
John Waters has a cameo in the new movie.
As I understand it vonk, this is an adaptation of the Broadway musical, not an attempt to say "the old movie wasn't good enough." Posted by erosomniac (Member # 6834) on :
I was underwhelmed by the Broadway show, so I doubt I'll see the movie.
Posted by Sterling (Member # 8096) on :
I saw the old version.
The new one isn't on my list. I'm just not that interested. I must confess, though I know I'm probably being unfair, that John Travolta cross-dressing in a fat suit strikes me as an act of sheerest career desperation.
As I still have a small child, and my chances to see movies in theaters are relatively lean, I'll pass.
Posted by Javert (Member # 3076) on :
quote:Originally posted by Sterling: The new one isn't on my list. I'm just not that interested. I must confess, though I know I'm probably being unfair, that John Travolta cross-dressing in a fat suit strikes me as an act of sheerest career desperation.
I see it as robbing a good character actress out of a job.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Hasn't the Edna character always been played by a man?
Posted by Synesthesia (Member # 4774) on :
I'll think about it. I really like the original version./ It's so funny I don't really see the point of remakes.
Posted by vonk (Member # 9027) on :
Ok, now I'm confused. Is there another musical that came before the John Waters movie? The only one I can find is the 2002 Broadway production, which is based on the Waters movie. So is this movie based on a musical based on a movie? Seems kinda silly to me. Just another chance to cash in.
quote:Hasn't the Edna character always been played by a man?
Yes, though Divine was a professional drag queen.
Posted by romanylass (Member # 6306) on :
Yeah, but when it gets to the $1 theatre.
Posted by Carrie (Member # 394) on :
Only if I don't have to pay for it.
Posted by AvidReader (Member # 6007) on :
I think it looks fun. I'm going next week with a buddy of mine who loves musicals.
Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
Cute film. It's more about having fun singing retro songs than it is about the "message"...but really, that's all to the good.
The only downside: Not enough of Allison Janney and James Marsden. They make their secondary roles shine so well. Posted by Puffy Treat (Member # 7210) on :
I'll also add that Niiki Blonsky and Elijah Kelly are absolutely incredible when it comes to singing and dancing.
Mr. High School Musical was left looking a bit stiff and phony compared to the stuff these kids can do.
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