It was a film, then a Broadway musical, and now it's a film again. There's really no stopping a good story. A fantastic cast was summoned up for this, with so many stars that are perfect for their role. Who else but Queen Latifah as the 'Negro Day' head talent? Who else but High School Musical's so-hot-right-now Zac Efron for the teeny-bopping TV heart-throb? And it's great to see Michelle Pfeiffer as chief bitch-in-charge. With so much more dancing to do, Nikki Blonsky's cheek-pinchingly great turn as Tracy Turnblad out-bounces Rikki Lake in the 1988 original by miles. Right from the first moments, she's a delight to watch, and really takes the audience with her on her journey. John Travolta's role as cuddly mum Edna Turnblad gave a few outspoken American gay bloggers something to spit about, as his Scientologist beliefs led them to suggest he was homophobic and therefore undeserving of his comedic cross-dressing role. "Boycott Hairspray" they instructed, but it no-one seemed to listen. I thought Travolta was brilliant as Edna, and her scenes, moves and one-liners (usually based around food) got the biggest laughs. He plays it real, and that's what's so clever about it. The 2007 remake has a similar look and feel to the original, but is much longer with many more songs and a pinch more emotional depth. It's all a little exhausting at times but well worth the wild ride. Yes it's all very cheesy, but Hairspray doesn't take itself too seriously. Random dirty-sounding quote from Corny Collins: "Hey baby! You look like you could use a stiff one!" Hurr hurr. Hairspray begins on theatres across New Zealand on Thursday 13th September. View the trailer below. Matt Akersten - 1st September 2007