Hairspray

http://ia.media-imdb.com/images/M/MV5BMTIyMTMzNzIyNV5BMl5BanBnXkFtZTcwMjM1NDk0MQ@@._V1_SX640_SY720_.jpg

Bibliographic Information:

Hairspray

Director: Adam Shankman
Producer: Michael Disco, Anson Downes, Toby Emmerich, Linda Favila, Daryl Freimark, Jennifer Gibgot, Garrett Grant, Mark Kaufman, Travis Knox, Michael Lynne, Neil Meron, Marc Shaiman, Adam Shankman, Robert Shaye, Daniel Silverberg, Scott Wittman, Craig Zadan, 

Screenwriter: Leslie Dixon
Story by John Waters, Mark O'Donnell, Tomas Meehan
Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, 

Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney, Nikki Blonsky

Music by: Mark Shaiman
Cinematography: Bojan Bazelli
Editor: Michael Tronick
Distributor: New Line Entertainment
Copyright: 2007
ASIN: B002D0L0R2 

Summary: This story is about Tracy Turnblad, an overweight teenager who loves to dance. It is 1962 and she is obsessed with a popular TV show and finds an opportunity to try out and dance on the show. After she gains her place on the show, angering the snobby queen of dance, Amber, Tracy finds her new cause in integrating the TV show. 

Critical Analysis: This movie is hilarious with the casting of John Travolta in the role of Tracy's mom. John Waters is known for his penchant to dress men in women's clothing. The music is fun and upbeat and it really gives great entertainment for a period of time. It is very catchy. The social commentary about segregation in the 60s is a vital topic for teens to discuss. Wrapping up tough subjects in a lighthearted package is a great way to start a conversation.

Annotation: Tracy just wants to dance. When she finds a higher calling, her friends and family are there to support her and her hair stays in just the right place the whole time.

About Story Writer John Waters: John Waters was born on April 22, 1946, in Baltimore, Maryland. Sometimes called the "King of Bad Taste" or the "Pope of Trash," Waters has built a reputation for shocking his audiences. He started out making short experimental films in the 1960s. Roman Candle (1966), one of his early works, marked the first time Waters worked with Divine, an oversized, over-the-top transvestite.

retrieved from http://www.biography.com/people/john-waters-210964 on 8/05/2015

Genre: Film, Musical

Curriculum Ties: Music, US History

Interest Age: 13+

Challenge Issues: The library's policy for material's selection supports the addition of this film to our collection.

Reason Chosen for Collection: This movie was nominated for 35 national and international film awards and won 18 awards. This is a great example for the genre of musical and adds diversity to the library's film collection.

Citations:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0427327/ retrieved: 7/31/2015