film: Hairspray

Jerman's Rating: 3 steps forward, 1 step back. Content rating of 2 (light). This film is appropriate for almost all ages, 10 and up.

This film would have gotten a +2, but the moral is taught so thoroughly and well. That moral is civil rights, integration. Slightly less stressed, but still amazing is following your dreams with passion.

I know I step up this rating thing to only talk about morals and things, but I have to make some comments about other things. The music is really amazing. Watching this film is such a positive experience. I was smiling through the whole film, and looking around the entire theater was filled with smiles, everybody that left was so happy. I haven't seen a movie have that affect in a long long time.

The music and dancing makes you want to jump out of your seat and dance in the aisles. This is easily one of my favorite musicals. From the very first song, you fall in love with Tracy, the main character.

The casting was magic. They really could not have picked better actors for each role, each was filled perfectly, I don't know how they did it.

The film handles the morals is teaches very tenderly. The detention hall is full of black students, who pass the time by dancing to a radio, but the black kids dance so well, you just love them, especially because Tracy loves them so much. Love is also handled really well. There are three songs about love- 'I can hear the Bells', 'Timeless to Me', and 'Without love.' It may be a little idealistic and over romantic. I like the way it was handled because this is the way I think it should happen. The way two people fall in love, and the way two people who are married stay in love. If you want to know how it works, you'll have to watch the film.

I'm sure there are going to be people who won't like the movie, but no one that I can think of. Its not really a feel good movie, though you will feel good at the end. As for who will most enjoy the film- I don't know. I'd recommend this film to everyone I know. 10 years old and up, everyone should see this film, its so good.