Hair Do(s) Times Two?

So I didn't really plan on writing a blog tonight (at 1:3o in the AM), but seeing as some of my plans fell through tonight, here's where we are loyal readership. It's like lordship but for my readers.

Just a few nights ago I was up at this time, not sure what to do with myself. Too tired to really embark on something productive (like playing video games or reading), with neither Facebook or my faithful Google Reader providing much news in the wee hours of the morning. So I fell into the trap of late night TV. Luckily I was saved by my parents subscription to HBO (or Starz, I can't remember which one I was watching), because the movie Hairspray was on. Those who know me know that I've been involved with theater most of my life, so I'm a likely candidate to appreciate and enjoy this movie. Musicals don't scare me. Those who REALLY know me that the original movie (made in 1988, written and directed by John Waters) is my favorite movie of all time. Best movie of all time? No, but definitely my favorite. No matter how many times I see it, I still think it's one of the funniest and most uplifting movies I've laid eyes on. And look at that cast! Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono, Jerry Stiller, and Colleen Fitzpatrick (better known now as Vitamin C)!

So, I love the original, I adored the stage production (seen both on tour and on Broadway), and yes I even enjoyed the 2007 film adapation of the stage adaptation of the film. Sure, I had a few qualms with the newest movie (mainly with the portrayal of Tracy Turnblad. I mean, why would she run from the cops? Jail time is really scarier to her than racial injustice? This just isn't the Tracy that stars in either the original movie or the stage production) but overall I really love the new movie. I saw it in theaters two or three times (which is big for me, because as a rule I'm just not a "movie person") and each time I left the theater with a huge smile planted on my face, and believe it or not wanting to just go out and dance.

This blog really isn't a commentary about how absurd it is that there are three versions of this story out there (two of which within the same media), it's more of a celebration. I say, go see all three versions of the story. They're all good. And if the final scene of the newest movie doesn't make your heart SWELL with glee and triumph, you've seriously got something wrong with you. The dancing is amazing, the singing is great (except for Amanda Bynes who is just too darn awkward and adorable at the same time to blame), and you almost get used to Travolta's weird accent (and portrayal of Edna) by the end of the movie.

The reason for the seemingly pointless post? Well A) None of my posts are meaningless and shame on you for thinking such a thing. B) I can't stop listening to the ending credits song "Come So Far (Got So Far to Go)", which is almost as fun and uplifting as the ending scene itself, and C) There is rumor of a sequel.

Stop the presses, slam on the brakes, raise the roof. WHAT? A sequel? Now, Cory that just doesn't make sense! You've clearly elaborated that the newest movie is based off of a stage show which is based off of an amazing Waters film from the 80's! And neither of those had sequels.

I know, I know.

At first I was COMPLETELY turned off by the idea. What story are they going to tell? The kids go to college? The Corny Collins show can't just become "officially integrated" simply by Corny announcing it? The story of what happened to Amber's dad (who was played by Sonny Bono in the original)? Now, none of the cast of the movie has signed anything (and I do believe almost all of them would have to do so for the movie to succeed), but two particular people HAVE agreed to work on the project, and they're the reason this idea might just be crazy enough to work. Adam Shankman (somewhat regular guest judge on my obsession So You Think You Can Dance?), who was the director and choreographer of the movie has agreed to do the sequel, and THE John Waters is going to pen the script. I trust these two men to only deliver something us longtime Hairspray lovers will appreciate and accept. So, keep your fingers crossed and that hair a hoppin because the studio is hoping for a 2010 release.

My quick blurb for you? Read Tom Perrota's "Little Children". Or at the very least see the movie. I'd suggest doing both (probably with the book first). I read the book a few years ago and loved it and just this week saw the movie (starring Kate Winslet and Patrick Wilson (who will be seen in the upcoming Watchmen) ah! I still need to close another parentheses!). I was surprised how well the movie stayed true to the book (except for the ending, which was just as unfulfilling yet somehow completely fitting as the novel). I won't give you a whole summary, but know that it's a look at suburban life, specifically at the lives of parents and their inability to be the person they want to be, the spouse, or the parent. The book features an AMAZING cast of characters from workaholic mothers, to porn-addicted husbands, stay-at-home dads, and a lonely woman who spends every moment with her daughter and how they all deal with the threat of a convicted sexual offender entering their carefully contructed world of park outings and scheduled sexual intercourse. And that's not even from the back of the book (though I've always wanted to be the guy who wrote those).




Here's the credit reel in case you needed to hear that song again (I do).