Hairspray kicks off with a burst of joy and energy, and amazingly, the film is able to sustain its bubble-gum charm for the majority of its running time, thanks in large part to its uniformly superb cast. In her debut role, Blonsky is simply a ray of sunshine. Her smile is infectious and heartwarming, and she winningly performs her numbers with great ease and conviction. In one of the biggest surprises of the year so far, John Travolta miraculously transforms his gimmicky role as a plus-sized woman into a legitimately sympathetic and believable character. As expected, Queen Latifah and Christopher Walken are also splendid in their supporting roles and help give the film some real heart and substance amidst all the fun and camp on display. As wonderful as Hairspray is though, the film lags a bit in its second half with a few sequences falling flat (an extended scene between Walken and a seductive Michelle Pfeiffer is intended be comical but instead brings the film’s pacing to a screeching halt). However, none of the film’s shortcomings are enough to spoil its joyous vibe.

If you’re close-minded about musicals, Hairspray is unlikely to change your opinion of the genre (although you’re missing out, if you ask me). However, if you can appreciate a good musical, you will certainly be rewarded here. Where previous cinematic musicals like Rent and Dreamgirls were drab and over-sung spectacles, Hairspray is an unabashed and campy delight full of winning melodies and wonderful performances.