Hairspray - 4 stars

Hairspray was excellent. It's a remake of the campy John Waters film from 1988. It's set in the 60s in racially divided Baltimore. You can't beat a socially conscious musical with John Travolta dancing in heels and a fat suit. The story was great, theme excellent, acting/singing/dancing very good. I didn't like the opening number, but the rest of the songs were fab.

Lots of fun! Maybe even worth seeing twice!

Knocked Up - 4 stars

Knocked up was surprisingly good. It was a good brainless comedy touching on a subject that hasn't quite yet been done to death. It's been a while since we've had good stories about accidental pregnancy. I was pleased that they don't take the easy way out with the story line -loser guy finds the light and becomes upstanding young father. It was excellently cast with Paul Rudd as adorable as ever. If you liked the lead male, Seth Rogan, check him out with one of the pothead sidekicks in Freaks & Geeks. This is a top notch TV show about high school kids in the 80s. It's only one season - rent it on DVD.

Finally, beware, there is a shot in this film that is graphic and unexpected, which they show twice. If you want the spoiler, then let me know.

Dream Girls - 2 stars

Dream Girls would have been a really good movie if they had more than one song. They kept breaking out into song, each with almost the exact same tune. After 45 minutes I was forwarding through the musical numbers, not good for a movie about a musical act... The actors were quite good. I was surprised that Eddie Murphy can sing!