Hairspray vs. Broadway Danny RoseHairsprayI think I come at this film at a disadvantage, having already seen the 2007 remake. I say this because I believe the remake does a better job at handling the material than this film. This film has a weaker script, subpar performances, virtually no character development, and way too many dance sequences. The film really has only two things going for it and that is Jerry Stiller and Harry Milstead a.k.a Divine, who are both criminally underused due to their comic abilities. Each line they say is gold. The rest of the cast is rather annoying, especially Ricki Lake as the lead character Tracy, who is an obnoxious, self-centered kid from the word go who you basically want to strangle the entire film. She has no appeal because all she cares about is herself throughout the entire film, and she has none of the charm or likability that Nikki Blonsky, who plays Tracy in the remake. You get no insight into the other dancers, her love interest, her rival, or the host of the television show. Everything is done on a very superficial level that it just becomes boring, as do the dance sequences, for which they essentially have five dances that they just rotate.If you want to see this film, go see the remake, and then watch some
Seinfeld to capitalize on Jerry Stiller.
Broadway Danny RoseI am so glad to be discovering Woody Allen in this bracket. First with
Crimes And Misdemeanors and not this, I think I am safe to say that I love Woody Allen films and have added what I haven’t seen into my Netflix queue. This film is hilariously brilliant. What I like about the film is how it blends the intellectual comedy like we get in
Crimes and this over the top slapstick humor wonderfully together. I that Allen decided to shoot the film in black and white. It adds such a classic appeal to the film. I believe all the jokes land. Woody Allen, as a performer, seems like he is having the time of his life playing his character. Mia Farrow is also very strong as Tina Vitale. I love the script because you never know what is going to be thrown at you next in the film. Everything is a surprise. This film is just a funny, sweet, light-hearted affair that I would recommend to anyone who wants a great comedy to watch. After the film is over, you will leave with a big smile on your face. I eagerly await to watch it again.
Winner And Advancement To Next Round:
Broadway Danny Rose