A huge commercial and critical success, this movie, has been adapted from the Tony winner Broadway show (after five years from his debut, is still getting great audiences). Shaiman's dream of working (and to triumph) in Broadway was fulfilled, together with his partner, the lyricist Scott Wittman, came to the highest point of their career thanks to this wonderful musical, inspired by John Waters's movie of the same name.

In this movie, handled by the director and choreographer Adam Shankman (a friend of the composer), Marc Shaiman's name beats records of appearance, managing to be included into the movie´s poster up to six times. His tasks are, among others, scoring, author of the songs, co-author of the lyrics (together with Wittman), executive producer …

The most entertaining role, which lovely Divine performed in John Waters's movie, was taken to the Broadway show by Harvey Fierstein, winner of the Tony Award, and that, now, goes to John Travolta. Their voices are quite different, and if you are used to hear the original cast, with the hoarse voice of Fierstein, im sure you will really miss him. It is not necessary to say that the cd from Broadway's show, with the voices of the original cast, released by Sony, is a jewel and that many of its numbers (and others that did not have content on that cd), hasnt found space into the movie. Shaiman composed a new score and four specific numbers for the film, of which only three have been finally included in the movie (and in the cd).

Nikki Blonsky, makes here is first role and does it brilliantly, interpreting great songs as "Good Morning Baltimore" (exceptional take-off of the movie), "I can Hear the Bells" (a funny number) or "Welcome to the 60's" (together with Travolta). It is a shame the absence (understandable) of brilliant numbers, since the movie would get longer too much, as well as others that are left to guess of step, as "It Takes Two".

Michelle Pfeiffer is excellent as villain, and does that the number "(The Legend of) Miss Baltimore Crabs" earns many points. James Marsden turns out to be really credible, as well as Brittany Snow. But the great discovery is Elijah Kelley, who has seen how this role caused that some record contracts have rained over him.

Christopher Walken is funny and we love him and the number "You're timeless to Me" (one of the best), turns out to be really unforgettable.

Queen Latifah is spectacular with the brilliant crafty number "Big, Blonde and Beautiful", as well as dramatically "I Know Where I've Been".

Undoubtedly, one of the highest moments is the love theme "Without Love" (under a good performing from its four actors) or the great final number: "You cant Stop the Beat", that causes the participation of a huge number of actors.

The new songs are three in the movie: "Ladie's Choice", a correct theme but not so original or fresh, "The New Girl in Town", far better than the previous one, but itis "Come So Far " (into the final credits), the great new topic of the movie, that one who should get an Oscar Nomination. The negative aspect rests on the absence of a brilliant ballad called "I Can Wait", which for unknown motives has been eliminated from the movie and which might have been an object of many prizes. It is not good version the awful mix of "Cooties", which has been (thankfully) relegated to the final credits.

Shaiman has created an instrumental new score for the movie, though it turns out to be too brief and consist mainly of instrumental versions of some of the songs, especially "Good Morning Baltimore", though its a shame that none of this score has finally been relased.

As final curiosity: a great number that I miss too much during the movie, "Mama, Im to Big Girl Now", has been finally included into the final credits, under the voices of three actresses who have performed the Tracy role: Nikki Blonski (movie), Marissa Jaret Winokur (musical) and Rikki Lake (John Waters's film).

Finally, two funny facts: John Waters's cameo (into the take-off of the movie) and of the composers Marc Shaiman and Scott Wittman (both disguised as talent agents, during the final show). Together with the above mentioned, also make a cameo director Adam Shankman and the producer Margo Lion.

An exceptional movie, a total victory for their creators and one of the most successful movie musicals in the history. I cant wait for Shaiman's new Broadway´s musical, based on Steven Spielberg's movie "Catch me if you Can".

Score: 7 - Adaptation: 10 - New Songs: 8