This week’s dandy is “Hairspray” (A), the remake of the 1988 John Waters film that is just as good, if not better than the original and easily the most entertaining major studio release of 2007.

“Hairspray” tells the story of Tracy Turnblad (newcomer Nikki Blonsky), a plus-sized teenager in 1962 Baltimore who dreams of becoming a dancer on the local “American Bandstand”-like show – the “Corny Collins Show.”

When one of the stars leaves the show, Tracy manages to make an impression and soon finds herself locked in a battle with dance queen Amber Von Tussle (Brittany Snow) and her mother, Velma (Michelle Pfieffer), the TV’s station manager.

The rivalry gets even more heated when Tracy decides that it is unfair that the show only allows one day a month for black kids to dance and she sets out to get the “Corny Collins Show” integrated.

Some TV ads have referred to “Hairspray” as this generation”s “Grease” and there are certainly some similarities (beyond the obvious connection of John Travolta in both films).

Like “Grease,” “Hairspray” perfectly captures the era in which it is set, with an innocent charm that adds to the enjoyment. But what makes “Hairspray” even more charming is the fact that it manages to have a breezy attitude and has a message about racism and acceptance that doesn”t feel too preachy.

The cast is exceptional.

Blonsky is a delight as Tracy – she captures the character”s spunky outlook on life perfectly. Pfeiffer really sinks her teeth into the antagonist role and Amanda Bynes is adorable as Tracy’s friend, Penny. There are also several cameos that pay tribute to the original film.

Then there’s John Travolta, who dons plenty of make-up and a fat suit to play Tracy’s mother, Edna (following in the footsteps of Divine and Harvey Feinstein). At first it’s easy to overlook Travolta’s performance as a gimmick, but as the film progresses, the actor manages to make you forget who he is.

A musical number with Christopher Walken (who plays Tracy’s dad, Wilbur) is so bizarre, yet so enjoyable (probably because I don”t think I could have ever imagined a Fred Astaire-like musical number that involved Walken and Travolta). And by the time Edna finds her inner Danny Zuko in the rousing finale “You Can”t Stop the Beat,” it was obvious that Travolta had won me over – much like this absolutely amazing film.

“Hairspray” is rated PG for language, some suggestive content and momentary teen smoking and will be available on DVD on Tuesday.