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Hairspray

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Hairspray (1988)

97%
100%
79%
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97 %
Reviews Counted: 34 Fresh: 33  Rotten:1 Average Rating: 7.7/10
 
Consensus: Hairspray is perhaps John Waters' most accessible film, and as such, it's a gently subversive slice of retro hilarity.
 

How does the Tomatometer work?

The Tomatometer measures the percentage of positive reviews from Approved Tomatometer Critics for a certain movie.[-]

Runtime: 1 hr 32 mins

Synopsis: Baltimore, 1962. Ample, energetic teen Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake) wants nothing more than to get on hip local TV dance program THE CORNY COLLINS SHOW. When she finally gets her way, her lively dance moves and bubbly personality are met with unexpected popularity, along with the ire of a... Baltimore, 1962. Ample, energetic teen Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake) wants nothing more than to get on hip local TV dance program THE CORNY COLLINS SHOW. When she finally gets her way, her lively dance moves and bubbly personality are met with unexpected popularity, along with the ire of a fellow dancer, scheming Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick). Furthermore, when she witnesses firsthand the terrible state of race relations in Baltimore, Tracy becomes an outspoken advocate for the desegregation of THE CORNY COLLINS SHOW. John Waters's first PG-rated film is also his most sweet-natured and accessible. Based on his appreciation of the real-life 1960s Baltimore dance program THE BUDDY DEANE SHOW, Waters's affection for the era and attention to authenticity shines through. Lake, in her first film performance, radiates charm and enthusiasm. Divine, in his last (dual) role, appears as both Tracy's mother, Edna, and dastardly TV station manager Arvin Hodgepile. As if that weren't enough, an inspired cast of cameos (Pia Zadora, Ric Ocasek, Waters himself) and a virtual instruction manual of faddish period dances and their accompanying songs serve only to make the deal even sweeter. [More]

Genre: Comedies

Starring: Divine, Ricki Lake, Jerry Stiller, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Sonny Bono

Director: John Waters
Producer: Rachel Talalay

DVD Info

Release:

Nov 5, 2002

[DVD Details]

DVD Features:

  • Region 1
  • Keep Case
  • Anamorphic Widescreen - 1.85
  • Single Side - Dual Layer

Additional Release Material:

  • Audio Commentary - 1. John Waters - Director, Ricki Lake - Star
  • Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer

Buy It On DVD

Reviews

 
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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Ratings Image
N/A

When Divine’s Edna Turnblad is on-screen in the sleeveless dresses she’s partial to, the movie has something like the lunacy of a W. C. Fields in drag.

Full Review | comment Comment
05/28/08
Pauline Kael
New Yorker
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
Ratings Image
8/10

The Waters film for your grandma, who will probably be only a little bit freaked out by it.

Full Review | comment Comment
09/12/07
Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy
Ratings Image
4/5

Thoroughly deserving of its cult status.

Full Review | comment Comment
07/16/07
Kim Newman
Empire Magazine
Ratings Image
3.5/4

Controversial filmmaker John Waters finally hits his commercial stride in this film, parlaying his keen social observation and great compassion for society's outsiders into a colorful and engaging comedy full of dancing, music and heartfelt nostalgia.

Full Review | comment Comment
07/16/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide
Ratings Image
N/A

Not only Waters's best movie, but a crossover gesture that expands his appeal without compromising his vision one iota; Ricki Lake as the hefty young heroine is especially delightful.

Full Review | comment Comment
07/16/07
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
Ratings Image
3/4

Has a great message is endlessly entertaining, and come on you have to love Motormouth Maybelle...

Full Review | comment Comment
07/14/07
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed
Ratings Image
A-

Arguably one of Waters' best films, and also one that was "palatable" to the strudios and accessible to the mass public in its charming theme and effective blend of faded stars and offbeat celebs.

Full Review | comment Comment
10/09/06
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Ratings Image
N/A

Waters' most hygienically commercial film is a Retro schlock-fancier's delight.

Full Review | comment Comment
06/24/06
Derek Adams
Time Out
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4/5

Fun, fun, fun.

comment Comment
11/06/05
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com
Ratings Image
98/100

Certainly Waters would argue that all his films end on an upbeat note. But [Hairspray] is the first time the joy seems genuine, not just perversely plastered on.

Full Review | comment Comment
08/22/05
Bill Gibron
DVD Verdict
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3/5

No review available.

comment Comment
07/14/05
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com
Ratings Image
3/5

No review available.

comment Comment
05/19/05
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
Ratings Image
A-

The defining moment in the auteur’s career-long dedication to lionizing Baltimore’s misfit population.

Full Review | comment Comment
05/04/05
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness
Ratings Image
3/5

A Zany delight.....Lake is outstanding!

comment Comment
03/23/05
Clint Morris
Moviehole
Ratings Image
5/5

No review available.

comment Comment
06/10/04
Sarah Chauncey
Reel.com
Ratings Image
3/5

A John Waters classic

comment Comment
02/26/04
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat
Ratings Image
4/5

No review available.

comment Comment
02/25/04
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal
Ratings Image
4/5

The actors are best when they avoid exaggeration and remain weirdly sincere. That way, they do nothing to break the vibrant, even hallucinogenic spell of Mr. Waters's nostalgia.

Full Review | comment Comment
05/20/03
Janet Maslin
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
Ratings Image
5/5

A perfect mixture of old trashy Waters and a new kinder, gentler Waters.

comment Comment
03/27/03
Jeffrey M. Anderson
San Francisco Examiner
Ratings Image
5/5

No review available.

comment Comment
02/26/03
Karina Montgomery
Cinerina
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