Hairspray (1988)
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.
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... [More]
Genre: Comedies
Starring: Divine, Ricki Lake, Jerry Stiller, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Sonny Bono
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
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.
Comment
05/28/08
Top Critic
The Waters film for your grandma, who will probably be only a little bit freaked out by it.
09/12/07
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.
07/16/07
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.
07/16/07
Top Critic
Has a great message is endlessly entertaining, and come on you have to love Motormouth Maybelle...
07/14/07
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.
10/09/06
Waters' most hygienically commercial film is a Retro schlock-fancier's delight.
06/24/06
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.
08/22/05
The defining moment in the auteur’s career-long dedication to lionizing Baltimore’s misfit population.
05/04/05
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.
05/20/03
Top Critic
Trailers & Clips
News
RT on DVD: Live Free or Hairspray This Thanksgiving
posted by Jen Yamato November 20, 2007
Good news, blockbuster fans: this week in home entertainment features a crowd-pleasing toe-tapper (Hairspray), the...
posted by Jen Yamato November 20, 2007
Good news, blockbuster fans: this week in home entertainment features a crowd-pleasing toe-tapper (Hairspray), the...
Christopher Walken To Shake It In "Hairspray"
posted by Jen Yamato August 17, 2006
What could be better than seeing John Travolta in drag in next year's 60s-era musical, "Hairspray"??...
posted by Jen Yamato August 17, 2006
What could be better than seeing John Travolta in drag in next year's 60s-era musical, "Hairspray"??...
Travolta & Latifah to Share "Hairspray"
posted by Scott Weinberg March 03, 2006
John Travolta and Queen Latifah have signed on to star in New Line Cinema’s upcoming feature film adaptation of the hit...
posted by Scott Weinberg March 03, 2006
John Travolta and Queen Latifah have signed on to star in New Line Cinema’s upcoming feature film adaptation of the hit...
Shankman Dances His Way Into "Hairspray" Gig
posted by Scott Weinberg September 29, 2005
What's a dance choreographer to do after he graduates to the realm of Profitable Director? Why, he goes back to...
posted by Scott Weinberg September 29, 2005
What's a dance choreographer to do after he graduates to the realm of Profitable Director? Why, he goes back to...
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