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Movies / On DVD / Hairspray
Hairspray

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Hairspray (1988)

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97 %
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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

Genre: Comedies

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... 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]

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

Starring: Divine, Ricki Lake, Jerry Stiller, Colleen Fitzpatrick, Sonny Bono, Deborah Harry, Josh Charles, Leslie Ann Powers, Clayton Prince, Michael St. Gerard, Mink Stole, Pia Zadora, Ric Ocasek

Director: John Waters

Director: John Waters
Producer: Rachel Talalay

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Nov 5, 2002

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for Hairspray

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1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Full Review Source: Urban Cinefile | comment Comment
10/18/08
Urban Cinefile Critics
Urban Cinefile

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 Source: New Yorker | comment Comment
05/28/08
Pauline Kael
New Yorker
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

Full Review Source: Antagony & Ecstasy | comment Comment
09/12/07
Tim Brayton
Antagony & Ecstasy

Thoroughly deserving of its cult status.

Full Review Source: Empire Magazine | comment Comment
07/16/07
Kim Newman
Empire Magazine

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 Source: TV Guide's Movie Guide | comment Comment
07/16/07
TV Guide's Movie Guide

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 Source: Chicago Reader | comment Comment
07/16/07
Jonathan Rosenbaum
Chicago Reader
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

Full Review Source: Cinema Crazed | comment Comment
07/14/07
Felix Vasquez Jr.
Cinema Crazed

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 Source: EmanuelLevy.Com | comment Comment
10/09/06
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

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

Full Review Source: Time Out | comment Comment
06/24/06
Derek Adams
Time Out

Fun, fun, fun.

comment Comment
11/06/05
Cole Smithey
ColeSmithey.com

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 Source: DVD Verdict | comment Comment
08/22/05
Bill Gibron
DVD Verdict

No review available.

comment Comment
07/14/05
Emanuel Levy
EmanuelLevy.Com

No review available.

comment Comment
05/19/05
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

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

Full Review Source: Lessons of Darkness | comment Comment
05/04/05
Nick Schager
Lessons of Darkness

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

comment Comment
03/23/05
Clint Morris
Moviehole

No review available.

comment Comment
06/10/04
Sarah Chauncey
Reel.com

A John Waters classic

comment Comment
02/26/04
Mike McGranaghan
Aisle Seat

No review available.

comment Comment
02/25/04
Carol Cling
Las Vegas Review-Journal

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 Source: New York Times | comment Comment
05/20/03
Janet Maslin
New York Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

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

comment Comment
03/27/03
Jeffrey M. Anderson
San Francisco Examiner
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by date)
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Latest News for Hairspray

November 20, 2007: RT on DVD: Live Free or Hairspray This Thanksgiving
Good news, blockbuster fans: this week in home entertainment features a crowd-pleasing toe-tapper (Hairspray), the return of John McClane (Live Free or Die Hard), another... More...

August 17, 2006: Christopher Walken To Shake It In "Hairspray"
What could be better than seeing John Travolta in drag in next year's 60s-era musical, "Hairspray"?? Seeing Christopher Walken hoof his way through the pic, as none... More...

March 03, 2006: Travolta & Latifah to Share "Hairspray"
John Travolta and Queen Latifah have signed on to star in New Line Cinema’s upcoming feature film adaptation of the hit Broadway musical "Hairspray," it was announced... More...

September 29, 2005: Shankman Dances His Way Into "Hairspray" Gig
What's a dance choreographer to do after he graduates to the realm of Profitable Director? Why, he goes back to choreography again, which is precisely what Adam Shankman will be... More...

See More Topics...

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