Hairspray Movie Review 1988

Waters' first truly mainstream film, if that's even possible, and his funniest. Details the struggle among teenagers in 1962 Baltimore for the top spot in a local TV dance show. Deals with racism and stereotypes, as well as typical "teen" problems (hair-do's and don'ts). Filled with refreshingly tasteful, subtle social satire (although not without typical Waters touches that will please die-hard fans). Lake is lovable and appealing as Divine's daughter; Divine, in his last film, is likeable as an iron-toting mom. Look for Waters in a cameo and Divine as a man. Great '60s music, which Waters refers to as "the only known remedy to today's Hit Parade of Hell."

Distribution

Facets Multimedia, Inc., 1517 W. Fullerton Ave., Chicago, IL 60614, Phone: (773)281-9075, Toll-free: 800-331-6197, Fax: (773)929-5437, Email: sales@facets.org, URL: http://www.facets.org

Available on VHS, DVD
Running time 94 minutes.

Cast and Crew

Genres

Musical Comedy, Satire & Parody, Coming of Age, Teen Angst, Gender Bending, Baltimore, Protests, Beatniks, Cuttin' Heads, Dance Fever

Screenplay

John Waters

Cast

Ricki Lake, Divine, Jerry Stiller, Colleen (Ann) Fitzpatrick, Sonny Bono, Deborah Harry, Ruth Brown, Leslie Ann Powers, Michael St. Gerard, Shawn Thompson, Clayton Prince, Pia Zadora, Ric Ocasek, Mink Stole, Mary Vivian Pearce, Alan J. Wendl, Susan Lowe, George Stover, Toussaint McCall

Cinematography

David Insley

Director

John Waters

Music

Kenny Vance

Other

John Waters

Producer

Rachel Talalay, New Line Cinema