Hairspray (1988)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work 
Reviews Counted:34
Fresh:33
Rotten:1
Average Rating:7.8/10
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... [More]
Starring: Divine, Ricki Lake, Jerry Stiller, Colleen Fitzpatrick
Director: John Waters
Reviews for Hairspray
| Tomatometer | Critic | Review | Category |
|---|---|---|---|
 4/5 |
Thoroughly deserving of its cult status. Full Review |
||
|
|
Waters' most hygienically commercial film is a Retro schlock-fancier's delight. Full Review |
||
|
|
The shock Waters's cinema offers, then, is not transcendent, but almost reflexive, implicating the viewer in the awkward complexities of his own humanity and forcing him to either celebrate it or run screaming away. Full Review |
||
|
Click to read the article Full Review |
|||
|
|
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 |
||
|
8/10 |
The Waters film for your grandma, who will probably be only a little bit freaked out by it. Full Review |
||
|
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 |
||
|
|
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 |
||
|
3/4 |
Has a great message is endlessly entertaining, and come on you have to love Motormouth Maybelle... Full Review |
||
|
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 |
||
|
4/5 |
Fun, fun, fun.
|
||
|
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 |
||
|
3/5 |
No review available.
|
||
|
A- |
The defining moment in the auteur’s career-long dedication to lionizing Baltimore’s misfit population. Full Review |
||
|
3/5 |
A Zany delight.....Lake is outstanding!
|
||
|
5/5 |
No review available.
|
||
|
3/5 |
A John Waters classic
|
||
|
4/5 |
No review available.
|
||
|
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 |
||
|
5/5 |
A perfect mixture of old trashy Waters and a new kinder, gentler Waters.
|
CommentLatest 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...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Fresh Links
Featured
Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.
Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.
IGN RSS Feeds