Rating: Summary: A True Picture of Baltimore Review: I grew up in Baltimore in the 60's and had appeared on occasion on the real dance show this movie was based on (The Buddy Dean Show). Also the real Buddy Dean makes a cameo appearence in the movie as a tv reporter at the goveror's mansion. You can still walk the streets of East Baltimore and see women like Divine still shopping in their scuffies, their hair in curlers, and cat's eye sunglasses. These are known as Baltimore "Hons". This movie and indeed all John Water's movies are a true depiction of Baltimore life past and present. Everything you see in the movies can still be seen on the streets of "Bawlmer". I must admit I am surprised that there is such a following as us "Baltimorons" thought no one else would understand the truly local humor and culture. I highly recommend all his movies and I know you will enjoy them. Hope this bit of local trivia helps you understand the movie a little better. Enjoy!!
Rating: Summary: One of the best movies ever Review: I am a big John Waters fan, and I must say this is the best movie he's done. Ricki Lake was amazing in it. But Divine was the greatest. It also featured Sonny Bono as the dad, and might I say he did a wonderful job. I love to dance and this movie was my first real experience with dancing. I learned all the dance moves in this movie when I was about 7 years old. Rent this movie if you want to see something actually good.
Rating: Summary: 'Hairspray' full of tawdry, tacky fun Review: John Waters' first real attempt at "mainstream" fun is a trashy and critically-acclaimed delight. Set in (where else?) Baltimore during the Civil Rights era, Hairspray is chock-full of stars, mini-stars, and people who just wanna give it a go at being a star.The story follows young Tracy Turnblad (pre-talk show Ricki Lake) on her rise to being "big, blonde, and beautiful" on a popular teenage dance show. Along the way, however, she runs into some friction from high school brat Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick, also known as pop star Vitamin C) and her parents, a racial obscenity-spouting mother (Debbie Harry) and a slick politician papa (Sonny Bono). Add in growing discontentment among the city's black populace over whites-only establishments, and you have an explosive mix made even more explosive by how off-the-wall it becomes. Dance enthusiasts will appreciate the film for its selection of early 60s fad dances like the Mashed Potato and the Madison. Offbeat and fun, Hairspray also has an excellent soundtrack with some obscure songs you'll be hard-pressed to find in another compilation.
Rating: Summary: A CLASSIC!!! Review: Wacky, tacky comedy set in the early sixties where fashions were more than wild and hairstyles, outrageous. This is consistently funny from beginning to end and this is most defintley one of John Waters funniest comedies. The sight of Divine in drag is hilarious. Debbie Harry and Sonny Bono are other famous faces to pop up in this hilarious comedy playing their characters gloriously over the top but the golden star must go to chat show queen, Ricki Lake who excells in her role as over weight Tracy Turnblad. She is both superb and a natural for the role. A classic comedy that holds several laughs. Highly recommended!
Rating: Summary: "Tracy Turnblad's a whore!" Review: Great movie with so many memorable moments. No one does it like John Waters. "I'm try'n to iron here and my diet pill is about to wear off".
Rating: Summary: Bonafide Cult Classic! Review: "Hairspray," marks the mainstream feature film debut of Baltimore, Maryland's most eccentric film director, John Waters. Incorporating his hometown and his love of sixties tunes, "Hairspray" chronicles the rise of a chubby Baltimore teenager (Ricki Lake in her film debut) as she rises to the top of a local dance show. Being the underdog in this movie, Lake's performance as Tracy Turnblad is classic and her rise to the top makes this one of the feel-good movies in recent years. On the way to the top, Tracy faces fierce competition from snobbish Amber Von Tussel and her racist, conservative parents (played by Deborah Harry and the late Sonny Bono). Faced with a growing demand to intergrate the show, the movie takes place in a major era in American history as the Civil Rights movement is starting to take form. In comparison with his other films, I feel this is Water's best work. He truly has made Tracy Turnblad somewhat of an antihero due to the fact of her weight and social background, but it works perfectly. At the end of this movie everyone will be screaming the words "Free Tracy Turnblad!" over and over again (surprsingly, that line has become a major pop-culture line on many college campuses throughout the United State). Supporting actors such as Divine, Jerry Stiller, Ruth Brown, Pia Zadora, Rick Ocasek, and Michael St. Gerard (Doesn't he look like Elvis?) bring life to this film and the film's style, costumes, and soundtrack will give many a feeling for 1960's nolstagia. In conclusion, this film should become an addition to anyone's video library. I can't wait for the DVD version to come out. Until then, buy it! You won't be disappointed.
Rating: Summary: This is class! Review: This movie is so kick ass!everyone rocks in this movie and the music is great,rikki at her prime right here.You'll love this movie..
Rating: Summary: I Can't Recommend This Enough! Review: This is probably the most intelligent teen movie ever made. The cast couldn't have been better- Ricki Lake, Divine, Debbie Harry and the fantasticly named Mink Stole are just a few of the key players in a movie where the good guys are flawless and the bad guys are very, very bad. It deals with issues like racial integration, body image, parental dependancy and social responsibility without being in-your-face or moralistic. I watched it last night and laughed out loud every two or three minutes because every single thing that happens in this movie can easily relate to the lives of real teenagers today. This is one of the few movies I would suggest buying, because every time you watch it, the light reflects off new facets and you say, "I didn't notice that last time around!". Or buy it just because Ricki's outfits (bought at the "Hefty Hideaway") will put a smile on your face!
Rating: Summary: MY FAVORITE MOVIE OF ALL TIME ! Review: This Movie Is The Best Movie I`ve Ever Seen. I`ve Been Watching Movies Since I Could Touch A Vcr (3years old). Anyway. I`ve Seen About 2000 Horror Movies And 1700 Comedy`s. This One Takes The Cake ! I Love It, I Have Saw This Movie At LEAST 75 Times. I Love It. Its The Best...But Then Again So Is Every Movie Ricki Lake Is In. Examples: Serial Mom & Mrs.Winterbourne. Those Are Also Extremely Good Movies. Anyway, I Recommend This To ANYONE and EVERYONE. If You Don`t Love This Movie. You Shouldnt Have A VCR.
Rating: Summary: Can't believe that was Ricki! Review: Ricki Lake, Blondie, and Divine are among the cast members who make this film a true gem and a delight to watch. I love the dancing and the 60's feel. It deals with serious topics such as growing up, teen rebellion and racism, but has enough laughs to drown out any pessimism. I can sort of identify with this movie because I live in Maryland (close to Baltimore). Ricki was so cute and innocent back then. Look at her now! What a difference a trashy, talk show makes!
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