Hairspray (2007)

91% of critics liked it
(212 reviews)
84% of users liked it
(730,966 ratings)

Adam Shankman's adaptation of the stage musical Hairspray, itself an adaptation of the non-musical John Waters film of the same name, stars Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, an overweight high-school student whose only dream is to be on a local Baltimore teen dance program. While her father… More Adam Shankman's adaptation of the stage musical Hairspray, itself an adaptation of the non-musical John Waters film of the same name, stars Nikki Blonsky as Tracy Turnblad, an overweight high-school student whose only dream is to be on a local Baltimore teen dance program. While her father (Christopher Walken) tells her to follow her dreams, her mother Edna (John Travolta in drag) reminds her that she doesn't look like the girls on that show. After impressing the show's host (James Marsden), Tracy earns a coveted spot on the program, but when she becomes a popular addition to the cast, she earns the wrath of the prettiest girl in school -- a girl whose mother (Michelle Pfeiffer) just happens to operate the local television station. Tracy's visit to detention hall opens her eyes to the racial tension on the show, as does the budding relationship between her best friend (Amanda Bynes) and an African-American boy named Seaweed (Elijah Kelley). Thus empowered, Tracy attempts to integrate the races on her favorite program. ~ Perry Seibert, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 57 min.
Directed By: Adam Shankman
Written By: Leslie Dixon, Mark O'Donnell
Genres: Musical & Performing Arts, Comedy

In Theaters: Jul 20, 2007 Wide
On DVD: Nov 20, 2007
Studio: New Line Cinema

Critic Reviews

Bob Mondello, NPR.org
For a star-studded big-budget musical, Hairspray does a nice job of retaining the funky sweetness of the original.
Joe Baltake, Passionate Moviegoer
'Hairspray': An unabashed, unapologetic movie musical that nearly jumps off the screen and challenges all of your silly hang-ups about movie musicals
(CNN.com) Paul Clinton, CNN.com
Bright, campy and wonderfully light, Hairspray reminds us that fun comes in all shapes and sizes. It's also one of the few 'event' movies this summer that doesn't outstay its welcome. That's worth singing about, no matter what your name is.
Rick Groen, Globe and Mail
It's amiable, it's bouncy, it's got a sweet unknown in the lead flanked by a cast of bankable stars and, providing as it does an amiable and bouncy and sweet escape from a summer's worth of clunky blockbusters.
John Moore, Denver Post
Hairspray is an infectious aerosol comedy with nearly every hair in place.
Lawson Taitte, Dallas Morning News
Hairspray is one of the most enjoyable translations of a Broadway musical to the big screen ever.
Joshua Starnes, ComingSoon.net
In alchemy the transmuting of materials between forms distills them to their purest elements. In film, the opposite is true. The more iterations, the more muddled things get. Hairspray is good at what it does but not everything it does is good.
Fernando F. Croce, CinePassion
Much of the fun comes from director-choreographer Adam Shankman's happy acceptance of musical staples
Leo Goldsmith, Reverse Shot
Shankman's crassly theatrical attenuation of Hairspray only draws gay culture away from a moment of American history with which it ought to have a great deal in common
S. James Wegg, JWR
It falls to individual efforts by the cast to keep the eye and ear coming back for more.
Tony Macklin, Fayetteville Free Weekly
Hairspray is an energetic romp, but as a social statement -- which it pretends to be -- it's cartoonish. And as a playful look back at a time and place, it's simplistic shtik. It's a mountain of whipped cream, with an occasional chocolate sprinkle.
Heather Huntington, ReelzChannel.com
I will confess that Travolta totally turned me around. A mountain of a woman in his female fat suit, he commits 150% to the role.
Tim Basham, Paste Magazine
The most refreshing and enjoyable musical of this century%u2014Hairspray.
Matthew Sorrento, Bright Lights Film Journal
Even if the new Hairspray seems a welcome return to camp for Travolta, his mock seriousness is as frozen as ever.
Jeff Bayer, The Scorecard Review
The film works best for me when they are making fun of the racial climate of the 1960s.
Wesley Lovell, Oscar Guy
An amazing cast sings and dances across the screen with such flair and passion its completely infectious.
Pablo Villaca, Cinema em Cena
Caso tivesse 20 minutos e alguns números musicais a menos, Hairspray poderia ser uma surpresa tão divertida quanto o original (que tampouco é um clássico). Inchado como ficou, porém, é apenas um passatempo pouco memorável.
Stephen Himes, Film Snobs
Like your high school's production of "Grease": A musical about sex with a chastity belt strapped to its waist.
Jordan Hiller, Bangitout.com
One's enjoyment of Adam Shankman's motion picture will largely depend on one's tolerance for conflict-less, feel good musicals.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
Some magical balance between the cast members, the set design, the songs and director Adam Shankman makes it work.

Read all 21 critic reviews

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Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

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Featured Audience Ratings

Anthony L

I'm not sure what the point is of this film. A film version of a musical version based on the original film. Talk about bastardised. I had no problem with the cast, although John Travolta was an odd choice as the Divine replacement but it worked with the rest of the film, which… More
I'm not sure what the point is of this film. A film version of a musical version based on the original film. Talk about bastardised. I had no problem with the cast, although John Travolta was an odd choice as the Divine replacement but it worked with the rest of the film, which is to say, not particularly well. I think the message of the original was lost, the original worked better using the music of the time, the music written for the musical was so 'Musical' sounding, like they took a forgettable song from another musical and just changed the lyrics. More pointless than offencive but not all bad.
Alexander D

Let me get something off my chest about this film: John Travolta looks terrible in a drag role, and he must feel so humiliated just for that role. Whew! HAIRSPRAY isn't perfect, but it feels good, and it is danceable and free-spirited. Though extremely quirky and highly… More
Let me get something off my chest about this film: John Travolta looks terrible in a drag role, and he must feel so humiliated just for that role. Whew! HAIRSPRAY isn't perfect, but it feels good, and it is danceable and free-spirited. Though extremely quirky and highly overrated, I enjoyed it, and I thought it was a nice, easy touch of a wild teen mood (keeping it at a PG rating, which is rare for many musical-based films of the modern day). I can't speak in comparison with the stage musical or the 1980s original, as my eyes have not yet met either one, but the film is on my to-do list; I fear the stage musical may not live up to its money's worth.
Bethany M

I love musicals and to see Zac Efron in one again made this film for me. Outstanding! I wanted to dance and sing a long to all the songs and it shows such a positive message. A must see!
Mike S

John Travolta in drag and a humongous 60's hair-do? Okay, now I've seen everything. A colorful and vibrant cinemusical, full of energy and pure joy. The satirical tone gave it some extra bite, and there wasn't a song or musical number that I wasn't entertained by.… More
John Travolta in drag and a humongous 60's hair-do? Okay, now I've seen everything. A colorful and vibrant cinemusical, full of energy and pure joy. The satirical tone gave it some extra bite, and there wasn't a song or musical number that I wasn't entertained by. Some I even loved. A guilty pleasure no doubt, but one I'm really happy that I saw.
Brad W

Will be remembered forever by music lovers. It was hilarious and really well done. This movie had great acting, great story, and some of the catchiest songs I can think of, I love the movie. One of the musicals of the 21st Century.
Chris W

Owing more of a debt to the Broadway musical than the original 1988, this, the 2007 version, is a fun and spirited musical filled with tons of heart, soul, and the great message of racial integration. I like musicals, I do. I mostly prefer ones from an older era (the Rodgers and… More
Owing more of a debt to the Broadway musical than the original 1988, this, the 2007 version, is a fun and spirited musical filled with tons of heart, soul, and the great message of racial integration. I like musicals, I do. I mostly prefer ones from an older era (the Rodgers and Hammerstein cycle) or something that just fits my more modern tastes (Sweeney Todd), but I really enjoyed this one. Some of the changes made from the screen to the stage to the screen were a bit disappointing (no beatniks, et al), but that's not a complete dealbreaker. The song and dance numbers make up for it. Like the original, the casting is quite notable, except there's only one real obvious bit of stunt casting. That's little bit is actually pretty crucial though. From the beginning it's been a tradition to have a man in drag play Edna. I'm cool with that, and, while John Travolta is a scream to watch in the role, it feels a little forced. Maybe it's because he's straight? He's not bad though, but it does seem a bit jarring. Michelle Pfeiffer is great as the villainous Velma, Amanda Bynes shows off her trademark spunk with flair (and awesome hair to boot), Queen Latifah is probably the only person who could play Motormouth Maybelle so wonderfully (in this day and age), but for me (and many, I'm sure), the real shining star here is Nikki Blonksy. She's wonderful here in a breakout performance as the pleasant plump Tracy Turnblad who has huge hair, loves to dance, and becomes a champion for integration. I know she's done a bit more work since this film, but she deserves even more. This is a really fun movie, and, while it isn't quite as campy as the original film, it's still just an absolute joy to watch. One moment that really made me laugh out loud is the Mrs. Pingleton (Allison Janney) reaction shot to the conclusion of the Penny/Seaweed story line. It's frickin' priceless. This probably wasn't the most necessary film in the world, but, like I said, the music and dancing are well done, and it might be a little more accessible for audiences who can't groove on the trademark Waters campiness.
Matt G

I wanted to hate this so much. But I loved every bit of it. It's a wonderful movie and musical. I really recommend it to every movie goer. Grade: A
Jameson W

I actually really love this movie! Great music, and an even greater cast. Although I'm certain this film does no justice to the broadway musical, it's a good film by itself. Amanda Bynes is brilliant!
Richard C

B-
Alice S

Awesome music, dancing, and underlying depth. This was a 5-star, but after watching it three years later out of the theatre, I've noticed some problems - awkward time editing, awkward song editing from the original show.
Film C

i actually really loved this movie!! its one of my favourite musicles ive seen, its funny and so entertaining with really catchy songs as well! im still in shock at how and why john travolta is playing the mum lol :) it is completelly worth the watch as it really is likely to cheer… More
i actually really loved this movie!! its one of my favourite musicles ive seen, its funny and so entertaining with really catchy songs as well! im still in shock at how and why john travolta is playing the mum lol :) it is completelly worth the watch as it really is likely to cheer you up! it also covers some of the most controversal debate of that year and i think this movie portrays it very well!1 really worth a watch!
KJ P

I give this movie props for doing something new, but I've never really was a big fan of musicals!
Thomas B

very fun
Emile T

Hairspray has many characters, and each one's characteristics are perfectly shown through happy lines and excellent music. Every images put a smile on your face and the atmosphere makes you want to stand up and dance. Hairspray made me believe for two hours that everything was… More
Hairspray has many characters, and each one's characteristics are perfectly shown through happy lines and excellent music. Every images put a smile on your face and the atmosphere makes you want to stand up and dance. Hairspray made me believe for two hours that everything was possible. I didn't really knew Shankman's work until now, but I think he did a great job (for direction and choregraphies) and that we owe him a lot for what the new version of Hairspray is. I haven't enjoyed myself like this with a movie this year.
Jeremy S

Loved It!
Candy R

Brilliant cast. Story about a girl called Tracy who wants to be a dancer on her favourite TV show the Corny Collins Show. Corny is played by James Marsden, who is very cute. It has serious moments when it touchs on the social divisions between races in the 1960s. It takes a while to… More
Brilliant cast. Story about a girl called Tracy who wants to be a dancer on her favourite TV show the Corny Collins Show. Corny is played by James Marsden, who is very cute. It has serious moments when it touchs on the social divisions between races in the 1960s. It takes a while to get used to John Travolta in character. Link (Zac Efron) is very handsome. Great songs. Look out for cameo by Ricki Lake (talent scout).
E.J. B

I wonder how tired these actors must have been, It seems as if they had their month's worth of working out after one day of shooting. But the movie itself is upbeat, fun, well-choreographed, and it touches on important themes, so it's not just a brainless guilty pleasure.
Craig S

Directed by: Adam Shankman. Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Nikki Blonsky. << "I think I've kind of been in a bubble...thinking that fairness was gonna… More
Directed by: Adam Shankman. Starring: John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Nikki Blonsky. << "I think I've kind of been in a bubble...thinking that fairness was gonna just happen. It's not. People like me are gonna have to get up off their fathers' laps and go out and fight for it." >> This review will not compare to the original Hairspray, as I have not seen it. I honestly didn't know what to expect, I had heard many excellent reviews and I thought it would be more along the lines of Dreamgirls where it is no story and all glamor...its much more then that. Adam Shankman has created an really great piece of entertainment...the director of the atrocious 'The Pacifier', I never saw it coming, he has just shown he is worth something when he is in his comfort zone. He choreographed each dance sequence professionally and injected his direction with a whole lot of fun. The pacing is fast, exhilarating and full of life and when the entire production gets behind him and has fun too, he has certainly impressed me and critics. The screenplay by Leslie Dixon is really great, with some amazing songs written by Marc Shaiman, I'll admit that it is light fluffy material overall, but there is a real topic underneath it all that they tackle. As it is also a great throwback to the 60's and full of so much life, the controversial topic of race and discrimination is covered without offending anyone nor becoming to controversial...and although this has been done many times before, it is handled right here and it shows us that we are not different because of of our skin color, or even our size, it hands us this nicely without force. The acting ensemble is large and full of large talent and performances, John Travolta tackles a difficult role and does so brilliantly and with great style and control, he proves he still has it when he is in the right role. I could go on with the amazing cast (especially the young cast who outshine the adults) but the one I want to mention is newcomer, Nikki Blonsky, who shows great attitude and flair in her first role. Amazing set design, brilliant costume designs, exhilarating dance sequences, I could go on, but to finish up, the film surprised me. Exhilarating, hilarious, sharp, witty, fast-paced, dazzling...its so much fun, it keeps in mind everything a summer film should be, to entertain and have fun while your doing it. My theater clapped and I can see why. 82/100 << "Child, yesterday is history, and it's never coming back! Cause tomorrow is a brand new day, and it don't know white from black! Cause the world keeps spinnin' round and round, and my heart's keepin' time to the speed of sound...I was lost till I heard the drums and I found my way, cause you can't stop the beat!" >>
Morgan G

Surprisingly good, I imagined a poor Grease but recieved a fun but serious film on racism in '50s America.
Tim S

Case in point: (Continuing from my review of Killer of Sheep) this piece of shit. Here's the thing, I get it, musicals are just not a genre that I like and that's the first problem because once the chick opened her mouth singing praises to Baltimore I tuned out and really… More
Case in point: (Continuing from my review of Killer of Sheep) this piece of shit. Here's the thing, I get it, musicals are just not a genre that I like and that's the first problem because once the chick opened her mouth singing praises to Baltimore I tuned out and really should have left the room. But, I stayed, and found out that at the heart of this movie is about racism. But instead of actually doing anything or saying anything about actual racism, we decide to dream about that one day in Hollywood Heaven where everybody just says fuck war, racism, and everything other fucked up thing and just dances. What amazes me the most is the fact that the black actors involved don't look at each other and go: "Hey, don't you guys think these stereotypes are kind of racist?" And that's when the producer hands them a big fat check and says, "Oh, no, the director is gay and Jewish, so he can't be racist." The only real part was Michelle PFeiffer (how the fuck is she still so hot?) and a sad Christopher Walken who I swear has Alzeimer's and picks his scripts by the ones he wipes his ass with.