Pecker (1998)

52% of critics liked it
(44 reviews)
63% of users liked it
(15,301 ratings)

John Waters wrote and directed this $6.5 million satire on the Manhattan art world, a rags-to-riches comedy about 18-year-old amateur photographer Pecker (so named because he pecks at his food). Pecker (Edward Furlong) is a blue-collar kid who works in a Baltimore sandwich shop and takes snapshots… More John Waters wrote and directed this $6.5 million satire on the Manhattan art world, a rags-to-riches comedy about 18-year-old amateur photographer Pecker (so named because he pecks at his food). Pecker (Edward Furlong) is a blue-collar kid who works in a Baltimore sandwich shop and takes snapshots of family, friends, and customers. His mom, Joyce (Mary Kay Place) runs a thrift shop where she offers fashion advice to the homeless, while sis Tina (Martha Plimpton) recruits go-go boys to dance at the local Fudge Palace. Pecker's younger sister, Little Chrissy (Lauren Hulsey), has a sugar addiction, and his grandmother, Memama (Jean Schertler), the "pit beef" queen of Baltimore, conducts prayer meetings with her talking statue of Mary. After hip Manhattan art dealer Rorey Wheeler (Lili Taylor) becomes fascinated with Pecker's photos, a big exhibition is in the offing, followed by overnight fame as the young man becomes the new darling of the New York art scene. Soon Pecker discovers that fame has its price. Shown at the 1998 Toronto Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 26 min.
Directed By: John Waters
Written By: John Waters
Genres: Drama, Comedy

In Theaters: Sep 25, 1998 Wide
On DVD: Feb 23, 1999
Studio: Fine Line Features

Critic Reviews

Cole Smithey, ColeSmithey.com
There are many odd treats, like seeing former SLA hostage Patty Hearst dancing on a bar in a low-cut slip and getting a crash course in "tea-baggng."
Bill Gibron, DVD Verdict
Pecker is Hairspray with Kodak film stock, or Crybaby without the juvenile delinquency angle
Nick Schager, Lessons of Darkness
A transparent, laugh-free parable about Waters' own rise to fame.
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews
Lacks an edge.
Jeffrey M. Anderson, Combustible Celluloid
I had a great time. It was like skipping school, stealing some comic books, and reading them behind an old abandoned warehouse.
Jeremy Heilman, MovieMartyr.com
If the rest of John Waters' Pecker was as funny as its first half-hour is, it might have been one of the all-time greats.

Read all 6 critic reviews

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

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

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Featured Audience Ratings

Lucas M

John Waters could made Pecker a better film that is. But still been a fun entertaining.
Thomas J

A John Waters tongue in cheek story of finding happiness at home. Campy and fun.
Wahida K

He never realized how far 35 millimeters would take him.
Lafe F

Edward Furlong takes interesting photos all over town, but then he is made famous, and it ruins his charming life. A funny movie with the message about the dangers of fame. I LOVED the little sugar-addicted little sister! She made the movie. Very funny John Waters movie.
Leigh R

I liked it.
Michael G

Pretty gross but very funny.
Donna D

Pecker is hilarious! I love his movies and dark humor. :)
Robert F

Lots of good laughs, but also lots of weird onscreen moments (bad acting, strange camera angles etc).
Nicky M

Slightly amusing but I've never been a big John Water's fan.
Quinto W

Fun, funny and hilarious. Great cast led by talented Edward Furlong.
Leo L

Hilarious!