OK for kids 11+
Infectiously fun musical with a message.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that this musical adaptation of the Broadway hit will appeal to tweens thanks to stars like Amanda Bynes and High School Musical's Zac Efron. It's a bit tamer than the John Waters original -- there's less cursing and fighting -- but the themes are the same: accepting people's differences, whether because of their looks or their skin color. Kids younger than 11 will miss much of the meaning while still being entertained by the characters and the production. Some of the song lyrics are a tad sexually suggestive: "I won't go all the way/but I'll go pretty far" and "The darker the berry/the sweeter the juice" are just two examples. Since it's set in the early '60s, African Americans are called "Negroes" (and, in one case, "lawn jockeys"). There are a lot of weight-based insults and one case of parental abuse: Mrs. Pingleton literally ties Penny to her bed and calls her a "devil child." In one scene, three "bad girls" are shown smoking in the school bathroom, while adults sit in a smoke-filled teachers' lounge.
- Families can talk about prejudice and racism. Mrs. Von Tussle assumes that Tracy isn't talented because of her size, but Tracy proves her wrong. Tracy's determination and self esteem are strong despite her weight. How are overweight kids discriminated against today? What about minorities? Even though there's no more segregation, do kids of color get picked on for being different? Kids: What does Tracy teach us about judging people (and their abilities) by their looks? Families who've seen the original (or the Broadway show) can also talk about how this movie is similar to -- and different from -- the other incarnations.
What to watch for
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Violence: The Baltimore police push and shove African-American demonstrators marching for integration. Mrs. Pingleton ties Penny to her bed.
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Sex: Link and Tracy kiss; Tracy sings about how she won't "go all the way/but I'll go pretty far" and "French kissing" her crush. Seaweed and Penny kiss and dance together, as do Amber and Link and Tracy and Link. Mrs. Von Tussle throws herself on Mr. Turnblad; Mr. & Mrs. Turnblad embrace.
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Language: Insults about Tracy's weight: "chubby communist," "whale," "fattie," etc. Use of the term "lawn jockeys" in reference to African Americans, as well as the formerly common (and, at the time, accepted) word "Negro." Other racially charged terms include "cracker boy," "race mixing," etc. Penny's mom says "whore" and "devil child."
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Consumerism: Just hairspray...
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Drinking, drugs and smoking: Teens smoke in the girls' bathroom; adults smoke in the teachers' lounge.
Fan Reviews provided by
5
Hairspray by steelorchid
delightful
5
this is the best movie ever by kellybird55
this is the best movie ever you must see it!!!
5
Get on Your Feet! by ldecker73
That's what I wanted to do. Get up and dance to the music. I had to settle for just moving in my seat though. This movie was great! It was upbeat, clean, and just left you feeling good. I grew up watching John in Grease, nothing will ever top that. But this is right up there. I neve thought I'd see John dancing in high heels! Go see it, and have a great time!!
5
Hairspray by Movie Freak10
Ok People I Am Not The Kind Of Person Who Sees Musicals But I Just Had To See Hairspray I Mean John Travolta As Women And Amanda Bynes Who Is THe Hottest Girl Ever!!!!!!!! I Loved This Movie I Think I Might Repeat It It Had You Tapping Your Foot Laughing Out Loud Just Listen To Me See HairSpray Right Now In Theatres It Is Wonderful For All Ages!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5
Hairspray is GROOOVY!! Two HIP Thumbs Up!! by trevigirls
I was pleasantly surprised at how good this movie was! I was impressed with the plethora of authentic props, clothing, cars, etc. (would love to know how/where they obtained so many of the same early-60's desks in the classroom scenes!) Anyone who lived through the 60's and/or knows the history of that time--in addition to the history/trivia of "Hairspray" itself--will particularly enjoy the surprise cameos sprinkled throughout, as well! (Keep an eye out for the flasher in the beginning...look familiar?) Other "little" things, such as a particular dance move "Mrs. Turnblatt" uses, will get nods by fans of Travolta. I'd heard this was 1 movie worth seeing again, and I wholeheartedly agree! While this flick can easily be passed off as a light-hearted, "feel good" movie of summer '07, I believe it's actually a very important film, as well, because of the strong message it relays--particularly for the young people of today (who did not LIVE through segregation). GO SEE IT! :-)
5
A-MAZING! by broadwaybound23
I saw this movie 4 times in theatres and bought it THE day it came out on dvd. I LOVE IT! I'm a musical theatre geek and it was Amazing!!! :)
5
What else could it be? by braveheart2
This is probably the best remake I have ever seen. It brought all of the energy and timing of the Broadway show, the perfection of cinematography, and the characters were all perfect. When it costs over $20.00 (with snacks) to go to a movie I want to be entertained and leave feeling like I got my money's worth. This movie delivers on all counts.
It is simply amazing that thr role of Tracy was played so amazingly by a newcomer. Her performance is mesmerizing. What energy! And watching John Tavolta as Edna was a blast! By the end of the movie, it WAS Edna. It is always a joy to watch Christopher Walken dance.
This movie has special meaning to me and all of the other people who were teenagers in the 60s and faced the same issues and challenges. You leave the theatre not only singng the songs, but reflecting on some of these thought provoking issues that are even applicable today.
I would highly recommend this movie for anyone from 8-88...it is just pure fun and entertainment for all.
5
Great Show! by aquajack
Cute musical. Cleaner than the original. John Travolta was amazing. Chistopher Walken...perfect...as usual. My kids wanted to see Zac and Amanda and were not disappointed. Nikki was adorable!!! Go see and ENJOY!
5
If you know the musical you still won't be disappointed! by HairsprayMusicalFan
This director ROCKS! I am a huge fan of the musical, and was worried that seeing it transform into the film was going to have COUNTLESS changes, like RENT had a couple of years ago. Fortunately, I was pleasantly surprised. There are a HANDFUL of changes, but most of them were due to cutting the jailhouse seen and Big Doll's House. The changes I didn't like involved Michelle Pfeifer and Baltimore Crabs (she can't sing, by the way, so hold your ears). Mama, I'm a Big Girl Now also is missing from the show, but it worked very well. I was surprised that it was cut, but if you stay for the credits, it's the second song in. The reason the movie ROCKS is because this director went out of his way to increase the COMEDIC VALUE of the show... there are far more funny bits in this movie than in most productions of the musical, so this movie makes it to the top of my MUST SEE list of movies for my friends... I'm going back tonight or tomorrow! Anyone wanna come?
5
Hairspray by Cateye
Very entertaining movie. Enjoyed the songs, the actors, and the story line. Funny movie and a great way to spend a couple hours.