IMDb > Hairspray (2007)
Hairspray
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Hairspray (2007) More at IMDbPro »

Photos (see all 167 | slideshow) Videos (see all 27)
Hairspray (2007) -- Music video: Ladies Choice
Hairspray (2007) -- CineMagia.ro - Trailer (Flash)
Hairspray (2007) -- Clip: Save it for the cameras
Hairspray (2007) -- Behind the scenes: Travolta in recording studio
Hairspray (2007) -- Interview: Michelle Pfeiffer "On playing an evil character"

Overview

User Rating:
7.3/10   38,483 votes
MOVIEmeter: ?
Up 9% in popularity this week. See why on IMDbPro.
Director:
Writers (WGA):
Leslie Dixon (screenplay)
John Waters (1988 screenplay)
more
Contact:
View company contact information for Hairspray on IMDbPro.
Release Date:
20 July 2007 (USA) more
Genre:
Tagline:
Get ready for something big July 20th! more
Plot:
Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad teaches 1962 Baltimore a thing or two about integration after landing a spot on a local TV dance show. full summary | full synopsis
Plot Keywords:
Awards:
Nominated for 3 Golden Globes. Another 12 wins & 18 nominations more
NewsDesk:
(498 articles)
Omg, It's Zac Efron!
 (From IFC. 25 November 2009, 8:21 AM, PST)

Marc Shaiman appointed Oscar music director
 (From MovieScore Magazine. 25 November 2009, 2:57 AM, PST)

User Comments:
Great, cheesy fun! more (370 total)

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Additional Details

MPAA:
Rated PG for language, some suggestive content and momentary teen smoking.
Runtime:
117 min
Country:
Language:
Color:
Aspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 more
Sound Mix:

Fun Stuff

Trivia:
Actor Dermot Mulroney plays cello on the soundtrack along with the Hollywood Studio Orchestra. more
Goofs:
Continuity: In the first "Nicest Kids In Town" number Amber Von Tussle is wearing a stripped pink dress and has her hair done like a bee hive. In the second "Nicest Kids In Town" number you can see a small clip from behind of her wearing the same thing. The first clip was used a second time. more
Quotes:
[first lines]
Tracy Turnblad: [singing] Oh, oh, oh, woke up today, feeling the way I always do. Oh, oh, oh, hungry for something that I can't eat. Then I hear that beat. That rhythm of town starts calling me down. It's like a message from high above. Oh, oh, oh, pulling me out to the smiles and the streets that I love. Good morning, Baltimore!
more
Movie Connections:
References Bye Bye Birdie (1963) more
Soundtrack:
The New Girl in Town more

FAQ

What's the deal with Miss Baltimore Crabs? What does it mean?
Who is the father of Brenda's baby?
Where are the originals?
more
59 out of 75 people found the following comment useful.
Great, cheesy fun!, 16 July 2007
7/10
Author: newma_nbway from Minnesota

Obviously a big-budget, flashy musical remake of a John Waters film is never going to be as subversive or as comically edgy as its predecessors, but one of the good things about HAIRSPRAY is that it never intends to be. It fully embraces the cheesy, over-the-top aspect of a movie musical from frame one, a trait that most other current films of its type try to avoid. In a welcome change from the summer drudgery of explosions and CGI, this film is a pure feel-good crowd pleaser where excitement and energy rise above all.

Everyone in the cast gives able performances; even Travolta who, in drag and a fat suit, seems at first off-putting, beginning a one-joke "hey I'm a man in a dress!" performance, quickly grows into his own as Edna does, becoming the most crowd-pleasing character by the film's end. It's a pleasure to see a former GREASE-r returning to what made him famous, but Travolta proves surprisingly agile in the comedy department, especially during his song and dance numbers.

The real enjoyment here, however, and the truly great performances are given by the younger members of the cast. Every single teenager in the film, from the leads to the chorus boy in the back of the room are injected with an unshakable, undeniable energy that reaches through the screen and captivates the viewer. This rings true especially for the film's two major finds: newcomers Nikki Blonsky and Elijah Kelly. Both of them have that instant star quality, a charisma and charm that make them instantly likable. Kelly displays simply astounding singing and dancing skills, while Blonsky easily carries the entire film of her shoulders, becoming the heart and soul of the movie with one hip thrust.

HAIRSPRAY has nothing much to offer besides two hours of entertainment and escapism, but it offers it in spades. It is a pure joy to watch from beginning to end and a welcome change of pace from the big-budget action film that surround its release. Yes, it's a musical and yes, it's over-the-top, but the audience is sold on that point from the first moment Tracy opens her mouth and the audience cannot help but be sucked in.

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Message Boards

Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for Hairspray (2007)
Recent Posts (updated daily)User
My fave bit is totally lame, but... a051787
question about peoples singing... cinderella89-1
Allison Janney? Vellekoop
John Travolta's 'Balmer' accent 52fan
It's closing on broadway! WHY? RentFan01
James Marsden ('Corny Collins') jellifish_in_da_house
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