i hated this movie
Hairspray
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
A kitschy teen fantasy you can dance to.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 13–15
The good stuff
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of Hairspray was written by Heather Boerner
Parents need to know that Tracy, the main character, lies to her parents and sneaks off to make out with her boyfriend. She breaks the law by participating in a sit-in for civil rights, and ends up in reform school. A peer spreads lies and rumors about Tracy, including that she's a "whore," was naked in a car, and that she has cockroaches in her hair. Set in the early 1960s, the movie also depicts acts of racism and homophobia. People are called "queer" and "faggots," and a white woman calls Motormouth Maybelle a "native woman," even though she's from Baltimore, too. There is some fighting; Tracy's boyfriend has his legs broken, and another character gets a concussion.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about Tracy's confidence and determination. How does Tracy react to name-calling and rumors about her? What does she think of her body, and how does it affect her popularity? How do other people react to her body? Why do some of the white characters seem to fear the black characters? Can you think of any examples where the same fear exists today? How have race-relations changed from the time in which the movie is set?
Have you seen it? Review It!
More on Hairspray
What’s the Story?
Tracy Turnblad (Ricki Lake) is a Baltimore high school student who wants nothing more than to dance on Corny Collins' TV show. She practices the mashed potato, the twist, and other current dance crazes (the film is set in 1962) in her living room while her mother (Divine) irons an endless supply of shirts and slacks. When the show holds a hop in her neighborhood, Tracy and her dim-witted best friend Penny Pingleton (Leslie Ann Powers) rush over, big hair and all, to join the fun. But Tracy is more than just another girl at the hop -- she's also one of the best dancers. Soon she finds herself a member of the Corny Collins Council of regular dancers, dating the cutest boy on the show and favored to win Miss Auto Show 1963. But will mean girl Amber (Colleen Fitzpatrick) and her parents (Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry, vamping it up) undermine her chances with their vicious rumors and subterfuge? And will Tracy be able to help her friends Seaweed and Motormouth Maybelle dance on the still-segregated show?
Is It Any Good?
Like other similarly themed movies, Hairspray encourages viewers to dream of dating the cutest boy, becoming the most popular girl, and having the biggest hair. But it also creates a world more realistic than its counterparts. The hero is a fat girl, and the dancing is segregated. That Tracy deals with all of this with childlike enthusiasm and class speaks well of a movie about a white trash girl who dreams big.
Rickie Lake is easily the best thing about this film. Drag queen Divine is extra fun as Tracy's mother, but it's Lake who grabs and keeps your attention. She imbues Tracy dignity and confidence that you rarely see in celluloid fat girls. Because this is a John Waters movie, there's some gross-out humor, and much name-calling and cursing. The director isn't one for subtlety -- he makes his points with a sledge hammer. Lucky for viewers, Waters also has a campy and silly side, and at least this once, he's overcome with infectious optimism.
Movie Details
Studio: New Line Cinema, Director: John Waters
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: 02/26/1988, DVD release: 09/26/1995
MPAA Rating: PG for language, thematic elements and sexuality.
Run time: 92 minutes
Theatrical release: 02/26/1988, DVD release: 09/26/1995
MPAA Rating: PG for language, thematic elements and sexuality.
Our Members Say
See all 14 member reviews
Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title on for age 12 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
- Inappropriate language
- My highlights are:
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
Perfect for preteens and adults
Brilliant film on many levels. Our kids (9 and 6) loved the singing and dancing and my wife and I thought the broader themes were also terrific. We've seen it about 6 times! Exceptionally well done.
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I rate this title on for age 8 and give it
- My highlights are:
Perfect for preteens and adults
Brilliant film on many levels. Our kids (9 and 6) loved the singing and dancing and my wife and I thought the broader themes were also terrific. We've seen it about 6 times! Exceptionally well done.
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I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
e.g. You should think twice before going with a tween!
the movie should be rated pg-13
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I rate this title on for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Hilarious Movie
Very funny, kind of wierd but a more entertaining version then the latter.
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I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
I could not stop laughing
It was sooooooooooooooo funny
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Get up and Dance!
This is an awesome movie! Tracy is a great role model for every girl. Penny and Seaweed's relationship is hilarious. The music makes you want you get up and dance along with the cast (I learned every dance just from watching it). There is a lot of making-out (it gets a little gross), but kids will love the music. Oh, if you have a chance, see the Broadway musical version of it in NYC. It's amazing!
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I rate this title off for age 0 and give it
Not appropriate for little girls lots of sex related issues
I was very disappointed with the movie, I was in shock when I watched this with my 9 year old. First starts out that they need a new dancer becuase she needs 9 months OFF!! So shes pregnanent how absurd, Hollywood has us parents that our kids need to be exposed to sex at a young age. Hollywood needs to get their you no what out of their BUMS!!!!! I would not reccomend this to any child under 14 period!!!!!!!!
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Entertainment for the older kid crowd
Hairspray is a fun movie to watch, but be warned, it's not for younger kids. Lots of sexual innuendos and body language. I would not recommend it to children under 13. That being said, you know your own children. If you choose to let them watch it, be prepared to discuss it!
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Good role models
There is some iffy stuff like a brief reference to drugs, but it's pretty good. Tracy and her friends are really cool because they break barriers between races, sizes, and all that fun stuff. So she's a good role model :)
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
best movie ever!
Hairspray is a funny dance musical by John Waters. Though, there are parts that may need parental guidance if you are under the age of 8.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
The first, the best!
The new Hairspray has nothing on this John Waters classic - something great for practically the whole family.
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| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
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