the movie should be rated pg-13
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Hairspray
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings(Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)
Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13. -
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
About Hairspray
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.
Read our full review by Heather Boerner
Families Can Talk About
- 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?
Our Members Say
Most Recent Reviews
- I rate this title iffy for age 6 and give itMy concerns are:
- Excessive violence
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
e.g. You should think twice before going with a tween!
- I rate this title on for age 13 and give itMy concerns are:
- Inappropriate sexual content
Hilarious Movie
Very funny, kind of wierd but a more entertaining version then the latter.
- I rate this title on for age 10 and give it
I could not stop laughing
It was sooooooooooooooo funny
- I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
The first, the best!
The new Hairspray has nothing on this John Waters classic - something great for practically the whole family.
- I rate this title on for age 2 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.
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title iffy for age 2 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 :)
- I rate this title iffy for age 11 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!
- I rate this title off for age 13 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!!!!!!!!
- I rate this title on for age 2 and give it
- I rate this title on for age 2 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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