Hairspray (2007) Rank 4 Reviews

The New Zealand Herald

You may have seen Hairspray before, either the original John Waters 1988 film starring Ricki Lake, or the Tony Award-winning 2002 Broadway musical adaptation, but that shouldn't stop you enjoying this new version which is an adaptation of the Broadway ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The New Zealand Herald

ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)

Based on the 1988 John Waters movie and the award-winning Broadway musical, Hairspray is set in Baltimore in 1962 and stars newcomer Nikki Blonsky as big-haired, big-hearted Tracy Turnblad, a full-figured girl whose only dream is to be a dancer on the ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at ViewLondon (Matthew Turner)

The King's Room (Paul Perkins)

Well this has been a great week for movie this is the second film I have given 5 stars to I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry and This Great Film called Hairspray. Hairspray is Tracy Turnblad, a big girl with big hair and an even bigger heart, has only one ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The King's Room (Paul Perkins)

Palo Alto Online (Susan Tavernetti)

Director Adam Shankman didn't need a jumbo can of Ultra Clutch hairspray to hold the joyfulness of this musical in place. Beginning with the wake-up tune of "Good Morning Baltimore," adorable newcomer Nikki Blonsky sets the high-spirited, energetic tone ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Palo Alto Online (Susan Tavernetti)

About.com Hollywood Movies (Rebecca Murray)

Hairspray is like a cinematic version of Disneyland. Walt Disney dubbed his theme park the �Happiest Place on Earth� and Hairspray has to be the happiest film of the past 20 years, even with its march against segregation led by a blonde haired Queen ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at About.com Hollywood Movies (Rebecca Murray)

ReelTalk (Betty Jo Tucker)

So what if Hairspray takes place during the 1960s? This big, bold, bodacious film version of the hit Broadway musical is timeless to me. I think it�s the best movie musical since Singin� in the Rain -- which is quite a compliment, for that entertaining ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at ReelTalk (Betty Jo Tucker)

The Movie Insider (LaRae Meadows)

Hairspray is the toe-tappiest, finger snappiest, butt wiggilyist experience the studios have offered up in years. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Movie Insider (LaRae Meadows)

RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)

Thanks to some of the worst marketing ever for a movie my interest for this latest version of Hairspray couldn't have been any lower. In fact, I was dreading going to the screening. However, this was one of those times that I was happy this was my job ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at RopeofSilicon (Brad Brevet)

eFilmCritic.com (Rob Gonsalves)

If we can�t have a new John Waters movie this year, a movie based on a musical based on a John Waters movie will have to do. Hairspray began life in ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at eFilmCritic.com (Rob Gonsalves)

Frank's Reel Reviews

From the moment the first note of Good Morning Baltimore rang out I was hooked on the alluring wit of Hairspray and the infectious charm of Nikki Blonsky. The song is, of course, the opening number to Adam Shankman's version of the Broadway musical hit ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Frank's Reel Reviews

Houston Community Newspapers (Gary Brown)

If the recent rain has been giving you a case of the blahs, the best cure to come along is to go and see �Hairspray,� the rousing, foot stomping musical comedy that opened the other day. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Houston Community Newspapers (Gary Brown)

BBC Films

A combustible mix of sassy humour and brassy showtunes makes Hairspray one of the hottest musicals to come along in years. After bland family comedies like Cheaper By The Dozen 2 and The Pacifier, director Adam Shankman is gifted with great source ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at BBC Films

San Francisco Chronicle

Enjoyable movies are released every week, but movies that have the capacity to delight -- movies like "Hairspray" -- are few and far between. This film version of the hit Broadway musical not only feels good in the moment but can actually transform a ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at San Francisco Chronicle

Christian Science Monitor

"Hairspray" is a feel-good musical that, for a change, actually makes you feel good. Based on the Tony award-winning Broadway show derived from the 1988 John Waters movie, it opens with a bang â�� the high-spirited "Good Morning Baltimore" â�� and never l ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Christian Science Monitor

New York Post (Lou Lumenick)

A rousing alternative in a marketplace packed with noisy, special-effects-heavy sequels, â��Hairsprayâ�� is the best and most entertaining movie adaptation of a stage musical ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at New York Post (Lou Lumenick)

New York Post (Lou Lumenick)

The best musical so far this century, an irresistible adaptation of the Broadway hit inspired by John Waters' 1988 comedy about a plus-size teen (dazzling newcomer Nikki Blonsky) who wins a spot on a dance program and campaigns for integration in 1962 ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at New York Post (Lou Lumenick)

Cinema 2000

Tracy Turnblad, uma rapariga grande com cabelo grande e um coraÃ§Ã£o ainda maior, tem apenas uma paixÃ£o - danÃ§ar. O seu sonho Ã© aparecer no â��The Corny Collins Showâ�� o programa de danÃ§a mais em voga da televisÃ£o de Baltimore. Mas Ã© constantemente ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Cinema 2000

The Sydney Morning Herald

Just so you know, the American movie musical is back. After Chicago and Dreamgirls, Hairspray is further evidence that somebody in Hollywood remembers. This is a film that inhabits all the traditions but with a twist. It has everything you'd expect - ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Sydney Morning Herald

The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)

From its ridiculously catchy opening number, through its funny but wholesome satire of early-'60s innocence, to its deliriously happy finale, "Hairspray" is as delightful and entertaining a musical as Hollywood has produced in years. It doesn't just ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Land of Eric (Eric D. Snider)

The Dallas Morning News

There's every reason that Tracy Turnblad should fail to get what she wants: In the movies, and too often in real life, a teenager who wears plus sizes, gets detention daily and has really strange parents just doesn't become a TV star or get the dreamy ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Dallas Morning News

Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

Say bye-bye to "Bye, Bye Birdie." Take back the diploma from "High School Musical." When it comes to movie musicals about high school teens, "Grease" is no longer the word: It's now ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Sun Newspapers of Cleveland

Toronto Star (Peter Howell)

You can do the Mashed Potato, or dance the Monkey, the Pony or the Boogaloo. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Toronto Star (Peter Howell)

St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Tracy Turnblad (Nikki Blonsky) has all the right moves to be a sensation on "The Corny Collins Show," a dance showcase for Baltimore teens � if only she can shimmy past a few obstacles. Plump, bouncy and committed to racial integration, she's out of ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at St. Louis Post-Dispatch

The Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

Adam Shankman believes in destiny. Specifically, he believes it always has been his destiny to make a film of the Broadway musical �Hairspray.� From ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

Christian Science Monitor

In Adam Shankman's adaptation of 'Hairspray,' a screwloose premise underscores one eminently sane message: sometimes, it's fun to stand up for who you really are. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Christian Science Monitor

The Arizona Republic

Only a die-hard grump could resist the giddy charms of Hairspray. This sweet and sunny adaptation of the Broadway musical (itself taken from the 1988 film) is pure fun. You sit there watching the screen and find yourself smiling most of the time. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Arizona Republic

Empire Movies (Erin Cullin)

The year was 1975, and a little-known actor who had gained his acting chops on Broadway with a role in a production of the musical, "Grease", was given the break of a lifetime when he was cast as Vinnie Barbarino in a new ABC television called "Welcome ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Empire Movies (Erin Cullin)

Entertainment Insiders (Scott Mantz)

There�s no question about it: �Hairspray� is, by far, the most fun you�ll have at the movies all summer long. The big screen version of the Tony Award-winning Broadway hit musical, which itself was based on the 1988 cult classic directed by John Waters, ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Entertainment Insiders (Scott Mantz)

Film Ireland

Sixteen years after the release of the original film, New Line Cinema has brought a feature film adaptation of the Tony award-winning Broadway production Hairspray. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Film Ireland

Three Movie Buffs (Eric Nash)

My son and I were practically dancing in our seats during You Can't Stop the Beat, at the end of Hairspray. Neither of us knew any of the songs prior to seeing this movie but so many of them are ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Three Movie Buffs (Eric Nash)

Hairspray (2007) scores a combined 3.50 out of 4 stars for

Wow, musicals sure can be a lot of fun. Okay, so our last trip to the musicals, the dismal DREAMGIRLS, was anything but enjoyable, as the songs were more like loud screaming than actual singing. HAIRSPRAY, on the other hand, is more like CHICAGO, another ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at

Infectious and relentless, Adam Shankman's Hairspray is an explosion of pixie dust and pastel frosting. It barrels along on the propulsion of bright smiles and swinging hips, inviting unbelievable fun for those willing to keep up with its cha-cha-cha ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at

Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

â��Hairsprayâ�� is a film of pure entertainment. Set in 1962, the film features lots of singing and dancing and silly jokes strung around a thin story. The singing and dancing numbers are good, but there isn't much variety to them and they wear a bit thin ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Laramie Movie Scope (Robert Roten)

The Denver Post

"Hairspray" is an infectious aerosol comedy with nearly every hair in place. The triumph of the little fat girl is now a triumph of the screen, stage ... and screen again. From its catchy choreography to its peppy pop, you can't stop the beat. Go ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Denver Post

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Like a bowler rolling a 300 game, like a baseball player pitching a no-hitter, when a filmmaker is in a groove it must feel like everything is working right. Take ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Richmond Times-Dispatch

Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

"Hairspray" is just plain fun. Or maybe not so plain. There's a lot of craft and slyness lurking beneath the circa-1960s goofiness. The movie seems guileless and rambunctious, but it looks just right (like a Pat Boone musical) and sounds just right (like ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Chicago Sun-Times (Roger Ebert)

Do you ever feel gloomy or that your life is a constant series of failures and setbacks? Well, you can cure that feeling rather quickly if you just hang out for 1 hour with the ever-cheery Tracy Turnblad (Nikky Blonsky). She is an endearing Energizer ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at

Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)

It's a gay thing. That seems to be the excuse most guys use to avoid musicals. Chicago? Gay. Dreamgirls? Supergay. Phantom of the Opera? Don't start. No way is Hairspray going to turn the dudes brokeback. For starters, it stars John Travolta in a dress. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Rolling Stone (Peter Travers)

Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

The evolution (or intelligent design) of "Hairspray" has its genesis with John Waters' 1988 camp-film satire about a heavyweight championship for the coveted title of Miss Teenage Hairspray 1962. Its exodus -- from talking about the mysteries of ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

cinemattraction (Robert Levin)

Thereâ��s not a more ebullient film genre than the musical, when done correctly. Though it lost its relevance in the aftermath of the studio heyday, becoming beholden to B pictures and half-baked conceits, its return to form has been one of the notable ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at cinemattraction (Robert Levin)

The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)

I haven�t seen the 1988 John Waters film of the same name upon which Hairspray is based. Or, perhaps I should say that I haven�t seen the Broadway adaptation of the Waters movie that debuted in 2002 and is still going strong with the tourist crowd. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Flick Filosopher (MaryAnn Johanson)

filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)

As Hairspray opens, director Adam Shankman's camera parts the clouds and peers down from the heavens on beautiful Baltimore. A star is born. Maryland's blue-collar port city deserves top billing in the Hairspray credits, for it is as much a central ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at filmcritic.com (Sean O'Connell)

Movie Picture Film (Scott Hoffman)

Alluded by controversy (what film isn't these days?) Adam Shankman's near perfect musical adaptation of the Tony award winning musical "Hairspray" opens today and already has people bitching about Travolta's recent comments that the film 'isn't gay' (it ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Movie Picture Film (Scott Hoffman)

Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

In the opening moments of "Hairspray," bubbly Tracy Turnblad bounces down the mean streets of her hometown belting out "Good Morning, Baltimore." Pausing at a trash can, she sings to ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune

The Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

Exploding with energy, laughter, great dancing, knockout music and (mostly) breakneck pacing, �Hairspray� is the most enjoyable treatise on race in America since The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Kansas City Star (Robert W. Butler)

MovieWeb (Francine Brokaw)

This is a fun musical romp through the streets of Baltimore circa the early 1960s. Tracy Turnblad is an idealistic and plump high school student who sees the world through rose colored glasses. To her everything is wonderful. Tracy's favorite thing to do ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at MovieWeb (Francine Brokaw)

Do you ever feel gloomy or that your life is a constant series of failures and setbacks? Well, you can cure that feeling rather quickly if you just hang out for 1 hour with the ever-cheery Tracy Turnblad (Nikky Blonsky). She is an endearing ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at

ReelTalk (Geoff Roberts)

Hairspray is a delightful musical comedy directed and choreographed by Adam Shankman. Set in Baltimore in 1962, the film was adapted from the award-winning Broadway musical and the script for the 1988 John Waters film. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at ReelTalk (Geoff Roberts)

Boston Globe

To answer your first question: He looks like Barney. A huge, flesh-colored Barney. Or maybe like Barbra Streisand after a Botox overdose. Actually, there are times in "Hairspray " when John Travolta seems on the verge of being eaten by his fat suit, so ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Boston Globe

Big Picture Big Sound (Joe Lozito)

With the sour scent of 2005�s hit-movie-turned-hit-musical-turned-lousy-movie �The Producers� still in the air, �Hairspray� had a lot to prove. What a relief then that Adam Shankman�s adaptation of the Broadway musical, based on the 1988 John Waters ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Big Picture Big Sound (Joe Lozito)

One Guy's Opinion (Frank Swietek)

What didn�t work for �The Producers� does for �Hairspray.� For Mel Brooks the movie-to-Broadway musical-to-movie ended with a bomb. For John Waters the trajectory is all uphill. His 1988 �Hairspray� was a probably his most mainstream picture, but it was ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at One Guy's Opinion (Frank Swietek)

Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)

I've always suspected that John Waters made the original Hairspray in order to trick suburbanites into renting Pink Flamingos. It explains how he could tone down his trademark subversion with such a sweet (and eminently mainstream) story... which makes ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Flipside Movie Emporium (Rob Vaux)

The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Traditionally, movie musicals are released in the "serious" fall season. But the shamelessly exuberant "Hairspray" is a summer film and proud of it. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel

Reel.com

Hairspray is a lively and enjoyable adaptation (or as director Adam Shankman calls it, a "re-invention") of the Tony-winning Broadway musical, itself a singing-dancing remake of the 1988 John Waters film. While the source material has always seemed like ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Reel.com

The Hollywood Reporter

John Travolta takes on John Waters in "Hairspray," and the result is anything but a drag in this appealingly goofy, all-singing, all-dancing screen adaptation of the Broadway musical based on the 1988 ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The Hollywood Reporter

Video Reviews with Joan Ellis

How has �Hairspray� sustained itself simultaneously on Broadway and in the multiplexes as a play and a movie? All the elements add up to high camp. ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Video Reviews with Joan Ellis

Blackfilm.com

For all those folks who thought that the musical genre would start to fade out slowly because the last few big pictures haven�t produced the numbers that studios were looking for, think again. With �Chicago� going all the way to win Best Picture at the ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Blackfilm.com

Philadelphia Inquirer (Carrie Rickey)

That's not aerosol in those cans of coif product. It must be helium. What else accounts for Hairspray, so bouncy, so bubbly, so ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at Philadelphia Inquirer (Carrie Rickey)

The New York Times (A.O. Scott)

That �Hairspray� is good-hearted is no surprise. Adam Shankman�s film, lovingly adapted from the Broadway musical, preserves the inclusive, celebratory spirit of John Waters�s 1988 movie, in which bigger-boned, darker-skinned and otherwise different folk ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at The New York Times (A.O. Scott)

Wow, musicals sure can be a lot of fun. Okay, so our last trip to the musicals, the dismal DREAMGIRLS, was anything but enjoyable, as the songs were more like loud screaming than actual singing. HAIRSPRAY, on the other hand, is more like CHICAGO, ...read the complete Hairspray movie review at

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