Hairspray
Seen it?2007 | 116 min | Comedy, Romance, Drama
Friday Night FlickWhy it’s a Friday Night Flick
Critics loved it (92% on Rotten Tomatoes), it drew serious awards attention and it's still drawing plenty of interest. Make plans for this one.
Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.Is it for you?
- Who'll love it
- Made for romantics and anyone who wants a laugh. If you loved Wicked or The Birdcage, start here. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
- The mood
- Funny with heart, romantic.
- The pace
- Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 56 min.
- What might put you off
- Rated PG. Worth a look first if you have very young kids.
- Audiences were cooler on it than critics.
Pleasantly plump teenager Tracy Turnblad auditions to be on Baltimore's most popular dance show - The Corny Collins Show - and lands a prime spot. Through her newfound fame, she becomes determined to help her friends and end the racial segregation that has been a staple of the show.
How it earned its rating
- CriticsVery strong
92% on Rotten Tomatoes, 81 on Metacritic
- AudiencesSolid
6.7 out of 10
- AwardsStrong
Won 2 Critics' Choice Awards: Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Young Actress, Critics' Choice Movie Awards: Best Acting Ensemble. Also nominated for 3 Golden Globes, 1 SAG Award and 1 BAFTA. Plus 18 other awards.
- Box office & staying powerSolid
$204 million worldwide on a $75 million budget; still draws a steady audience long after release
- Buzz & cultural impactStrong
About 430K people sought it out in the past year
Trailer
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Sunday Safe BetAnother musical romantic comedy, and a safe bet for a quiet night.
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Weeknight WatchAnother musical romantic comedy, though it's more of a weeknight watch.
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Cast & crew
Directed by Adam Shankman
- Nikki BlonskyTracy Turnblad
- John TravoltaEdna Turnblad
- Michelle PfeifferVelma Von Tussle
- Christopher WalkenWilbur Turnblad
- Amanda BynesPenny Pingleton
- James MarsdenCorny Collins
- Queen LatifahMotormouth Maybelle
- Brittany SnowAmber Von Tussle
- Zac EfronLink Larkin
- Elijah KelleySeaweed