Movie · 2007 · Comedy, Romance, Drama · 1h 56m · PG · English
Curator score: 6.4/10 (521.6K ratings)
When you follow your own beat, the world will follow you.
Overview
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.
Ratings
Curator score: 6.4/10
IMDb: 6.7/10
Letterboxd: 3.56/5
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%
Metacritic: 81
TMDB: 6.7/10
Director
Adam Shankman
Production
New Line Cinema, Zadan / Meron Productions, Ingenious Film Partners
Cast
Nikki Blonsky, John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, Christopher Walken, Amanda Bynes, James Marsden, Queen Latifah, Brittany Snow, Zac Efron, Elijah Kelley, Allison Janney, Tayla Parx, Jayne Eastwood, Paul Dooley, Jerry Stiller, Darren Frost, John Waters, Joe Parro, Nick Loren, Bryan Hindle
Curator Review
Verdict
A bright, crowd-pleasing musical with real charm, strong ensemble energy, and a surprisingly direct anti-segregation spine. It’s glossy and broad, but the performances and momentum make it easy to enjoy.
Best for
musical fans
feel-good ensemble comedies
viewers who like upbeat social-issue stories
fans of big, colorful studio entertainment
people who enjoy camp with heart
Skip if
you dislike musicals or constant singing
you want subtle realism
you’re looking for a tightly grounded drama
you’re bothered by broad comedy and heightened performances
Overview
Hairspray is the rare remake that feels bigger, shinier, and somehow more generous than the material around it. It runs on pure showbiz electricity: fast choreography, candy-colored production design, and an ensemble that commits to every joke, every note, and every emotional beat without irony. The movie knows exactly how to be entertaining, and it rarely wastes a moment doing it.
Worth noting
What gives it extra weight is that the sweetness is not empty. Under the sparkle, it’s a story about exclusion, visibility, and the power of pop culture to shift public taste. The film keeps the tone light, but the integration plot gives the whole thing a moral center that makes the joy feel earned rather than decorative.
Bottom line
It’s also one of those musicals where the casting is half the pleasure. The supporting players are having a blast, and the movie thrives on that collective energy. If you want a polished, accessible musical with heart, humor, and a real sense of momentum, this is an easy recommendation.
Top Letterboxd reviews
Emma (5★) · 7235 likes
john travolta and christopher walken made me believe in true love
cinéfila... 🕯️ (4★) · 6720 likes
racism you're over bitch you need to retire
Jay (3★) · 5934 likes
some of you didnt have a thing for corny collins from the corny collins show and it shows
APL Blossom (4★) · 4584 likes
Hairspray: gets released in 2007
Obama: wins the election in 2008
Coincidence? Probably not