John Waters joyous valentine to Baltimore in the early 60s - hairspray, dancing, integration. I'm trying not to be smart in hindsight but it seems perfect fodder to turn into musical - an interesting setting, logical format for songs to start, serious subplot a la Rodgers and Hammerstein. I've only listened to the songs in the musical but it seems the musical is a bit more fun - more spectacular numbers, a larger climax - but this one is full of strengths: the sets, colour, period detail, casting (Ricki Lake was discovered and launched here - she was a big girl), songs on the soundtrack, wit.
The DVD has a commentary from Waters (funny - apparently there was no integration in real life) and Lake (a bit more irritating - why she recognises the film launched her whole career, she still whines about having to dye her hair blonde and have cockroaches in her hair, and mentions several times she was a virgin during making of the film and didn't lose it til she made Cry Baby - did we need to know this?). Possibly Pia Zadora's best film - she's a hoot.
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