"Hairspray" Stands Up Through Time

I LOVE a good cult film and writer/director John Waters is the king of Kult. Ricki Lake positively shines here as Tracy, an overweight teen whose main ambition is to be a dancer on the Corny Collins Dance Party. She wins a dance contest drawing attention to her obvious talent and Corny suggests she try out to be a regular on the show, which, in the land of cult, she of course passes with flying colours. Although this film was made in '88 I still occasionaly watch it and find something even more endearing about it than I did the last time I saw it. From the incredible choreography of Edward Love to the very fitting movie soundtrack, this is probably one of Waters' best films. He pokes fun at everything from the touchy 60's issue of integration to teen dress code/independence, all by utilizing his usual cast of characters. Lake positively shines as the "Hefty Hideaway" poster girl and the late great Divine's performance, as Tracy's mom/agent as well as his portrayal of the owner of the local amusement park, is outstanding. One of the best things Waters does is make us poke fun at ourselves, as he does when he casts Debby Harry and Sonny Bono as segregationalists. Even Waters himself appears as a rather sick psychiatrist. And if you like "Hairspray" seek out other flics by Waters: "Cry Baby" (this one actually has Patty Hearst in a bit part), "Polyester", and even, believe it or not, "Serial Mom, " which you will now view in a new light.