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John Waters's goofy, 1990 comedy about a Baltimore girl (Amy Locane) who can't decide if she should remain "good" in her 1954 world or hang out with the motorcycle boys is funny in a scene-by-scene way, but doesn't quite gel into the grand piece the director was hoping for. The cast is exceptionally likable, however, including Johnny Depp as an Elvis type and Iggy Pop as a chattering loony. The best material is set in a fringe world of bikers and losers on the outskirts of town, and Waters writes some hilarious sardonic dialogue for the characters. Cry-Baby is the last of Waters's more undisciplined features; he followed it with the glossier but no less perverse Serial Mom. --Tom Keogh ... Read more

Reviews (131)

If you have a desire for camp, this is the movie for you!
This movie is hilarious!As long as you watch it with the realization it is not a serious film, you will enjoy the viewing.Half the fun is picking out the actors in the over-the-top characters.This is a typical John Waters movie, if that tells you anything.Big spoof of the 50's and the movies that harken back to that era.

Plot:A square of a girl falls for the leader of the drapes.Hijinks ensue and eventually girl gets guy and becomes a "scrape."

Definitely get the DVD version because the equivalent of the VHS can be caught on late-night tv and offers no special features.

Woo-Wee, you caught me in my birthday suit! Buck naked!
I'm really excited to see this great film finally make its debut on dvd; it's been a long wait.

John Waters has proven himself time and time again as America's avatar of bad taste and all things tacky, but he sidelined his more base urges for a greater good over a decade ago. Starting with Hairspray, Waters essentially re-created the American musical, and honed that to perfection with the castly underappreciated Cry-Baby. But it's not just a musical - it's also a heartfelt valentine to a simpler time, his beloved Baltimore of the late 1950's.

Depp stars as "Cry-Baby" Walker, a juvenile delinquent from the wrong side of the tracks who spends his time hanging with his gang and singing that evil rock n' roll music. He and his way of life are constantly threatened by the town 'Squares' who are both threatened and repelled by Cry-Baby and those like him.

Naturally, he falls for a Square girl and all hell breaks loose. That part of it is a simple story, and I won't waste time rehashing or giving it away here. No, what really stands out about this film is its gleeful embrace of 'white-trash culture,' its loving tribute to the great juvenile delinquent movies of the 50's and 60's, and its rambunctious energy.

As usual, Waters peppers the film with eclectic casting; Susan Tyrell, Iggy Pop, Ricki Lake, Mink Stole, Joe Dalessandro, Willem Dafoe, David Nelson (son of Ozzie), Traci Lords and Patty Hearst (yes, that Patty Hearst) are just a few of the many talents that form this wonderful ensemble cast. And of course, it's another one of Depp's great iconoclastic roles that have helped define him as one of the great idiosyncratic actors of our time.

So grab yourself an RC Cola, a Moon Pie, and put yer teeth up on the windowsill while y'all enjoy this trashy good time. You'll thank me for it and if y'all don't like it, I'll eat me a bug.

Now it's my daughter's favourite too!
Firstly I would like to ask- how the heck is this film rated a 15?! My daughter watched it with me, she is 3- yes, 3- and she adores it now. She asks me to watch it several times a day!
I have loved this film since I was around 12 and watched it with my friend over and over 'till the original tape broke. It isn't deep, it doesn't have a message and the plot has more holes in it then finest Emmenthal. But it's one of the silliest, funniest films I have ever seen and I never tire of watching it (I'm 25 now...) The spontaneous dancing, the cheesy lines, the stereotypes- I love every minute of this cr*p. There's a traitorous mouse, a helicopter hijacking, a Swedish milkmaid, Ricki Lake giving birth to what appears to be a 3- month- old infant in the back of a speeding car, Traci Lords (ex- porn star) in a cartoon bear suit and even Iggy Pop in a tiny tin bath "buck nekkid". But don't worry, there's no rudeness, no swearing and no aggressive violence- it's all very much of the Tom and Jerry variety. If you like meaningful films that stir your soul and deliver a 'message', buy this and use it as a doorstop- but if you have a juvenile sense of humour (like mine) and don't take things too seriously, watch this every day!

Finally, Cry Baby on DVD!
I love this movie so much and I own it on VHS. CB is a real funny movie, it has good actors in it, and the music is great, too!
Finally the studios opened their eyes and realized that the public wants CRY BABY ON DVD! Now, not only there's going to be a DVD of CB, but it will also be the Director's Cut with 7 minutes extra, and I'm sure they won't be boring. The movie will be shown in 1.85:1 WIDESCREEN, which is awesome and we can now enjoy better this great film!

loss for words
I can only imagine that the popularity of John Waters is due to people under the delusion that they are suppose to like John Waters.As much as I love Sontag I do have to take exception with the focus on camp as a meaningful medium.Certainly there is humor in campy fare like the original Batman series, but when do we simply call tripe for what it is?Cry-Baby, is the greatest example of this, as it is by far the worst film in a list of films by perhaps the most overrated director I have ever come across.Cry-Baby is not goofy, it is not fun, it is not silly, it is not camp, it is simply a terrible terrible movie.The acting is abysmal, and I like Johnny Depp.The story is extremely terrible, and the overall production exemplifies my point: there is no such thing as so bad it is good.Laughing at a film (as opposed to laughing with a film) for it's low brow style cheesiness doesn't make the film funny.This movie seriouly belongs on a MST3K style lampoon, but instead people revel in it for what I can only assume is a sensation that they are suppose to like John Waters.I had a similar sensation when watching Pecker, the other supposed great Waters flick.If you happen upon this film because you have heard of Waters, and are curious, trust me, he is not an artist, and this film is a waste of time.Johnny Depp may be a good actor, but sweet mother of all that is holy, even Ed Wood made better films than this.Avoid John Waters like the plague, because frankly, if I had to choose between dying having the bubonic plague and watching this film again, I would gladly choose the plague. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Very Endearing
The sad life of Tracy Turnblad is explored in this biting satire set in pre-intergrated Baltimore.

Tracy (Ricki Lake) and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Lesley Ann Powers) spend each afternoon watching the homegrown hit 'The Corny Collins Show' on television,dreaming of one day dancing the Mash Potato or the Frug there.

Tracy's mother (Divine) does not really think her child will amount to anything,and Penny is constantly being punished (her parents make her wear a big 'P' on her blouse).

However,the charmed life of Amber von Tussle,the most popular dancer on the Show,seems too good to be true,despite commemts by Tracy and Penny (''Stuck-up little spastic'' and ''She is such a queer''). Amber also has the brass ring,that of teen heart-throb Link,who also appears on the Show.

Amber's parents are power-mad and drive Amber to ridiculous lenghs to be popular.They are played by Debbie Harry and Sonny Bono.

Soon,Tracy does get to appear on the show,and lands her dream-hunk Link.

A great comedy,with a yummy soundtrack and a real edge to it that does not marr the overall story.

Also featuring Mink Stole as the cue-card holder on the Show (''Falsies! '') and Pia Zadora as a way-out beatnik chick.

Soon,Tracy

'Hairspray' full of tawdry, tacky fun
John Waters' first real attempt at "mainstream" fun is a trashy and critically-acclaimed delight. Set in (where else?) Baltimore during the Civil Rights era, Hairspray is chock-full of stars, mini-stars, and people who just wanna give it a go at being a star.

The story follows young Tracy Turnblad (pre-talk show Ricki Lake) on her rise to being "big, blonde, and beautiful" on a popular teenage dance show. Along the way, however, she runs into some friction from high school brat Amber Von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick, also known as pop star Vitamin C) and her parents, a racial obscenity-spouting mother (Debbie Harry) and a slick politician papa (Sonny Bono). Add in growing discontentment among the city's black populace over whites-only establishments, and you have an explosive mix made even more explosive by how off-the-wall it becomes.

Dance enthusiasts will appreciate the film for its selection of early 60s fad dances like the Mashed Potato and the Madison. Offbeat and fun, Hairspray also has an excellent soundtrack with some obscure songs you'll be hard-pressed to find in another compilation.

Forever Quotable!
Tracy Turnblad is described by her contempories as "a fat trash can," "teenage Jezebel hair hopper," "a whore, (who *I heard* made out in a car - naked!)," "adopted," "white trash or maybe high yellow" or even "mulatto!"... with "roaches in her hair!".... But they're all just hatin', because Tracy is also "the best white dancer in Baltimore" and "a modern teen" that believes in integration! Tracy competes for the dancing queen crown - and also for the leading man - against none other than Amber von Tussle, a "stuck up spastic" who is "*such* a queer," that she makes Tracy's mom ashamed to be white! There's a lot of (funny) trash talkin' goin' on, because a lot is on the line....

The competition between Tracy and Amber, and by extension integrationists and segregationists, will make you feel good, tap your toes, laugh out loud a lot, and cheer. Hairspray's "bad taste" moments are funny as heck, and piece together for a movie that epitomizes good taste -- kind, empathetic, and with a wonderful heart! The music and dancing are just *amazing*! And the fashions and bright colored sets are life-affirming perfect! (Is it just me, or did these early 60's fashions *strongly* influence the early 80's styles?.... Debbie Harry, Ric Ocasek, and Pia Zadora fit in perfect). In the excellent dvd commentary, director John Waters says the sets and styles are realistic for the times. What a bright, bold, fun, cool (when "cool" was cool), forward-looking time! Tracy's mom has a picture of Jackie Kennedy framed on the wall :-). Mom says, "It's the times. They are a-changin'. There's something blowing in the wind. Fetch me my diet pills, would you hun?"

If Hairspray ended with "Where are they now?", Tracy might be a Senator from Maryland, or the Governor, ... or more!! 5 stars as I stand in my chair applauding. Hairspray's bright fun is worth watching many times.

Very Good
The movie Hairspray is Very good. I watched it when I was about 10 and I loved it. My dad keeped telling me to move so he could watch tv and I didn't so I got grounded and after that I have looked for it but I haven't been able to find it until about two months ago now I have it and watch it everyday. I also went to see it live. It was great.

A campy, feel-good film carrying an important message
I think it's safe to say that Hairspray is a unique motion picture. The film, while providing nonstop fun and laughs throughout, also manages to not only confront but to roll right over prejudice in several of its nefarious guises. I was a teenager when this film came out, and sadly, it was the death of Divine (just before the movie was released) that made me aware of this film. I don't know if that publicity helped or hurt ticket sales - Divine, for those who have never heard of him, was famous for playing female roles, and Hairspray had begun to rejuvenate his whole career. As for the film, it's extremely campy in the best of ways, overflowing with great singing and dancing from the early 1960s, and it is the type of film that makes you feel good after you watch it.

Ricki Lake plays Tracy Turnblad, a big, bold, and beautiful teenager who dreams of dancing on the exceedingly popular Corny Collins dance show. Her mother, played by Divine, isn't too crazy about modern music and dancing - until Tracy auditions and gets a spot on the show. Strutting her stuff in front of the cameras, she quickly becomes Baltimore's newest sensation. This does not sit well with Amber von Tussle (Colleen Fitzpatrick), as Tracy steals her man and then threatens to win the coveted title of Miss Auto Show 1963. Tracy is overweight, but she likes herself just as she is and easily dismisses the fat jokes thrown her way early on. The big issue in this film, though, is segregation. Tracy and her best friend Penny Pingleton (Joann Havrilla) soon become friends with some of the black kids in town and begin working toward integrating the Corny Collins show. Collins is all for the idea himself, as currently the Negro show runs only once each month under the controls of sassy Motormouth Mabel (Ruth Brown). The station manager will not hear of integration, though, and Penny's mother is aghast to find out that her daughter is in love with an African-American. This is 1962, of course. The whole segregation issue becomes the basic foundation of the movie as it dances its way to the end, making Hairspray a wonderfully entertaining film with a serious message behind it.

The film is blessed with many interesting cast members. Divine plays not only Mrs. Turnblad but also the station manager, Jerry Stiller plays Mr. Turnblad, Sonny Bono and Debbie Harry (and Debbie Harry's increasingly interesting hair) come together to play Amber von Tussle's parents, and Ric Ocasek and Pia Zadora show up as Beatniks in a strange little cameo appearance. Of course, Ricki Lake pretty much steals the show as the big girl with big dreams, although I found Joann Havrilla's performance as Penny Pingleton quite captivating in a weird sort of way.

It is very difficult to describe Hairspray; you pretty much have to watch it to get a true feel for its entertainment assets and social commentary underpinnings. It does have its silly moments, but this is not entertainment for the sake of entertainment, nor is this a film you will soon forget after watching it. ... Read more

Reviews (66)

Great movie, but lacking in DVD version
Let me just start by saying: I LOVE this movie. I've had the VHS version for quite some time now and I never got tired of it.

However, I was a little disappinted by the lack of features on this DVD. I thought it would have behind-the-scenes footage (if it did, I would give it 5 stars).

After seeing other movies with commentary, I was really surprised that John Waters' commentary was excellent. It really explains a lot about the movie (and some of the lesser known actors). Sometimes it almost compensates for the lack of the other features normally seen on DVD.

Okay, back to the movie itself. Like other Waters' films, the plot focuses on a particular social problem (in this case, the fame gained being a serial killer and also about the death penalty). Kathleen Turner is outstanding as an old-fashioned mom with high morals who goes nuts and kills people for very minor infractions (chewing gum, for example). When she is caught, she defends herself in court (with hillarious results!)

Again, this is a great movie, but I could only give it four stars because of the features on the DVD version.

John Waters does it again !
Kathleen Turner chews up the scenery as Beverly Sutphin , A June Cleaver type mom who cooks , cleans , and kills . Her Loving family is made up of Sam Waterson ,Ricki Lake , and Matthew Lillard .
Water's regular Mink Stole is on hand as harrased victim , Dottie Hinkle .
Patty ( Patricia ) Hearst , Traci Lords , Suzanne Somers , and Joan Rivers make up the cast .
Beverly Kills her victim's with a Fire Poker , a Air Conditioner , even a Turkey Leg , all with a Smile and all her Hair in place .
My oldest son's favorite scene is the Sneeze in Church .
This is John Waters at his most Demented Best !
If you've not seen " Serial Mom " you are in for a Twisted Treat !

true murder story from baltmore
yep,its all true!if you watch it,youll laugh hystericly.its about this super- mom who goes around wasting people for very small social flaws like not rewinding thier videos before returning them and not wearing thier seatbelts.o kid should view this under 15.the humor is good natured.there is a good deal of blood.a chick goes topless for a short while towards the end.thats always a plus!riki lake is in it as the serial moms fat little whiny daughter.the message is that everyone has skeletons in thier closet.if you watch closely,everyone in this movie has a wierd flaw.as far as rikki lake goes,this one is far far better than that 50s movie she did.very funny indeed!check it out!

One of the Greatest Comedies Ever!
I've loved this movie since the first time I ever saw it! It's pure comedy and genious! Be prepared for language and gore, and the wildest movie of your life!

so funny
This movie is hilarious. A crazy mom who goes nuts and anyone who gets in her way gets killed. I know it sounds gross, but this movie is too funny to miss. ... Read more

Description

Get ready for over-the-top hilarity when comedy original Chris Elliott (THERE'S SOMETHING ABOUT MARY, SCARY MOVIE 2) goes overboard in this hysterical high-seas misadventure that's sure to keep everyone laughing! Elliott stars as Nathanial Mayweather, a spoiled rich kid whose plans for a ritzy Hawaiian cruise backfire, finding him lost at sea with a gang of salty old sailors. And when his crusty cabin mates get a whiff of his highfalutin attitude, they give him every rotten chore on the boat -- and take him on the wackiest adventure yet to sail the Seven Seas! Chart a course for fun with CABIN BOY -- a truly wild comedy! ... Read more

Reviews (29)

Just plain goofy
Ok... I really like this movie. But in honesty there can be a little too much lag between the really funny parts.

There are some great snapshot moments that will stick with you and make you laugh.

Sometimes around the house I can hear my wife or one of my boys say "Wanna buy a monkey?".... aaahhh... I love that.

And Lord help me, there is just something unbelievably funny about a floppy dancing Chris Elliott being pelted on the head by beer cans. Comic genius? Hardly - but damn if it does not crack me up every time I think about it.

I struggled to watch the whole movie
and I had to give up. I got what they were trying to do and I didn't think it was funny. I like Chris Elliot but not in this movie.

Are you drunk or something?
Honestly... the older I get, and the more views I give this flick... the funnier it gets. I've been fan of Elliott's since "Get A Life" and by the time I saw this film, any hope of anyone even knowing who he was, was long gone. But it didn't matter. I struggled through my first viewing thinking, "wow, this movie sucks hard," but for some reason still decided to watch it again. That's Elliott's charm/magic... you don't really get him, sometimes he even annoys you, but you just wanna give him another go. So... 5, 6, 14 viewings later... I get it! I get it every time now! I get a little more each and every time now! Honestly... even my girlfiend didn't want to like this and she was howling! It's about the subtleties... a funny glance, a funny dance, a flying, talking cupcake, or more than likely, a really good one-liner. Anyway... I'm rambling... watch this movie 2-3 times then enjoy!

"The Odyssey" on "Ecstasy"
This twisted little adventure tale is either a full-sail comedy classic or a rudderless shipwreck, depending on your opinion of star Chris Elliott, the only true heir to the late Andy Kaufman. Like Kaufman before him, Elliott's comedic ouvre is something you "get", or you don't (before I am accused of being a snob, let me freely admit that there are comedians I don't "get": Jim Carrey, Adam Sandler and George W. Bush). The man who gave us "FDR: The One-Man Show" embarks on a rollicking voyage through a sea of Irony when his "fancy lad" books passage on the barely seaworthy "Filthy Whore". Brian Doyle-Murray (who played Elliott's crusty landlord on his short-lived Fox TV series) is memorable as the fishing boat's captain. Great cameos by "Tumblin'" Russ Tamblyn (as a Mer-Man!) and Ann Magnuson as the sex-starved, multi-limbed wife of a cranky ogre. Crew member Brion James (who you may recognize as one of the replicants in "Blade Runner") gets to deliver the movie's best line: "Oh-purple lightning. THAT'S always a good sign." Don't throw this one back!

The trick to enjoying this movie is to..
watch it with kids under the age of 13. But even the kids will tell you it's the worst movie they've ever seen.

You know, I like Chris Elliot too and I thought "Get a Life" was pure comic genius before the network started tinkering with the recipe. But this thing (insert head shake thingy) is so monumentally bad I'm actually at a loss for words. The blue chick with 6 arms and her giant husband that just opened a "housewares" store on a remote deserted island was pretty creative. OK, seeing Chris Elliot riding on the back of his girlfriend swimming across the Pacific with a ski rope to hold on to was pretty funny but that was about it.

Now, if you find yourself all that curious about this flick the DVD transfer is pretty good and the sound is about what you would expect...but who cares? 2 wigs ... Read more

Reviews (15)

Think you can't have that dreamboat? THINK AGAIN!
If I had a dime for everytime I've watched this movie...LOL I'd be pretty doggone rich! Ricki Lake and Craig Sheffer are wonderful together as the most unlikely couple you'd imagine being together. I loved this film because it explores the realm of possibility that you don't have to be a supermodel or anorexic to find love and happiness. It also points out another very important issue about size. Grace knew she was big, but it was her confidence, attitude, and out going personality that made her sexy and ulitimately irrestible to Rob. A great "feel good" movie for any woman who has lost her confidence that she can have her dreamboat man! I highly reccommend this film!

A Wonderful Film!!!!!
When I first watched "Babycakes" years ago on television, I immediately fell in love with it! Ricki Lake does an excellent job playing Grace, an overweight lady with a larger-than-life personality and an even larger heart.

The story revolves around her struggle to "fit in" and finally have a boyfriend. Grace and her friend spot and handsome guy named Rob while ice skating, and Grace makes it her mission to make this guy her own. She tries just about everything, but the one thing that really got him was her ability to be herself and not worry about what others thought about her. It was through her relationship (both good and bad aspects) with Rob that gave her the self-esteem she desperately needed. The movie concludes with a happy ending that will leave a permanent smile on your face!

I highly recommend this film to anyone who would like to see an excellent, heart-warming film. This film really does let you know that you don't have to be the size of a model model to find true love, happiness, or respect and adoration - a lesson that so many people should learn. :) Watch this movie! You won't be disappointed!!!!

A Cute Film
What I liked about this movie is that it is more than meets the eye. It is one of the best romantic comedies that I have seen in recent times, which is why I'm surprised that more people don't know about it. The storyline is pretty standard (overweight, pessimistic girl think she can't find love - but runs into the man of her dreams), but yet the movie was done in such a way that it seemed realistic and not too fairytale-like. It has a universal appeal, especially to those of us who have been through periods of our lives where we felt low about ourselves or negative about finding true love. Although Ricki Lake's character is "overweight", this movie would appea to any woman because the feelings she has in this movie are ones that relate to just about any woman, no matter your size or shape. This is a good film to watch on Valentine's Day or if you are ever in the mood for a good romantic comedy.

A fair remake of a 1985 classic
This film is a remake of a German film called "Zuckerbaby" - translated Sugarbaby - by noted German filmmaker Percy Adlon (he also directed Salmonberries starring k.d. lang (and her video So In Love from the Cole Porter AIDS tribute cd, Red Hot +Blue) as well as "Bagdad Cafe" and "Rosalie Goes Shopping". This American version is indeed a sweet remake, but not as dark as the original. In the original film (which I prefer), Marianne Sagebrecht plays the Ricki Lake part. In it, the makepup artist for the dead spends much of the time trying to get the conductor on the train to notice her. She eventually wins his affection briefly. The difference is how the relationships are handled. In the original, the main character hs no friends or family in the area. She doesn't end up a winner, either. In fact in the original film, she is confronted on a dancefloor by the conductor's girlfriend, who calls her disgusting and beats her in front of everyone...she ends up ultimately alone...Zuckerbaby is highly recommended for anyone that has seen Babycakes..

An old favorite
I cannot count how many times I have seen this movie, and I have loved it every time. Ricki Lake does a great job and while I will admit that in my pessimistic opinion it is a little unbelievable, but I say why shouldn't life be this way? When I am down or depressed and unhappy about the way I look, this is one of the first movies I reach for. A great chick flick. ... Read more

Reviews (17)

Homelessness Hollywood style...
There is a superficiality to this movie that is a bit disconcerting. I suppose it is ironic that big time actors (many not so big then) play no name children of the street. It raises awareness, yes, but it also makes it look kind of cool.

I lived in Seattle for a while and the young people living on the street have a certain belief in the 'coolness' of their lifestyle that actually validates this movie to a degree.

Having worked with the homeless in my hometown, I've learned that it is not monolithic. There are as many 'types' of homeless people as there are homeless people. Does that make me an expert? No.

However, that being said, this is an excellent movie. The cast is phenomenal. With a score by Melissa Etheridge, the movie feels in places like a rock video but it also helps with the flow and mood.

The movie does a good job of exposing, to a greater or lesser degree, the problems that leads to and come with being on the street. It ain't pretty and the movie never really leads you to that conclusion. While it certainly isn't graphic in an extreme sense, it does give you just enough to feel.

Very Intense
Where The Day Takes You gives the viewer a look into the lives of young homeless people in Los Angeles. Remarkable performances keep this film from being another After School Special type film. Sean Astin is particularily effective in this movie, though I could have done without Will Smith and Ricki Lake. Other than that, this film is a must see.

Where This Movie Takes You
With an all-star cast and a great premise, Where The Day Takes You takes a hard look at the lives of children on the streets of Hollywood. The cast includes such greats as Dermot Mulroney, Lara Flynn Boyle, Will Smith and Sean Astin, more recently of The Lord of the Rings Trilogy fame. Both realistic and unsettling, Where The Day Takes You is one movie that I am truly glad I took time to watch.

The Best
I saw this movie for the first time nine years ago. After watching it the first time, I immediately watched it again. This is my favorite movie compared to anything. It definitely gives the viewer a real look into the realm of drugs and homelessness. This movie is definitely underrated, watched too infrequently and too unknown.

Great early movie for up and coming actors
This movie is full of actors that you now know at first glance. But when it came out, it was just a little movie full of a cast of actors with potential.
It's a moving and engrossing charater study that goes over the top from time to time, but never makes you lose your interest. You care about all the characters, whether you like them or detest them, until after it's over, and you realize how sad their lives truly are. At that point, even the detestable characters evoke pathos.
This definitely is a movie that film-lovers should see. If for no other reason, it's great to see the actors before they all broke (and to see the ones that didn't quite live up to potential). But above all, it's a film that deserves it just due, and it's viewing by more people. ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Waters made his bid for PG respectability with Hairspray, an enjoyably trashy comedy about the racial integration of a teen dance show on Baltimore television in the early '60s. Waters, as always, makes a virtue of junk culture and the powerful emotional forces it can represent as kids vie to get on the show. Meanwhile, a parade of former stars (Pia Zadora, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono) and pseudostars (Divine, Ricki Lake) cross the screen, playing freakish characters absorbed by thoughts of fame.

Pecker (Edward Furlong) loves to use the camera to capture his fellow Baltimore residents living their daily lives. Of course, since Pecker is a Waters movie, those daily lives include visits to strip bars, shoplifting, and various other quirky, and frequently hilarious, human activities. When Pecker's makeshift photo exhibit comes to the attention of a New York art agent (Lili Taylor), Pecker becomes the latest sensation. Pecker has something to offend just about everyone. But those who take the offenses to heart would be missing out on what amounts to a sweet-natured farce. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

FULL OF GRACE! FULL OF GRACE!
I think these two movies are a must have for any Divine or John Waters fan.Even if they are pretty commercial and not as original as "Female Trouble" or "Mutiple Maniacs"(hopefully the latter of the two will be on DVD soon)they are wonderful example of wonderfully talented and sometimes shocking director.The cast in "Hairspray" are great including Debbie Harry,Sonny Bono,Ricki Lake and of corse,DIVINE!! "Pecker" has its moments and will grow on you as any true John Waters will.If you have never seen a Water's flick,this is a good place to start.

The Two "HAPPY" Movies Of The John Waters' Collection
"Hairspray" and "Pecker" are the tamest in the John Waters' collection. They are very enjoyable, even though they don't have the shock value that Waters earlier films had. I still absolutely adore both of these films and I'm thrilled that they are together on DVD. "Hairspray" is the last Waters' film that the late Divine appeared in. It showed the potential that Divine had in regards to his acting abilities. The movie is just flat-out fun, I would recommend it to anybody.

"Pecker" is one of John Waters recent films that I thoroughly enjoy. Its a ahppy little story that just floats along on screen, its really a pleasure to watch.

John Waters - need I say more?
All Waters fans - this is a no brainer. Two of the master's films for the price of one with a great commentary and an offer for a bonus disc (if you buy all three of the "collection"). I can't wait for Multiple Maniacs and Mondo Trasho! I would love to see some of his early stuff (Eat Your Makeup, Hag in a Black Leather Jacket) if it exists somewhere. Don't hesitate to buy this disc if your a fan.

Least essential 'Special Edition' release....but fun!
Of the three John Waters "Special Edition" releases, this is the only one that duplicates previous DVD releases...and thus it's the one collectors may opt to refuse. (...) The bonuses in this package aren't must-haves, though any film commentary with John Waters is a delight.

I guess some reviewers have a valid point about the mainstreaming of Waters' films...and these two films are case(s?) in point. But consider the limitations placed on the writer/director as his core cast was fragmented and the cost of filming movies soared skyward. In both "Hairspray" and "Pecker" I see minor concessions to the bland tastes of Popular culture, but nary a cop-out. (...) the subversive edge of Waters' often brilliant writing/direction is an ongoing exercise in (good) bad taste. If nothing else, his characters never do what you expect of them, quite a virtue in a film world besotted with "accessible" characterization.

Despite some brilliant moments, "Hairspray" is a bit cloying on the whole. This, in my opinion, is largely due to Ricki Lake in the lead role. Despite the usual outrageous Waters' dialogue, Lake delivers her lines with such sweetness and reverance that you just want to backhand her. To her credit, she furthers the old saw about fat girls being good dancers.

"Hairspray" is also a bit overlong with dance sequences, though they certainly lend a touch of authenticity to the production. The central story is roughly linear, though the bit with Tracy in reform school seems like a delaying tactic...especially since Waters' used a similar story device in "Cry Baby". On the plus side, the supporting cast is rich with freakish appeal. Divine's last role for Waters isn't flashy, but his Edna Turnblad is a credible, nuanced piece of work. Longtime cast member Mink Stole gets lots of screen time in a fairly minor role. Lots of silly and/or hysterical cameos: Pia Zadora, Ric Ocasek, Debbie Harry, Sonny Bono and a few more. The youth leads (mostly unknowns) are right on target...thoroughly believable in their parts.

Overall, "Hairspray" is probably the most accessible of Waters' latter-day films (...).

"Pecker" is a good choice to complement "Hairspray" in this edition. Both films have youthful leads, and both deal (directly or indirectly) with social issues such as race and class. The appeal of these films is also a bit gentler and good-humored than some of Waters' recent offerings. "Pecker" might take a while to sink in with old-time fans, as it did with me. I don't know if it's because there are other writers and directors actively pursuing the raunch genre that Waters' pioneered, or because "Pecker" has such simple charms.

I grudge the obligatory star power of Lili Taylor and Indie Waif Christina Ricci, low-wattage that it may be. Otherwise, the casting and performances in "Pecker" are on target. Mary Kay Place is fretful and yet blissfully sedate as the thrift store maven; a role that seems an appropriate homage to Waters' long time friend and star, Edith Massey. Martha Plimpton plays the ultimate fag hag ("My life is trade!") with dizzy abandon. Ed Furlong's Pecker (um, keep reading) is the most functional idiot savant imagineable...a tireless servant to the "art" all around, and completely oblivious to social norms and responsibilities.

Despite a feel-good ending that smooths over a fair number of conflicts, "Pecker" is a funny and satisfying film. The rabid idiosyncrasies of Waters' characters play off each other with the kind of manic glee you can find in "Pink Flamingos" or even "Polyester." The 'turnabout' plot actually works, if you take a good look at some of Pecks' pics from his NYC premiere. (...)

Fans who already own "Pecker" on DVD may opt to wait for a single disc release for "Hairspray." Considering how infrequently some of his films have been available on home video, I'm pretty sure longtime fans like myself will snap this collection up on sight. Recommended.

J

Hairspray: The BEST Movie EVER NOW on DVD!
I'm not going to bother to review the actual movies themselves, since there is no point in criticizing perfection! I'm thrilled to finally have "Hairspray" on DVD! What I will say is: I find it extremely puzzling that New Line decided to put "Hairspray" out with "Pecker." I totally understand that "Pecker" is probably the tamest (along with Hairspray- "Cry Baby" was released by Universal so New Line probably doesn't have the rights to release it) of the John Waters movies- but I would say that it's safe to say that all of the John Waters fans with DVD players bought "Pecker" the day it came out! (Well, I did!) The "Pecker" DVD IS NOT the same DVD that was out before. It has some new menu screens AND the cast/crew bios are now gone. Everything else is the same. The "Hairspray" DVD is great- the movie has never looked this good before! I've seen the movie hundreds of times, and I discovered things I had never seen before when I watched the pristine DVD. John and Ricki's commentary is interesting but it's glaringly obvious that the two of them did not record the commentary together. New Line has attempted to sort of "paste together" their commentaries to make you think they were there together- but you can tell they really weren't. Ricki's commentary is somewhat limited to her revealing that she was extremely upset about having to dye her hair and she says that she still wishes that she could have worn a wig. She also talks about how she got the part- but it's her comments on her hair that keep coming up! (I guess she really has a reason to complain! They really did a number on her hair!) It would have been nice if John and Ricki could have recorded their commentaries together- to react against what each was saying. Other than that- just about everything is perfection. The packaging for this DVD could have been a little nicer with more pictures (the velcro that keeps it all closed is sort of CHEAP!)- New Line could have come up with something a little more clever- but I'M NOT COMPLAINING! I'm just happy to have "Hairspray" on DVD! ... Read more

Amazon.com

John Waters spoofs independent filmmaking at its most absurd fringewith this affectionate portrait of a guerrilla filmmaking collective thatdeclares war on Hollywood drivel. Bitchy screen queen Honey Whitlock(Melanie Griffith, whose kewpie doll voice and aging baby face are right at home) is kidnapped by would-be auteur Cecil (Stephen Dorff), a slogan-spouting bottle blonde with a cult-like crew of cinema outlaws called "The Sprocket Holes." Cecil has declared war on Hollywood with theultimate underground movie, "Raving Beauty," and his reluctant star Honey soonadopts her young misfit captors like a worried Mommy as her cultural cachetrises: the falling star has turned into a cult cinema rebel. It's a bizarre revision of the Patty Hearst story (with Hearst herself in a supportingrole) full of film insider jokes and '60s revolutionary references, butit's more spoof than satire. Waters's primitive style is often clumsy, andthe picture moves in fits and starts, but the cast's enthusiasm brings itto life. Waters has always celebrated misfits, outcasts, and culturalrebels and their self-made families, and this is his most outrageous,anarchic such bunch in decades. Through all the shootouts, bomb throwing,and fights with angry teamsters and suburban moms, there's an odd sense ofinnocence to the enterprise. It's as if Waters wants to remind us: it'sonly a movie.

The DVD also features commentary by Waters and the featurette CannedHam: Cecil B. Demented Behind the Scenes, which was originally produced for Comedy Central. --Sean Axmaker ... Read more

Reviews (13)

skinner
I only bought this dvd because ted raimi was in it, don't get me wrong seeing him semi naked was fanastic but the quality of this disc is terrible as after three plays it is jumps and pausing when it feels like it. Very disappointed about the quality, but I am still happy as the overall movie is interesting.

An interesting failure
Worth watching once to see the movie it might have been. An amazing performance from Raimi, who slides deftly among the layers of the psychopathic title character without once overplaying his hand in a truly chilling performance. Ricki Lake is also subtle and effective as the unhappy landlady with a slowly growing attraction for her strange boarder. Unfortuately, the high-caliber performances are wasted on a meandering script and unfocused direction -- and a fatally slow pace which destroys any interest we might have in what's going on. As for the gore, it isn't that it's too much, it's that it's not enough. Too little and too late, it's almost half-an-hour before we know anything more about the movie than what we read on the box, and by then we're no longer interested. A shame, and most of the people involved deserved better.

One star is one star too many
This movie is really a dog. If any of you Ted Raimi fans out there ever watch this one and then later meet Ted, don't let him know you watched it. He'll make fun of you! Now that's the sign of a really bad movie! No redeeming factors here that I can see at all. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I think I'll go watch some paint dry.

A winning combination
If you're into classic "show me the gore" horror flicks, check these two out. They may not be too popular, but many of the greats aren't. You can't beat Amazon's price for two DVD's either! Enjoy.

The "North" of the horror genre
This film is vile, badly written, badly acted, with bad sound and a weak male lead. Awful, awful, awful! I thought this film would have some campy qualities since Ted Raimi was the "Buffalo Bill" knock-off of a serial killer. Ricki Lake is predictably terrible ("Hairspray" was her only good film to date). And to top it all off, ex-porn queen Traci Lords isn't even naked! The least the director could have done was give a dollop or two of gratuitous nudity to appease the audience in this horribly written mid-air collision of a film. While the story was unbelievably weak, there was a motif of water which made no sense. I think the director was trying to be pretentious or stretching the film to feature length. Like Oedipus, I felt like blinding myself after I saw this film because it was so monumentally bad. When I say it is a bad film, I don't even mean it in a "so bad it's good" sense either. This film is BAD! I'm sure "Plan 9 From Outer Space" has more redeeming qualities (and had better actors). Too bad Mystery Science Theater 3000 is over, because this cinematic abortion would be a lot funnier with two robots talking back to the screen. This film makes "Army of Darkness" look like "Citizen Kane." If you want to rent a good bad film, rent "Soldier" or "Escape From LA." Keep browsing folks. I wasn't deepy offended that I wasted my money on this, I was offended that I wasted my time on this. As a famous film critic said: "Unclean, unclean, unclean!" ... Read more

Reviews (13)

skinner
I only bought this dvd because ted raimi was in it, don't get me wrong seeing him semi naked was fanastic but the quality of this disc is terrible as after three plays it is jumps and pausing when it feels like it. Very disappointed about the quality, but I am still happy as the overall movie is interesting.

An interesting failure
Worth watching once to see the movie it might have been. An amazing performance from Raimi, who slides deftly among the layers of the psychopathic title character without once overplaying his hand in a truly chilling performance. Ricki Lake is also subtle and effective as the unhappy landlady with a slowly growing attraction for her strange boarder. Unfortuately, the high-caliber performances are wasted on a meandering script and unfocused direction -- and a fatally slow pace which destroys any interest we might have in what's going on. As for the gore, it isn't that it's too much, it's that it's not enough. Too little and too late, it's almost half-an-hour before we know anything more about the movie than what we read on the box, and by then we're no longer interested. A shame, and most of the people involved deserved better.

One star is one star too many
This movie is really a dog. If any of you Ted Raimi fans out there ever watch this one and then later meet Ted, don't let him know you watched it. He'll make fun of you! Now that's the sign of a really bad movie! No redeeming factors here that I can see at all. Now, if you'll all excuse me, I think I'll go watch some paint dry.

A winning combination
If you're into classic "show me the gore" horror flicks, check these two out. They may not be too popular, but many of the greats aren't. You can't beat Amazon's price for two DVD's either! Enjoy.

The "North" of the horror genre
This film is vile, badly written, badly acted, with bad sound and a weak male lead. Awful, awful, awful! I thought this film would have some campy qualities since Ted Raimi was the "Buffalo Bill" knock-off of a serial killer. Ricki Lake is predictably terrible ("Hairspray" was her only good film to date). And to top it all off, ex-porn queen Traci Lords isn't even naked! The least the director could have done was give a dollop or two of gratuitous nudity to appease the audience in this horribly written mid-air collision of a film. While the story was unbelievably weak, there was a motif of water which made no sense. I think the director was trying to be pretentious or stretching the film to feature length. Like Oedipus, I felt like blinding myself after I saw this film because it was so monumentally bad. When I say it is a bad film, I don't even mean it in a "so bad it's good" sense either. This film is BAD! I'm sure "Plan 9 From Outer Space" has more redeeming qualities (and had better actors). Too bad Mystery Science Theater 3000 is over, because this cinematic abortion would be a lot funnier with two robots talking back to the screen. This film makes "Army of Darkness" look like "Citizen Kane." If you want to rent a good bad film, rent "Soldier" or "Escape From LA." Keep browsing folks. I wasn't deepy offended that I wasted my money on this, I was offended that I wasted my time on this. As a famous film critic said: "Unclean, unclean, unclean!" ... Read more