This film leaps at you with such joy and vigour and generosity you cannot reject it.

| Aug 23, 2018

For a star-studded big-budget musical, Hairspray does a nice job of retaining the funky sweetness of the original.

| Oct 18, 2008

Though colorful, cheery and energetic, there's something missing from this song-and-dance routine.

| Original Score: B- | Nov 30, 2007

I actually can't remember the last time a movie opening made me so cheerful.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Sep 7, 2007

Bright, campy and wonderfully light, Hairspray reminds us that fun comes in all shapes and sizes. It's also one of the few 'event' movies this summer that doesn't outstay its welcome. That's worth singing about, no matter what your name is.

| Jul 28, 2007

Waters cultists have ample reason to be wary, but the film retains a surprisingly subversive edge that undercuts its blinding surface gloss.

| Original Score: B | Jul 26, 2007

One of the more likeable films of the year, an unexpected surprise on every level that will likely keep toes tapping through its theatrical run and far beyond.

| Jul 23, 2007

It's amiable, it's bouncy, it's got a sweet unknown in the lead flanked by a cast of bankable stars and, providing as it does an amiable and bouncy and sweet escape from a summer's worth of clunky blockbusters.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Hairspray is an infectious aerosol comedy with nearly every hair in place.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Hairspray is one of the most enjoyable translations of a Broadway musical to the big screen ever.

| Original Score: A- | Jul 20, 2007

The movie is a throwback to MGM musicals of the '50s. But it's a giddy, unselfconscious throwback. That in itself is refreshing.

Full Review | Jul 20, 2007

It's hard to keep a smile off your face and your toes from tapping during this unpretentious and spirited adaptation of the stage musical by director/choreographer Adam Shankman.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 20, 2007

At the risk of sounding as manic as Corny Collins, Baltimore's answer to Dick Clark, this latest screen incarnation is guaranteed to flip your wig.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 20, 2007

With its zesty dancing, strong performances, goofball details and sweet message of acceptance for all, Hairspray might just be this summer's happiest hit.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Enjoyable movies are released every week, but movies that have the capacity to delight -- movies like Hairspray -- are few and far between.

| Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Adam Shankman's Hairspray is a great big sloppy kiss of entertainment for audiences weary of explosions, CGI effects and sequels, sequels, sequels.

Full Review | Original Score: 4/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Marc Shaiman's peppy music conspires with Shankman's energized, retro-musical choreography to make for a giant cinematic grin -- a dimpled dental testament of faith in the powers of nice over nasty, tolerance over bigotry and aerosol over the ozone.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Hairspray is a wondrously entertaining ball of spunky musical numbers, talent set free and fun, fun, fun, with just enough of a message to make it sizzle all the more. Don't miss it.

| Original Score: B+ | Jul 20, 2007

It is the most deliriously enjoyable movie in a summer that hasn't been exactly packed with old-fashioned moviegoing pleasure.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Jul 20, 2007

Hairspray is just plain fun.

| Original Score: 3.5/4 | Jul 20, 2007