Review of Hairspray (1988) by Reece L — 12 Dec 2015

Waters' original Hairspray ultimately edges out the excellent 2007 remake due to its campy, kitschy tone and a more solid grasp of the central message. It mocks the institutionalized white tendency to oppress poc and then trot them out every once in a while as a "fun alternative" to their "mainstream" existence, centers around a confident big girl who's never taught to change or apologize for the way she is, and points out the racism that dictates how white people perceive black people, all while retaining a sense of wacky fun.

Divine's inclusion was revolutionary for a relatively mainstream film, and while Waters may have toned down his signature transgressive humor in order to make it, Hairspray is no worse for wear, a ballsy, hilarious American classic that remains a high school theater staple due to its broad appeal and enduring charm.