Hairspray (2007)

"The movie is visually flat: not pasty and garish in the Waters signature style, but merely serviceable and competent in the worst tradition of Hollywood "professionalism"..."

"The cast is having a blast, and the mood is infectious. If this film doesn't have a smile on your face by the grand finale, I'd hate to think what kind of day you're having..."

"Hairspray really is one of those sing-along musicals that some will love to hate, and others will love to sing. Me and musicals have a rather chequered history - I’m still getting hate mail for dissing Dreamgirls. Hairspray's sweet light and tasty veneer serves up some biting satire, a few catchy tunes and John Travolta in a fat suit. It’s not really my thing, but it might be yours..."

"Offering plenty of body and a lot of lift, Hairspray gels kitsch styling with show-stopping tunes to mould a memorable musical..."

"The John Water's cult gets a very 21st century makeover and soundtrack. Great -and still topical-source material yields a great movie. This is at least the best musical since Chicago. Maybe even Grease..."

"Most closely aligned to revered off-beat movie-musicals like Rocky Horror and Little Shop of Horrors, Hairspray seems destined to be a favourite at slumber parties for decades to come..."

"It also embodies the spirit of the film as a joyous celebration of being different. Later scenes depicting the Civil Rights movement may seem inappropriate, but the silliness only mirrors the absurdity of racism - ref. Queen Latifah's cringing endorsement of 'NapAway' hair cream. Spot-on performances all round contribute to a musical that, like Tracy, is just a great big ball of fun..."