(viewed on 10/19/11)

As though I needed another reason to love John Waters.

Hairspray was fun.  I knew it was about a dance contest, but I had no idea it was more about segregation.  The racial tension gave it just enough weight without ever getting too serious. “See how racist everyone used to be?  Uh-oh, people are still denied their civil rights today!  This is nuts!!”  + dancing = fun!

The best part about any John Waters film is the casting.  He’s not afraid to  cast bizarre actors of all shapes, sizes, and place in society.  Who made a better Edna Turnblad, John Travolta or Divine?  COME ON.  The cast of the original Hairspray is maybe one of the best lists of human beings in general: Ricki Lake, Sonny Bono, Divine, Debbie Harry, Jerry Stiller, Mink Stole, and of course, Waters himself!