This Film Is Not Yet Rated

This Film Is Not Yet Rated
September 1, 2006
Netflix etc.
Documentary
DVD
B-

This film promises to be better than 1987's Hollywood Uncensored, offering as it does a more contemporary look at the movie-ratings system, although there is some historical background of course.  (Hello again, Mr. Hays.)  The problem is that the aptly named Kirby Dick strays from the subject of why and how the movies are rated by the MPAA and onto who these raters are.  Not that the thread of the lesbian private investigator is without entertainment value, but I feel like this aspect of the documentary is much less interesting than the clips, sometimes side by side, of what got an R-rating (usually violence, some straight content, and big studio) vs. what got an NC17 (usually penetration, anything remotely gay, and independent).  Watching the extras, I realized that the true "stars" of the movie are a trio of outrageous, funny, and insightful directors: Matt Stone (who had appeared in Bowling for Columbine), Kevin Smith (his line about Jersey Girl's poor box office should've been in the actual movie), and John Waters (the thing about "felching" is hilarious).  Instead of playing private dick, Kirby should've kept the focus on the people who make the controversial films.  Still, definitely worth watching, especially if you like movies about movies.

Obscene?

"I know a lot of perverts...."

Hairspray

Hairspray
February 26, 1988
New Line Cinema
Comedy, Musical, Historical
VHS
B+

This remains a lot of fun, so much fun that I've resisted seeing the musical remake, onstage or screen.  Although this may not be a musical per se, the music is an integral part of the story, and there are some wonderful oldies and oddities.  The dancing is a joy to watch, especially when Rikki Lake (as heroine Tracy Turnblad) struts her stuff.  The dialogue, particularly anything Divine says, is endlessly quotable.  The movie is well cast, nowhere more so in the stunt casting.  (Divine is married to Jerry Stiller here, while other couples include Deborah Harry & Sonny Bono and Pia Zadora & Ric Ocasek.)  I also enjoy Leslie Ann Powers as Tracy's loyal best friend Penny and Michael St. Gerard as her sexy but sensitive boyfriend Link.

John Waters, in his first PG movie, manages to send up a lot of genres at once, while at the same time paying loving tribute to his hometown of Baltimore, and making some half-serious points about society.  The pacing and energy do fall off in the last half hour.  I understand the inclusion of the governor, but this part of the story seems to have needed editing and tightening, as does much else around then.  Still, there's so much to enjoy overall that the movie is easily in my Top Five for the '80s.

Note: one of my later movie crushes, Josh Charles (then 16) makes his debut here, as Iggy.