Watch Cry-Baby

Cry-Baby is a 1990 musical comedy directed by John Waters and starring Johnny Depp as Wade "Cry-Baby" Walker, a teenage delinquent from Baltimore, Maryland in the 1950s. The film is set in a world where rock 'n' roll music is the soundtrack for rebellion and freedom, and Wade is the misunderstood leader of the "drapes," a group of greaser youths who pride themselves on their bad-boy image.

Wade's life changes when he falls in love with Allison Vernon-Williams (played by Amy Locane), a prim and proper "square" who is the envy of her classmates. Despite their obvious differences, the two are drawn to each other and soon embark on a forbidden romance that threatens to tear the fabric of their small town apart.

The film also features memorable performances from Ricki Lake as Pepper, Wade's tough-talking, sharp-witted friend, and Traci Lords as Wanda Woodward, the gorgeous, lustful girlfriend of Wade's rival, Baldwin (played by Stephen Mailer). Other notable cast members include Iggy Pop, Troy Donahue, and Willem Dafoe.

Cry-Baby is a raucous, entertaining romp that satirizes 1950s culture while simultaneously celebrating its music and style. Waters, known for his irreverent, boundary-pushing films, infuses the movie with his trademark campy humor and offbeat sensibility. The result is a film that is both hilarious and heartwarming, with moments of genuine emotion tucked between the wacky set pieces and musical numbers.

Depp is pitch-perfect as the rebellious, sensitive Cry-Baby, infusing the character with just the right mix of swagger and vulnerability. His chemistry with Locane is palpable, and the two make an unlikely but charming pair. Lake steals scenes with her quick wit and no-nonsense attitude, while Lords oozes sensuality and danger as the ultimate bad girl.

The film's soundtrack is a nod to the heyday of rock 'n' roll, featuring classic songs like "Sh-Boom" and "Teardrops Are Falling." The musical numbers are elaborate and joyful, with the cast letting loose and giving their all. Even those who aren't fans of the genre can't help but tap their feet and sing along.

But Cry-Baby isn't just a lighthearted romp; it also has some deeper themes lurking beneath its candy-coated surface. The film explores issues of class, gender, and sexual identity, showing how society's labels and expectations can be confining and restrictive. It's a message that is still relevant today, making the film resonate even 30 years later.

Overall, Cry-Baby is a fun, energetic film that showcases the talents of its cast and crew. It's a loving ode to the 1950s that also manages to subvert its conventions, resulting in a movie that is both nostalgic and refreshing. It's easy to see why it has become a cult classic over the years, and it's a must-watch for anyone who loves quirky comedies and musicals.

Cry-Baby is a 1989 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 63.