Cry Baby

Cry Baby is a smart and colorful slice of 1950s nostalgia, a musical comedy-drama directed by John Waters, an acclaimed filmmaker known for his distinctively quirky style. Released in 1990, the movie blends rock and roll, class conflict, and teen romance, tinged with Waters' signature black comedy.

Johnny Depp, in an early major role away from his “21 Jump Street” TV persona, plays the titular 'Cry-Baby' Walker, a rebellious teenager with a heart of gold who, with his gang of misfits, the 'Drapes,' is at odds with the well-to-do ‘Squares’ in their small town. Depp nails this role as the dreamy, flawed outsider with a crooked smile and a single tear that drives the girls wild.

His love interest, Allison Vernon-Williams, is played by Amy Locane. Allison is a square, an upstanding member of society bored with her pink and perfect life. When she catches sight of Cry-Baby, she is immediately drawn towards him and the exciting, unpredictable world he inhabits. Thus begins an unconventional love saga fraught with societal pressure and youthful rebellion.

Further enhancing the rebellious allure of the movie are Cry-Baby's fellow Drapes, an intriguing assembly of outlandish characters who are united by their disdain for the Squares' prim and proper ways. These include the big-hearted and vivacious Ricki Lake as Pepper Walker, who brings in memorable comic relief.

Set in an East Baltimore reminiscent of Waters' own adolescent years, Cry-Baby is almost a caricature of the 1950s, giving it an air of lightheartedness amid the periodic societal frictions depicted. The sets and costumes are a meticulous representation of the era, bursting with colors and style that give an almost surreal panorama of the times.

For a movie with musically inclined protagonists, Cry-Baby does not disappoint. The music, a blend of toe-tapping rockabilly and ballads dripping with teenage heartbreak, is infectious. The rattle and hum of the soundtrack make it hard to stay still, culminating in an infectiously energetic scene at the Turkey Point annual picnic that showcases Waters’ ability to pull off a large-scale musical number.

However, Cry-Baby is more than just a tale of star-crossed lovers; it effectively addresses the harsh societal divisions of the time with a satirical lens. The film cleverly uses its premise to reflect on the rigid class structure of the era, the clash between the bourgeois and the proletariat, the establishment, and the rebels. Without being preachy, Cry-Baby subtly highlights the snobbish pretensions of the Squares and the empowerment of the Drapes who, despite their outlaw status, are the heart of the town's vibrancy.

Nevertheless, John Waters maintains an undercurrent of humor throughout his social commentary. The film is full of eccentric, over-the-top interactions laced with Waters' trademark irreverent humor, making the audience laugh at the very societal norms the movie is critiquing. The comedy runs wild, subtly targeting the irrationality of upper-crust behaviors and lower-class stereotypes.

Cry-Baby also presents a transformative character arc for both the protagonist and his lady love. It showcases their resilience in the face of societal pressures and their determination to stay true to their feelings. The film's lesson isn't about conformity but about accepting who you are and sticking by it, regardless of the world’s opinion. Their journey - visibly marked by rock and roll - symbolizes their fight against a system bent on stifling their personalities and love.

To round it all up, Cry-Baby, while on the surface a delightful rollercoaster ride of 1950s kitsch, is also a heartfelt satirical commentary on class division, the joie de vivre of youth, and, above all, a celebration of the power of love. John Waters, with his unique blend of comedy, music, and message, turns Cry-Baby into a vibrant, sometimes outrageous, but ultimately heartwarming tale of bravery against societal norms. This 1990 film is an aesthetic spectacle and a dynamic, unforgettable journey into the rebellious spirit of youth. Its charm lies in its ability to communicate profound truths about society and human nature, all while making you tap your feet to its infectious rhythm.