Cry-Baby (1990) Movie Review: A Campy and Rebellious Musical Comedy
Cry-Baby (1990) is a cult classic directed by the legendary John Waters, known for his eccentric and subversive films. Starring Johnny Depp in one of his earliest leading roles, the film is a satirical homage to the teen rebel musicals of the 1950s, blending outrageous humor, campy aesthetics, and rockabilly music. Set in the 1950s in Baltimore, Maryland, Cry-Baby offers a wild ride through teenage rebellion, class conflicts, and forbidden love, all with a wink and a nod to the over-the-top conventions of the era.
In this review, we will explore the plot, performances, the film’s unique style, and where you can stream Cry-Baby online in the U.S.
Plot Overview: A Tale of Rebellion and Romance
At its core, Cry-Baby is a parody of 1950s teen dramas, particularly films like Grease and Rebel Without a Cause. The film follows Wade “Cry-Baby” Walker (Johnny Depp), a leather-jacket-wearing bad boy who can shed a single, perfectly timed tear—earning him the nickname “Cry-Baby.” He’s the leader of the “Drapes,” a group of rebellious, working-class teens in Baltimore who embody the “outsider” spirit.
On the opposite side of the social spectrum are the “Squares,” the straight-laced, upper-class kids who look down on the Drapes. Among the Squares is Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), a beautiful, sheltered girl who feels trapped by her prim and proper surroundings. Allison longs for excitement and rebellion, and she finds it in Cry-Baby, much to the dismay of her uptight grandmother (Polly Bergen) and her jealous boyfriend, Baldwin (Stephen Mailer).
When Cry-Baby and Allison meet at a local hangout, sparks fly, and they begin a forbidden romance that turns the social order upside down. Their relationship ignites a clash between the Drapes and the Squares, leading to a series of musical numbers, wild antics, and ultimately, a courtroom showdown that tests the limits of love, loyalty, and class divides.
Johnny Depp’s Breakout Role: A Satirical James Dean
At the time of Cry-Baby‘s release, Johnny Depp was primarily known for his role in the TV series 21 Jump Street, and the film marked a turning point in his career. Depp plays Cry-Baby as a tongue-in-cheek version of the iconic 1950s rebel, blending James Dean’s brooding cool with Waters’ signature camp. His performance is both sincere and self-aware, capturing the essence of a teen heartthrob while also poking fun at the archetype.
Depp’s portrayal of Cry-Baby is full of charisma and humor, and his comedic timing shines throughout the film. His ability to shed a single tear on command becomes a running joke, and his exaggerated bad-boy persona adds to the film’s campy charm. Cry-Baby also gave Depp the opportunity to explore the offbeat and unconventional roles that would come to define his career.
Supporting Cast: A Colorful Ensemble of Misfits
The supporting cast in Cry-Baby is a mix of seasoned actors, up-and-coming stars, and cult icons, all of whom bring their own unique flair to the film. Amy Locane gives a sweet and earnest performance as Allison, the innocent girl who falls for the bad boy. Her chemistry with Depp is palpable, and her character’s journey from Square to Drape adds a layer of heart to the otherwise outlandish story.
The film also features a memorable performance by Traci Lords, a former adult film actress making her mainstream debut as Wanda, one of Cry-Baby’s wild and rebellious friends. Lords’ portrayal of Wanda is brash, confident, and hilarious, making her one of the standout characters in the film.
Another key member of the ensemble is Ricki Lake as Pepper, Cry-Baby’s tough, pregnant sister. Lake, who previously worked with Waters in Hairspray, brings both humor and warmth to the role, adding to the film’s offbeat family dynamic.
Finally, legendary musician Iggy Pop plays Cry-Baby’s hillbilly uncle, providing an eccentric and bizarre presence that perfectly fits into Waters’ off-kilter world.
Musical Numbers: Rockabilly Meets Camp
One of the highlights of Cry-Baby is its energetic and catchy musical numbers, which blend rockabilly with campy, over-the-top performances. The film’s soundtrack is full of infectious tunes that reflect the rebellious spirit of the Drapes, with songs like “King Cry-Baby” and “Please, Mr. Jailer” setting the tone for the film’s wild, carefree atmosphere.
The musical sequences are choreographed with a playful, exaggerated style, emphasizing the film’s tongue-in-cheek tone. From the Drapes’ sultry, rebellious performances to the Squares’ uptight and polished routines, the musical numbers serve as a visual representation of the clash between the two groups.
While the actors don’t perform their own singing (vocal doubles were used for many of the musical performances), the lip-syncing adds to the film’s campy charm, further blurring the line between homage and parody.
Themes: Rebellion, Class Conflict, and Satire
At its core, Cry-Baby is a satire of the teen rebellion films of the 1950s, poking fun at the melodrama, stereotypes, and class conflicts that often defined the genre. John Waters uses the clash between the Drapes and the Squares to explore the absurdity of societal divisions, highlighting how both groups are trapped by the expectations and roles they are forced to play.
The film also serves as a commentary on youth rebellion and conformity, with Cry-Baby and his gang representing freedom and individuality, while the Squares symbolize the pressure to fit into societal norms. However, Waters never takes these themes too seriously, using humor, music, and camp to keep the tone lighthearted and fun.
Ultimately, Cry-Baby is a celebration of being different, embracing your true self, and rejecting the labels society imposes on you. It’s a film that revels in its own ridiculousness, offering a joyous and unapologetically weird experience for viewers who are willing to embrace its quirky, over-the-top style.
Reception and Cult Status
Upon its release in 1990, Cry-Baby received mixed reviews from critics, who appreciated its sense of humor but found it difficult to categorize. While it didn’t perform well at the box office, the film gained a devoted cult following over the years, particularly among fans of John Waters’ unique style of filmmaking. Today, Cry-Baby is considered a cult classic, celebrated for its campy charm, memorable performances, and infectious soundtrack.
The film also played a pivotal role in establishing Johnny Depp as a versatile actor capable of taking on unconventional roles, helping to launch his career beyond teen heartthrob status.
Where to Watch Cry-Baby (1990) Online in America
If you’re interested in watching Cry-Baby, several streaming services in the U.S. offer the film for rental, purchase, or streaming.
1. Amazon Prime Video
Cry-Baby is available for rent or purchase on Amazon Prime Video. Rentals start at $3.99 for HD, and the purchase price is around $14.99.
2. Apple TV
Apple TV offers Cry-Baby for rent at $3.99 or purchase for $14.99 in HD. It’s a great option for those who prefer streaming on Apple devices.
3. Google Play Movies & TV
You can rent or purchase Cry-Baby on Google Play Movies & TV, with rental prices starting at $3.99 and purchase prices at $14.99. The film is available to stream in HD quality.
4. Vudu
Vudu provides Cry-Baby for rental at $3.99 or purchase at $14.99. Vudu is a reliable platform with HD streaming options.
5. Peacock
At the time of writing, Cry-Baby is available for streaming on Peacock with a subscription. This is a great option for those who are already subscribed to Peacock or are looking for a free streaming option with ads.
Conclusion: A Wild Ride of Camp, Comedy, and Rebellion
Cry-Baby (1990) is a fun, campy, and rebellious musical that delights in its absurdity and celebrates the joy of being different. With a breakout performance from Johnny Depp, an ensemble of quirky characters, and a rockabilly soundtrack that gets your feet tapping, the film is a perfect blend of satire and nostalgia. While it may not have been a mainstream hit, its lasting impact as a cult favorite proves that Cry-Baby is a must-watch for fans of unconventional cinema.
Whether you’re a fan of John Waters’ unique style or looking for a fun, offbeat musical to enjoy, Cry-Baby is available on a variety of streaming platforms, making it easy to experience this quirky classic from the comfort of your home.
