John Waters' 1990 musical comedy 'Cry-Baby' delivers a delightfully campy twist on the 1950s teen rebel genre. Starring a young Johnny Depp as Wade 'Cry-Baby' Walker, the film follows the tattooed Baltimore 'drape' with a mysterious tear who falls for Allison Vernon-Williams (Amy Locane), a prim 'square' from the right side of the tracks. Their star-crossed romance sparks a social war between the drapes and squares, complicated by Allison's jealous ex-boyfriend Baldwin (Stephen Mailer) who seeks revenge.

Depp perfectly captures the Elvis-meets-James Dean persona with just the right amount of self-aware wink, while Waters' signature subversive humor shines through the pastel-colored 1950s aesthetic. The musical numbers, including 'High School Hellcats' and 'Please, Mr. Jailer,' are infectiously energetic parodies of the era's rock-and-roll tropes. Supporting performances from Waters regulars like Ricki Lake and Traci Lords add to the film's quirky charm.

While not as transgressive as Waters' earlier work, 'Cry-Baby' remains an essential watch for its clever satire of teenage rebellion movies and its celebration of outsider culture. The film has developed a strong cult following over the decades, appreciated for its vibrant production design, catchy soundtrack, and heartfelt message about looking beyond social labels. For viewers seeking a musical comedy that's both nostalgic and sharply funny, 'Cry-Baby' offers 85 minutes of pure, rebellious entertainment.