Rating: 
Summary: Showgirls Verhoven's Folly
Review: I read a comment that had me rolling with laughter with recognition because it was so right on. Any given scene in Showgirls plays out like this. Nomi makes new friend (guy in pickup truck, head of nightclub, lead dancer, choreographer, casino head, rock star.) They talk. The other character says something wrong. Nomi's eyes flare with rage(think Joan Crawford)and Nomi storms out of the room. If something is in front of her at the time (ice cubes, make-up brushes, tray of french fries) she will dash it to the table to spectacular explosive effect, leaving other character in cloud of befuddled wonderment at what just happened. Like an episode of Three's Company, you almost marvel how you never cease to tire of seeing different variations on the same theme. It may help a lot that in most cases Nomi is still clamoring to put on a top as she exits. Showgirls is Paul Verhoven's folly. As "emotionally complex" as Nomi is throughout, the film manages to be entertaining enough to keep you sitting through it. In the end Showgirls is like walking by a peepshow, you don't want to lower yourself to go in, but somewhere inside you you wouldn't mind having a quick look. The DVD is very sharp and detailed with nice bright color. I consider it a little above average for picture quality. Someone mentioned that this widescreen version is cropped top and bottom because the film was shot in 4:3 format. To the contrary liner notes however indicate that Showgirls native format is widescreen! They show a convincing diagram of the cropping that would occur if the film was shown in 4:3 standard format. Whatever the final verdict I did not notice anything cut off that I would like to see. I this case I perhaps prefer the illusion of widescreen. Whatever the truth is, increase in clarity from the DVD over VHS is more than a payoff for this compromise. If we were talking About "Gone With the Wind" or "Fantasia" I might do research and hold out for the definitive version. The included reading material on the film is nifty. The back cover of the DVD describes Showgirls as one of the most controversial-and shocking-films of all time. Hee hee. And the inner liner notes are even more amusing as Paul Verhoven and Joe Esterhaus posture about their indepth research. Apparently "P.V. and J.H. ... put aside their inhibitions and delved into the exotic and sensual subculture of Las Vegas nightlife." What a sacrifice these great filmmakers made! :)To paraphrase Esterhouse "In the world of big casinos where there is only semi-nude dancing and the illusion of respectability, in some ways may be more corrupt than the more honest statment of the lap dancing clubs. I think the story represents an interesting moral paradox." While this might make Showgirls an important cautionary tale for girls thinking of entering into the casino showgirl circuit. It may only indicate that after his extensive research Joe prefers lapdancing and casino shows make him sexually frustrated. My message is see Showgirls for the nudity, not the message. The film will be more honest for you ...and less frustrating.
Rating:
Summary: It's true: this movie is so bad, it is almost good...
Review: I derived most of the pleasure I got from this movie from Elizabeth Berkley. I was never so highly entertained by such stunningly bad acting. It went beyond anything I have ever seen. There is such a thing as trying to hard, and boy did she master the art. It did not help that Nomi Malone was such an distasteful character either.The plot can be summed up in very few words: girl comes to Vegas, girl becomes a showgirl, girl gets the lead in the show after alot of backstabbing, girl leaves Vegas. Despite a lot of nudity, lap-dancing and sex, there is no sexual chemistry, that I could find, between any of the actors. I am sorry to say that the only effective part of this movie is the brutal rape scene, because it is the most disturbingly realistic depiction of rape, and the resulting physical damage, that I have ever seen. It was sickening, and hope I don't ever have to see something like that again. Despite that fact, I have to call this one of life's guilty pleasures. Like some of the cheesier Elvis movies, but for different reasons of course. Enjoy.
Rating: 
Summary: OK- Let Me Explain This...
Review: I have read some really bad reviews for this film and agree with a lot of what was said. This movie is not a shining example of good acting or good writing, but come on! It's definitely a sight to see, in more than just the obvious/sleazy ways. Anyone who loves the vitality of color and sparkle should see this film. The dance scenes are also worth looking at. The movie represents an atmosphere that most people never experience. I recommend this DVD if you want to forget about your normal reality for a couple of hours.
Rating:
Summary: what else can you give one of the best worst films!!
Review: let us be frank; this film is bad very very bad but thats where the magic happens. this production is that rare gem which dares to be so very very bad thats its wonderful! Am told that the lead actress was sold this project on the basis that she would become the "next Sharon Stone" To say the least this proposal backfired, in fact she couldnt get work upon the release of this atrocity, but what a treat for the rest of us! Every rediculous stereotype and plotline, every badly delivered, horribly concieved line is packed into this disc. Not a frame is wasted. Sure, Elizabeth can be eyecandy, but thats just a bonus compared to the numerous scenes intended to be drama which in fact come across wonderfully hysterical. To me what further adds to the comedy is the great audio producton and cinematography used to capture the silliness. Not for the kids, but if you want without a doubt one of the greatest wonderfully bad films ever devised, order this at once, and dig in!
Rating: 
Summary: a window on showbiz
Review: Yes,I agree that the acting leaves something to be be desired but the direction, or rather the editing is good. It has pace. The plot, somewhat disjointed at times holds the interest except for the ending which is [bad]!!! ....The cameo with the struggling dancer/songwriter was underused, a good actor.The dance sequences are strong and I admit to being driven wild by Gershon ... Gershon CAN act.... I do not watch this as often as Casablanca but I enjoy it . It reminds me of mistakes and that life is a fight.
Rating:
Summary: Victorious Dickensian tale founded upon Greek Classics
Review: "Showgirls," the abundantly enthusiastic, if wayward and offbeat, retelling of Homer's "The Odyssey," sends brilliant Speedcolor visuals that expound the demurral hunch "Is the arrival actually the departure?" Elizabeth Berkley drives home a stunning protaganist version in the spirit of Turu Satana (Faster Pussycat, Kill, Kill!), in which martials arts is briefly incorporated to destruct the corporeal patriarchal beast that could possibly and secretly loom inside every showboater from Yanni to Seigfried & Roy. The misogynist is destroyed, his spirit devastated. Shrewdly discounted by shallow critics, this Dickensian toned mythology yanks the hemlock away and liberates the prisoner. Increased libidin et alius is acheived since we see frequent and generous sights of Ms. Berkley oh so naked! "Showgirls" ranks as an important contribution to Cardonic cinema.
Rating:
Summary: Spectacular Masterpiece
Review: SHOWGIRLS is one of the greatest movie ever made. Elizabeth Berkley is magnificent and one of the most beautiful girl in the world. The Dance scenes are fabulous, the entire cast rocks( Gina Gershon, Gina Ravera, Kyle MacLachlan and others) and Dave Stewart's music is intense. Enjoy the trip...
Rating: 
Summary: Showgirls in a nutshell
Review: Here is a quick plot description for NEARLY EVERY scene in this movie: Nomi (Berkley) enters the scene. Nomi confronts a co-star. Nomi gets upset. Nomi storms out of the scene. CUT! PRINT! Don't get me wrong. Berkley is exceedingly attractive, and she is nude for a major portion of this film. I like to look at comely naked women as much as any man. But the painful acting and worse script made it a very difficult movie to sit all the way through. My advice for those considering the purchase of this DVD; Keep the remote in hand, and utilize both the MUTE and fast-forward button often.
Rating:
Summary: Pure Camp
Review: Never before has such bad acting been so good. Watching Elizabeth Berkley (of "Saved by the Bell" fame) huff and puff her way through this horrible script is truly hilarious. The pool "sex" scene between her and Kyle MacLachlan is probably one of the funniest moments ever captured on film that wasn't meant to be funny. Gina Gershon, who I love, camps it up and seems to have fun with a role she must have known was a disaster from the start. If you're an afficienado of bad movies, this one is a must-have for your collection.
Rating:
Summary: Good God, just see it
Review: This is the single best Bad Movie ever made, and as such, anyone with an interest in film should see it. Liz Berkley is lovably awful, as is her entire supporting cast, and most of the dialogue must be heard to be believed. If you take any of it seriously, you'll be disappointed, but if you're in the mood for the greatest unheralded comedy of the 1990's, just stick it in. Your home entertainment system, that is.
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