Read Positive User Reviews for Showgirls

8

RandyC.Sep 30, 2005

A masterpiece of high camp... i laughed the entire time.

2 of 2 users found this helpful

7

PatrickJFeb 19, 2007

"Its a Versace" Nomi sums it up herself nicely. Also deserves at least a six out of 10 for being six points better than the atrocious Striptease.

1 of 1 users found this helpful

7

SabrinaJ.Jan 29, 2007

Not to be taken to serious. It's a very clean T & A movie. This movie will be a classic!!

1 of 1 users found this helpful

10

LeonardoFNov 2, 2005

The authentic guilty pleasure.

2 of 3 users found this helpful

10

nhalerMar 11, 2013

I am first of all going to point out what everyone else so has failed to do. Which is, point out that this film is LOADED with feminist ideas. It's worth noting that the only positive review by an actual critic is also by a woman.I am first of all going to point out what everyone else so has failed to do. Which is, point out that this film is LOADED with feminist ideas. It's worth noting that the only positive review by an actual critic is also by a woman. Coincidence? My basic contention is that this film is merely masquerading as a high-camp sexploitation "comedy" (I didn't find it that funny). Instead, I found myself mostly admiring the protagonist, and at the point where your sympathy begins to wane, the film skillfully manipulates you once again back into that position. In a sense, this woman is a precursor to Joss Whedon's relaunch of Buffy, only this girl is more vulnerable, 'damaged', real. Secondly, if this really were a "man's" film, would literally EVERY single man in it be a giant sleezing, exploitative, repulsive d-bag? There is literally not one straight man in the film who is not completely abhorrent. Chris Katan has a brief scene as one of the gay male dancers, and all he does is make fun of another guy for being chauvinistic. And never are any of them 'forgiven' or presented sympathetically for the viewer to redeem.
• People are making the mistake that this film is supposed to be 'erotic'. It's not about eros, it's about exploitation, especially male exploitation of women—but not for the film. You'll notice that all the breasts and sex in the film function not to titillate the viewer, but to illustrate that every single one of them are doing this for economic advantage and are part of an exchange process. The film's protagonist is struggling to stay above what is regarded socially as the lowest rung of this economic ladder, and her attempts to hold onto dignity and respect are almost microcosmic precursors to the Slutwalk movement which demands the same thing. Furthermore, as a Canadian viewing this film, I find it particularly ironic the continual condemnation by critics of the prevalent presence of breasts—which, here, are perfectly legal and uncontroversial. Already armed with this disposition, it was perfectly obvious that they aren't there for me, the viewer's enjoyment—they're there because these are women who are *working* in an environment which demands it, and this film is about the difficulty existing in such an environment. Now, I would never actually give this film a "10"—but I am, for the purposes of improving its Metacritic rating, which I think is quite low. Oh, and at 2hrs11min long, really: would a be that long? Think about it.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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8

IntonarumoriMay 23, 2014

This is not a 'good' movie. It was not designed to be. It is designed to be an exploitation movie about exploitation in the entertainment industry. In typical Verhoeven style, the amps are at 11. The irony is so thick it is too obvious toThis is not a 'good' movie. It was not designed to be. It is designed to be an exploitation movie about exploitation in the entertainment industry. In typical Verhoeven style, the amps are at 11. The irony is so thick it is too obvious to miss. Or is it? Apparently most critics missed it and took the film for what it seems to be at face value. Irredeemable.

When taken for what it actually is the critics of the movie still have some points. It is not great, the pacing is off at times and certain scenes and dialogues fall flat. But the bad reviews were never really about that. The film was butchered for its perceived message and they got this wrong. Ultimately, the film is pretty entertaining and it is a great social commentary. I would recommend watching it.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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9

Rcavey92212Aug 18, 2020

Back in 1995 Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct) unleashed his criminally misunderstood high trash masterpiece. I remember I was 16 when it came out and I was only allowed to see it because I worked at the theater. I was quite popular in schoolBack in 1995 Paul Verhoeven (Basic Instinct) unleashed his criminally misunderstood high trash masterpiece. I remember I was 16 when it came out and I was only allowed to see it because I worked at the theater. I was quite popular in school because I would sneak my friends in with me. I had no idea how much the film would make an impact on my life. From my humor to my writing, my dancing and the way I view films in general. Now don't get me wrong the film is indeed bad in almost every fathomable way. From its ridiculously over the top performances to the ultra cliched storyline and odd directorial touches. The film centers on Nomi played by a perfectly ferocious Elizabeth Berkley (Saved by the bell) who lands in Las Vegas in hopes of becoming a professional dancer but ends up in a seedy exotic club. But after a series of events she lands in a big, topless show at the Flamingo. And before she knows it shes thrust into a dark world of ambition where everything is for sale. What makes the film so great is the intensity in which everything is delivered. Because it takes itself so seriously it's easy to enjoy the unintentional funnies. Of which the film is filled with along with lots of nudity, sex and even a crazy fight scene. It's a soap opera on cocaine with Red bull thrown in. There will never be anything else like it and that's why it's one of my favorite movies.

Budget: $45M
Box Office: $37.8M

9/10… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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10

rko2164Jun 2, 2012

i thought it was a pretty good movie,don't listen to the haters....

i never knew of this movie until my sister told me about it,i was hesitant at first to watch it honestly but when i did,i enjoyed it one of the best erotic movies i havei thought it was a pretty good movie,don't listen to the haters....

i never knew of this movie until my sister told me about it,i was hesitant at first to watch it honestly but when i did,i enjoyed it one of the best erotic movies i have ever seen in my life....

i constantly watch it from time to time.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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10

LowbrowCinemaOct 22, 2013

Time for a total re-evaluation. Yes, SHOWGIRLS is a cult camp classic but it is also a serious meditation on the American obsession with money, power and sex, and how the three are inexorably intertwined in our decadent, vulgar, andTime for a total re-evaluation. Yes, SHOWGIRLS is a cult camp classic but it is also a serious meditation on the American obsession with money, power and sex, and how the three are inexorably intertwined in our decadent, vulgar, and puritanical culture. SHOWGIRLS beautifully creates a frenzied environment that could only exist in the whorehouse known as Las Vegas. SHOWGIRLS is as American as an apple pie in the face with a brutal series of final scenes that totally spoil all the fun. That's intentional too and makes for a brilliant sort of satire of "America" with a capital "A."… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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9

MarkM.Jul 14, 2006

A cult Classic, much better then you think. Don't make the mistake to take this film to seriously.

0 of 1 users found this helpful

10

DarrelB.Dec 2, 2005

This movie is great. Who doesnt love sex and nudity.

0 of 2 users found this helpful

8

SpangleJan 23, 2017

Cited by some as one of the worst films of all-time, Showgirls' reputation has improved markedly in the past few years. From being accepted to "so bad it's good" to a "guilty pleasure", the film has now received a critical re-evaluation. ManyCited by some as one of the worst films of all-time, Showgirls' reputation has improved markedly in the past few years. From being accepted to "so bad it's good" to a "guilty pleasure", the film has now received a critical re-evaluation. Many critics and directors have come out and defended the film as a brilliant work of satire, which it most certainly is. Famed critic Jonathan Rosenbaum has praised it as an allegory for selling out in Hollywood. While it most certainly could be an allegory and is a satire, I believe that Showgirls is most closely aligned with a critique of the sex industry. Showing girls selling their bodies as hookers, strippers, and showgirls in seedy Vegas hotels, Showgirls is a full bodied critique of the sex industry. Derided as misogynistic and exploitative trash, Showgirls is certainly both of those, but it has to be in order to show the dark repercussions of the industry.

As an erotic drama, the film was criticized for not being erotic enough. Yet, that is entirely the point. The film starts off somewhat erotic, but by the end, we see the dark rewards reaped by eroticism and the warped perception of women that men have. As these women snap off their tops without prodding, men walk away with the belief that they own and possess the female body. It is their personal playground to do whatever they like. Men such as Andrew Carver (William Shockley) emphasize this with him raping a girl towards the end of the film. He could have had sex with her anyways. She was definitely going to, but he likes the power that comes with ownership. He feels as though he owns women and is unwilling to cede this control. By letting her make a consensual decision to sleep with him, he concedes that she is his equal and well, in the world of the sex industry, that is simply not allowed. Women exist solely for our entertainment and to reveal their breasts while dancing is their only contribution to society. Dark, exploitative, and unflinching in this depiction, Verhoeven shows the horrors that the sex industry breathes. It feeds into the rape culture that plagues our nation and asserts that, yes, women are nothing but male playthings.

However, it can become even more horrifying. The protagonist, Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley), meets a man named James Smith (Glenn Plummer) early in the film. James is hardly a good guy and definitely exploits women sexually throughout the film. Yet, he does hit the nail on the head in one conversation with Nomi. He argues that places like strip clubs are alright, because they do not lie to you. The women are selling their bodies and the men are buying. It is erotic dances in a Vegas hotel, such as the show "Goddess" that Nomi wants to be in, that are bad. They pretend they are art and the patrons pretend they want art, but instead they give you the women's bodies anyways. It is lying and still just as exploitative. This is certainly true of the shows at the Stardust Hotel, in which the show solely consists of women ripping off their tops and dancing half-naked. This parallel is revealed by Zack (Kyle MacLachlan) when he reveals Nomi's past. A former hooker who only cost $50-$100 a pop, Zack tells her that she has low self-esteem and sells herself short. Yet, hooking is still very much her job, she just does not have sex with patrons anymore. From stripping at the Cheetah to dancing at the Stardust, the save product is for sale: her body. The only difference is that the line of work she does now is legal. The show also shows itself to be exploitative with the girls being propositioned for sex by workers at the hotel to satisfy important customers and famed Vegas showgirl Crystal Connors (Gina Gershon) being dumped to the curve after an injury. Once they are done with you, they will throw you without hesitation. But, it is almost preferable to when they do want you, as they treat you as a sub-human sex toy.

The film cements itself as a critique and satire of the sex industry with a sign outside of James' apartment. Reading "Jesus is Coming Soon", this simple sign is a call for help from the sex industry. Having seen Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed for the same antics as those found in Las Vegas, it is a warning to heed the word of the Bible before it is too late. Exploiting women's bodies for over-stimulation and titillation is putting the city and the people in a hand basket destined for Hell. This also drives at why the film is not supposed to be erotic, but rather exploitative. Verhoeven rips open blouses repeatedly to show you the horror of the situation these girls find themselves in. Though they may be smart or talented, their only value is their breasts and there seems to be solemn knowledge of this fact possessed by the women. Yet, this knowledge is juxtaposed by an urgent warning to shape up and repent as Jesus will soon arrive and Vegas will most certainly be left behind.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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8

YorkManJan 6, 2016

Paul Verhoeven is one of the most 'out there' directors of his generation. In a career spanning multiple genres, when you see his name attached you just know it will be a film that will cause discussion.
Showgirls is definitely a film that,Paul Verhoeven is one of the most 'out there' directors of his generation. In a career spanning multiple genres, when you see his name attached you just know it will be a film that will cause discussion.
Showgirls is definitely a film that, in the 20 years since its release, has resulted in some fairly heated discussions!
The genre of the film is hard to define, but it's clearly a much deeper and thought provoking movie than what the contemporary critics would have us all believe. The sheer amount of female flesh on-screen, coupled with some hilarious dialogue and, most strikingly, Elizabeth Berkeley's incredibly 'all or nothing' performance, lead everyone to overlook what the actual moral of the film's story is.
It's clearly not something designed to be the height of intellectual film-making, but there is a scope to the narrative that the visuals are meant to override. To me, that's genius. Verhoeven subverting the audiences perceptions, making you leave the cinema wondering if the film is just a vacuous skinflick, or a moral tragedy that just happens to have a lot of exposed breasts on show, as well as the most hilarious sex scenes ever filmed!
To me, it's not a surprise the film has been reevaluated in more recent times, and has become a staple for film-making students to review and analyse.
In the grand scheme, it's not an amazing movie. But from the perspective of someone (everyone) trying to understand what Paul Verhoeven was trying to achieve and express.... It's absolute genius movie-making!… Expand

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7

ComandanteCobraJul 31, 2021

Good, not an oscar movie but does not deserve all the hate.
It's one of those movie that improve with a second view.
I watched it ages ago (when i was younger) and I didn't like it ... I made fun of it: Like many I was looking more at theGood, not an oscar movie but does not deserve all the hate.
It's one of those movie that improve with a second view.
I watched it ages ago (when i was younger) and I didn't like it ... I made fun of it: Like many I was looking more at the beautiful naked girls that other things.
But I watched it today and I find it much better ... maybe I was too young to understand it.
It's a serious drama that put some light on the "dark parts" of show business.
This movie is satire, is harsh, is visuals, is unforgiven ... like many other Verhoeven Film.
I know it's a long shot but it's kinda like Robocop ... you can think of robocop only as an old campy-sci-fi action movie or you can see the drama, innovation and social subtext in it ... and enjoy it more.
I liked it, give it a try… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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10

HaandyFeb 8, 2022

NÃO ACEITO O FLOP E O MASSACRE DESSE FILME, INJUSTIÇADO MERECIA SER RECONHECIDO

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