Although it one of the worst reviewed films ever and has a (possibly) deserved reputation as one of the worst films of all time "Showgirls" idiotic song and dance shenanigans, bizarre story and all round diabolical acting has seen it developing something of a cult reputation as a bad-taste classic. The storyline follows the adventures of Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkley) a young woman with a shady past who hitchhikes her way to Las Vegas to make it big in showbiz. She ends up rooming with costume designer Molly (Gina Ravera) who is working on the show Goddess at the Stardust Casino. Gina takes Nomi backstage and she meets Cristal Connors (Gina Gershon) the star of the topless revue show. The bisexual Cristal takes a bit of a fancy to Nomi and is soon visiting her at the Cheetah Club where Nomi earns a crust as a stripper and arranging for Nomi to audition for the chorus line of Goddess. Nomi and Cristal are soon at loggerheads, however, and before long Nomi is off with Cristal's boyfriend Zach (Kyle MacLachlan) and is looking to supplant Cristal as star of the show. For a supposed erotic film, "Showgirls" is one of the least erotic but one of the funniest films ever. The dialogue, acting and set pieces are completely ludicrous and over the top and the whole thing is a trashy and absurd mess. Given that the script was by Joe Esztherhas and that the film was directed by Paul Verhoeven, both of whom are skilled technicians, it is difficult to see how the film turned out that way it did by accident; surely Verhoeven and Esztherhas knew what they were doing and took very deliberate decisions to make it the gaudy spectacle that it is? "Showgirls" is more in the tradition of Russ Meyer's "Beyond the Valley of the Dolls", with ludicrous dialogue delivered with straight faces and with the acting deliberately amped up for effect. The film is dynamic and kinetic throughout, with Verhoeven moving breathlessly from one madcap situation to the next. The cinematography by Jost Vacano is excellent throughout, bright, gaudy and capturing the neon washed Vegas cityscape to perfect effect. The original music is by David A. Stewart and he serves up a wacky off-kilter soundtrack and a set of show tunes that compliments the mad dance numbers. It is difficult to know what to make of the acting performances – Gina Gershon appears to be in on the joke; Kyle MacLachlan sports a mad haircut that captures all the attention every time he's on screen and as for Elizabeth Berkley her career simply self destructs over the 128 minute duration of the film. That said she delivers a hugely memorable performance comprised of insane dance moves, eye-popping lap-dancing action and an unforgettable "thrashing dolphin" love scene in a neon-lit swimming pool with a stunned looking Kyle MacLachlan. "Showgirls" is awful, gaudy trash, but utterly fascinating and compelling all at the same time. It becomes more bizarre and awe-inspiring with each successive viewing and it's hard to shake the feeling that you're watching some huge and elaborate practical joke being played on critics and audience by the film makers – a film that you just have to simply sit back with and laugh at / laugh with, or both simultaneously. ( )

High-strung, statuesque Nomi Mallone (Elizabeth Berkely) is determined to be a dancer in Las Vegas, whatever it takes--but she starts out as a stripper. ... Full DescriptionThrough her seamstress roommate (Gina Ravera), Nomi catches the attention of the voracious bisexual Cristal (Gina Gershon), star of an extravagant pagan sex show called "Goddess" which plays nightly at the swanky Stardust Casino. Through Cristal's influence, Nomi gets a chance to audition for "Goddess" and is soon involved in all sorts of sordid backstage goings-on, including bitchy dueling with Cristal over Stardust head honcho Zack (Kyle McLachlan). Maligned by many critics upon its original release, SHOWGIRLS has since become a true camp classic, revived for midnight showings and beloved for its decadence, high nudity yield, and outrageously catty dialogue (courtesy of screenwriter Joe Eszterhas). Its director is Paul Verhoeven (ROBOCOP, TOTAL RECALL), so one can safely assume SHOWGIRLS' over-the-top hostility and sexuality is meant to be a satire of American culture.