Movie spotlight
Screwball!
Ryan is deep in the pressure-cooker of teenage virginity - wild with raw excitement and unspoken fear, in the arms of a lovely girl he cares about, without a clue what he's doing, and completely in awe of the all-powerful sex judge. Natalie is excited, nervous, excited again, nervous again, and - she thinks - just about ready to navigate a romantic evening alone with her boyfriend. Little do they anticipate the series of obstacles - both serious and ludicrous - that lie in their path: they have no idea just how badly - and then brilliantly - the night will turn out.
Insights
Plot Summary
This documentary delves into the bizarre and true story of the 1990s American adult film industry's biggest scandal. It follows a group of aging porn stars and industry players as they attempt to pull off an elaborate scheme to revive their careers through a massive, multi-million dollar lawsuit against a rival studio.
Critical Reception
Screwball! was generally well-received by critics for its unique subject matter and engaging storytelling. Reviewers often highlighted its humorous and often absurd narrative, as well as the surprisingly complex ethical questions it raised about the adult film industry and the pursuit of fame and fortune.
What Reviewers Say
A surprisingly hilarious and insightful look into a bizarre corner of entertainment history.
The film masterfully balances its comedic elements with darker themes of ambition and exploitation.
Features a cast of colorful characters whose stories are as outrageous as they are compelling.
Google audience: Audiences found the documentary to be incredibly entertaining and shocking, praising its bizarre true story and the memorable personalities featured. Many appreciated its humor and the unexpected depth it brought to a sensational topic.
Awards & Accolades
Screened at multiple film festivals, including Tribeca Film Festival and Fantasia International Film Festival.
Fun Fact
The documentary was partly inspired by a lawsuit filed in 1998 by Mitchell Rothman, an adult film producer, against rival producer Caligula Video, alleging defamation and racketeering.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources