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The Movie: Norm MacDonald just can't catch a break. The comedian's two features ("Dirty Work" and now "Screwed") have been failures. "Dirty Work" was obviously not going anywhere, but "Screwed" must have looked good before it actually went into filmming. The writing team behind "The People Vs. Larry Flynt" were helming the film, and had brought in such stars as Danny Devito and Dave Chapelle as supporting players. Soon though, the film's title suited it well. The picture went through several title changes, including "Ballbusted", "Pittsburgh" and "Foolproof" before coming to "Screwed". The movie was delayed, delayed, and then delayed again. And, as it turns out, with good reason. While MacDonald's constant smirking still proves funny, there's just nothing humorous to the screenplay. The jokes fall flat constantly, and one can sense how desperate the performers are to wring any sort of laughs out of the material. MacDonald stars as Willard, a butler for a terrible old rich woman named Mrs. Crock. The two have a plan to kidnap her prized dog and then ask for a ransom. Things get screwed up, and the two (MacDonald's Willard and Chapelle's Rusty) screw up the plan, forcing them to go to further lengths to try and get money out of the woman. The jokes are of the lowest level of slapstick and the grossness offered by Devito's morgue attendant is unwatchable. I will give the film one thing; one is never sure where it's going next. After the first half though, once can be sure that whereever this trip is headed, it's not going anywhere good. MacDonald and Chapelle are two very funny actors, but I doubt anyone could liven this material. I will be honest, I did laugh a couple of times since the actors try to sell this poor material seriously and it comes off unintentionally funny. MacDonald and Chapelle deserve better material than this; most of this makes MacDonald's "Dirty Work" look good in comparison. At least at 82 minutes, it's over quickly. The DVD VIDEO: Universal's anamorphic transfer for "Screwed" is impressive work, with hardly any flaws at all. Not exactly the most visually busy picture, the presentation still makes the film's basic look enjoyable. Sharpness is strong, and detail is very good. Even the darker scenes have pleasing clarity and look well-defined. Flaws are at a bare minimum. There are no instances of pixelation or shimmering, and the print used is crystal clear with the exception of a very slight mark or two. Colors are bold and bright, looking rich and lively with no problems. For the fans of "Screwed"(yes, you two people out there), you'll be very pleased with Universal's presentation. SOUND: As with most comedies, there's not much to the sound on "Screwed", which focuses mainly on dialogue. The lively score does sound rich and dynamic, and it pretty much the only element that opens up the audio. Surrounds come into play once or twice subtly towards the end of the film, but they're silent for the majority of the movie. Dialogue is clear and crisp, with no problems. A pretty minimal presentation, but it gets the job done. MENUS:: The film's menus are pretty basic and non-animated. EXTRAS: Trailers for "Screwed" and "Man On The Moon"(Dolby Digital 5.1); production notes; cast/crew bios; web-link. Final Thoughts: Simply - not recommended. 
Film Grade The Film D DVD Grades Video 91/A = (364/400 possible points) Audio: 83/B = (332/400 possible points) Extras: 70/C- = = (210/300 possible points) Menus: 70/C- = (140/200 possible points) Value: 79/C+ = (237/300 possible points) TOTAL POINTS:1283/1600 DVD GRADE:B-/80% FILM GRADE: D DVD GRADE: B- |