In this week's episode of Born to Watch, Whitey, G-Man and Damo turn the spotlight on Paul Verhoeven's most notorious film, Showgirls (1995). This Vegas-set meltdown of sex, ambition and bad dialogue might just be the ultimate "so bad it's good” movie. Welcome to our Showgirls 1995 Review.

The boys unpack the film's outrageous story: Nomi Malone (Elizabeth Berkeley), a drifter with dreams of fame, lands in Las Vegas and claws her way from strip club to showroom. Along the way, she meets the seductive Crystal (Gina Gershon), sleazy boss Zack (Kyle MacLachlan), and a parade of characters straight out of a soap opera written on tequila. It’s a film so intense it should come with a towel and a health warning.

Whitey calls it “a masterpiece of shit.” Damo calls it “a full body spiritual experience.” And G-Man somehow finds facts to justify both. They dive into the real-world damage Showgirls did to Elizabeth Berkeley’s career – and how Verhoeven later admitted he told her to over-act every scene. They revisit the film’s Razzies, its massive $100 million home-video revenge arc, and its modern status as a camp classic beloved by drag communities and bad-movie fans alike.

From its infamous pool scene to the uncomfortable backstage drama, the boys analyse why Showgirls fails so spectacularly that it loops back into entertainment. They compare it to Verhoeven’s other films (Basic Instinct, RoboCop, Starship Troopers) and wonder how the same man could create something so deliberately glittery yet emotionally empty. There’s also a “Snobs Report” for the ages – packed with Razzies, box-office stats, and the boys’ signature mix of banter and bewilderment.

By the end, the verdict is clear: Showgirls (1995) is a glorious train wreck you can’t look away from. Whether you’re here for the laughs, the nostalgia, or the sheer audacity, this episode is a wild ride through Vegas glitz and cinematic infamy.

JOIN THE CONVERSATION
Was this movie a secret satire or just Hollywood hubris?
Did Nomi Malone deserve better – or did we all get what we deserved?
Is Showgirls the worst film ever made or the most re-watchable?

Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your pods.

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