
A Dirty Shame
2004, Gay and lesbian/Comedy, 1h 29m
117 Reviews 10,000+ RatingsWhat to know
critics consensus
John Waters casts his provocative eye toward libido in a sex satire that won't leave audiences feeling too Dirty, but this sophomoric farce doesn't strike a nerve like his best work -- a real Shame. Read critic reviews
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Sylvia Stickles
Ray-Ray
Caprice Stickles
Vaughn Stickles
Big Ethel
Marge the Neuter
Critic Reviews for A Dirty Shame
All Critics (117) | Top Critics (41) | Fresh (62) | Rotten (55)
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This exercise in bad taste is the Dawn of the Dead of nymphomania. Never mean-spirited, A Dirty Shame has some big laughs, but it's a one-joke movie that shows its strain well before the finish line.
March 13, 2018 | Full Review… -
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April 1, 2006 | Rating: 2/5 | Full Review… -
A genuine cri de couer in the director's long-running battle against the forces of censorship and a banal societal (and cinematic) status quo.
October 19, 2004 | Rating: 3.5/5 | Full Review… -
A welcome reminder that sex is sometimes too ridiculous to take so seriously.
October 6, 2004 | Rating: 3/4 | Full Review… -
The story is trite and uninteresting. And the humor is only occasionally funny, and that's largely because it's almost impossible not to be impressed by Tracey Ullman's manic energy.
October 6, 2004 | Rating: 1/4 | Full Review… -
Makes sex seem the least exciting thing in the world. And that's a dirty shame, indeed.
September 30, 2004 | Rating: F
Audience Reviews for A Dirty Shame
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Oct 22, 2013Mediocre comedy with a few laughs strewn throughout, A Dirty Shame directed by Pink Flamingos director John Waters should have been much better considering its premise. Unfortunately, the film has a weak script that just doesn't deliver what it should have. I really wanted to enjoy the film, but most of the gags fell flat, and Waters can't seem to construct something memorable here. I will say this, this is far better than the awful mess Pink Flamingos, and he has managed to make something with a bit of humour, but overall due to its script, and lack of effective ideas, the movie as a whole suffers. The cast could have been better as well, and there is no one that stands out. This film should have been much better than what it turned out, and it's a shame because it could have been something really amusing. Aside from a few laughs, the film lacks something to make an effective comedy. I really wanted to enjoy the film, and I can see that this was a film that had plenty of great ideas that was halted due to a lacking script. If the script would have been significantly tighter, with better gags, I think A Dirty Shame would have a very good film. Instead we get a mediocre comedy with mild laughs and so-so acting. The cast is varied enough, but there is just no spark to really make this film take off. A Dirty Shame is a film that has plenty of potential, but ultimately just disappoints the viewer that wants something more out of their viewing experience.Alex r Super Reviewer
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May 22, 2011Waters try to make this film a extremely funny and dirty. The thing is: he transform A Dirty Shame in a very silly movie. However, still commit some laughs.Lucas M Super Reviewer
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Aug 08, 2010The film as a whole has all the uninteresting raunch you'd expect with a John Waters film, but the mere fact that this isn't a shell shocked nation, and Divine isn't drag queening it up made an unimpressive impact. That the film has a NC-17 rating probably drew in some unsuspecting viewers, and possibly the film was making some sort of statment, but that statement just seemed to be "trying too hard."Spencer S Super Reviewer
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May 15, 2010A very very VERY weird movie about various sex addicts in different situations of life. This pack of people are lead by character played by Knoxville. This movie was very exadurated in many ways and a bit catchy. I was packing my suitcase to prepare for a trip and I just had to sit down to watch this movie because it was extremely weird.Naughtia N Super Reviewer
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