Alright fellow tapeheads, gather 'round the flickering glow of the Zenith. Tonight, we’re digging into a weird one, a turn-of-the-millennium oddity that likely graced the "New Release Comedy" shelves for a hot minute before settling into the dusty purgatory of the 2-for-1 rental section. I’m talking about Screwed (2000), a film that feels like it beamed directly from that slightly awkward transition phase between the late 90s and the early 2000s, landing squarely in the "what were they thinking?" category, yet somehow... endearing?
### A Plan So Dumb, It Just Might Work (Spoiler: It Doesn't)
The setup is pure farce: Willard Filmore (Norm Macdonald) is the perpetually abused chauffeur to the utterly tyrannical baked-goods magnate, Miss Crock (Elaine Stritch). Fed up with polishing chrome and dodging insults (and projectiles), Willard hatches a plan with his perpetually scheming best friend, Rusty P. Hayes (Dave Chappelle). The brilliant idea? Kidnap Miss Crock’s beloved Pomeranian, Muffin, hold it for ransom, and finally get the respect (and cash) he deserves. Naturally, things go spectacularly, hilariously wrong almost immediately, escalating into a faked human kidnapping involving a morgue attendant (Danny DeVito), a perpetually angry detective (Daniel Benzali), and, well, things get screwed.
### Deadpan Dreams and Pre-Stardom Sparks
The main draw here, let's be honest, is the pairing of Norm Macdonald and Dave Chappelle. Macdonald, fresh off his own cult comedy Dirty Work (1998), brings his signature, bone-dry deadpan delivery to Willard. Every line, no matter how absurd the situation, lands with that unmistakable Norm cadence – a style that either completely clicks with you or leaves you utterly baffled. Here, it mostly works; Willard’s weary resignation in the face of mounting chaos is the film’s comedic engine. Dave Chappelle, still a few years away from becoming a cultural phenomenon with Chappelle's Show, plays Rusty with a manic energy that bounces off Macdonald's stillness. Their chemistry isn't always perfect, sometimes feeling like two distinct comedic styles existing near each other rather than truly meshing, but their shared desperation fuels much of the physical comedy and escalating panic.
### From Biopics to Pratfalls?
Here’s where things get interesting from a production standpoint. Screwed was written and directed by the duo of Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski. Yes, the same guys who penned the brilliant, nuanced biopics Ed Wood (1994) and The People vs. Larry Flynt (1996), and later Man on the Moon (1999). Seeing their names attached to a broad, slapstick kidnapping caper felt… unexpected back in 2000. Apparently, after the intensity of their biographical work, they consciously wanted to tackle something lighter, aiming for a modern take on classic screwball comedies. It’s a fascinating pivot, though you can argue the execution doesn't quite capture the magic of their more celebrated films. A little retro fun fact: the film was shot primarily in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, giving it a specific working-class texture amidst the increasingly outlandish plot twists.
### A Cavalcade of Cranks
Beyond the leads, the supporting cast is a delightful collection of character actors clearly having some fun. The legendary Elaine Stritch, a Broadway icon, absolutely tears into the role of the monstrous Miss Crock with venomous glee. It's reported she quite enjoyed playing such a hilariously awful character, a definite departure from her stage triumphs. And then there’s Danny DeVito as Grover Cleaver, the perpetually gloomy morgue attendant who gets roped into their scheme. DeVito can do this kind of lovable sleaze in his sleep, and he adds a reliable jolt of manic energy whenever he's onscreen. Keep an eye out too for Sherman Hemsley (George Jefferson himself!) in a memorable, if slightly random, appearance as Chip Oswald, a disgruntled neighbour with a penchant for fireworks. It’s the kind of casting that feels distinctly late-90s/early-00s – familiar faces popping up for a quick, quirky scene.
### That Y2K Comedy Glaze
Watching Screwed now is like unearthing a time capsule. The humor is broad, sometimes hitting, sometimes whiffing spectacularly. There are moments of genuine absurdity that land (often thanks to Macdonald's under-reaction), but also gags that feel strained or dated. It lacks the sharp edge of Alexander and Karaszewski's best writing and leans heavily on misunderstandings and frantic cover-ups. Remember that specific brand of studio comedy from around the year 2000? It often felt a bit slicker than the 90s fare, maybe a little less anarchic, but not quite settled into the dominant styles of the decade to come. Screwed fits right into that pocket.
The film didn't exactly set the world on fire upon release. Critics were largely unkind, and it famously underperformed at the box office, pulling in around $7 million against its estimated $10 million budget. It quickly faded, destined for late-night cable slots and the aforementioned discount bins. Yet, like many comedies starring beloved figures (especially the dearly departed Norm Macdonald), it’s found a small, affectionate audience over the years, particularly among those who appreciate Macdonald's unique comedic voice.
Rating: 5.5/10
The Rewind Verdict: Screwed is undeniably a flawed comedy, uneven in tone and occasionally clumsy in its execution. It’s a far cry from the filmmakers' best work and certainly not peak Macdonald or Chappelle. However, if you're a die-hard Norm Macdonald fan, appreciate a dose of absurd Y2K-era farce, or just enjoy seeing a stacked cast chew scenery in increasingly ridiculous situations, there’s a certain nostalgic charm here. It’s the kind of movie you might have stumbled upon at 1 AM on HBO back in the day, chuckled at its sheer silliness, and then promptly forgotten until someone reminded you it existed. It’s not essential viewing, but for a specific mood – preferably one involving pizza and low expectations – it’s a harmlessly goofy trip back to the tail end of the VHS era. Perfect for when you want something… well, enjoyably screwed-up.