Screwed

The 2000 movie "Screwed" is a zany and somewhat dark comedy, employing the comic talents of Norm MacDonald, Dave Chappelle, and Elaine Stritch. Directed by Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, this film explores the misadventures of two hapless men who fall into a ludicrous scheme in their quest for better lives, only to find themselves entangled in a web of confused identities, stolen money, and somehow, a plot to kidnap a dog.

At the center of the film is Willard Fillmore (Norm MacDonald), an embittered butler who serves a demanding, unappreciative, and exceedingly wealthy old woman named Mrs. Crock (Elaine Stritch). Despite years of loyal service, Willard finds himself continuously underappreciated and mistreated. He is paid paltry sums and treated more like a slave than an employee. In this dreary setup, his only ally and friend is Rusty P. Hayes (Dave Chappelle), a fast-talking, street-smart chap who works in a chicken supply shop.

Exhausted by a decade's worth of servitude, Willard devises a daring plan to escape his miserable existence. This cunning plan involves kidnapping Mrs. Crock's prized dog and holding it for a large ransom. Willard convinces Rusty to join him in this bold venture, fondly hoping it will solve their money problems and usher in better lives. However, the two amateurs soon realize that they are out of their depth as their seemingly easy plan spirals into an absurd comedy of errors.

No sooner have they embarked on their ill-fated mission than their plans get screwed up. The supposedly simple task of kidnapping the dog turns into a pandemonium-laced circus show that hilariously exposes their ineptitude for crime. To complicate matters further, Mrs. Crock mistakenly assumes that it's her butler who's been kidnapped. She begrudgingly involves the police to rescue Willard, not knowing that he's the one who staged the faux abduction in the first place. This leads to a wacky array of outlandish situations fueled by escalating misunderstandings, mistaken identities, and poor luck, painting a pell-mell image of what a poorly thought-out crime scenario could look like.

"Screwed" is a delightful blend of slapstick, verbal humor, and witty dialogue. MacDonald and Chappelle complement each other well as comic foils, playing off each other's strengths. MacDonald's dry comedic style counterpoints Chapelle's energetic and wide-grinned charisma, building an oddball comedy duo that brings out the best in both their comic abilities. Elaine Stritch's portrayal of Mrs. Crock is equally memorable, her cantankerous persona becoming the source of many humorous encounters in the movie.

The cinematic treatment of "Screwed" is unique in its ability to take a dark and vaguely ominous plot and turn it into a comedic joyride filled with hilarity and goofiness. Visually, the film merges an appealing mixture of lavish settings that reflect Mrs. Crock's opulence with the rundown, humdrum locations that typify Willard and Rusty's existence, further highlighting their contrasting worlds and the desperation that drives their actions.

While "Screwed" does not shy away from highlighting the disparities in wealth and opportunities that form the crux of its plot, it smartly avoids becoming a serious social commentary, instead using it as a springboard for unfolding a multi-layered comedy. The film's quirkiness and humor don't undermine the underlying theme. Instead, they provide it with a lighthearted platform that keeps the audience entertained and engrossed.

The pacing of the story is well-maintained throughout, with each mishap building upon the last to increase the complications and humor. The style is reminiscent of classic farcical comedies, where one mistake leads to another, escalating to a peak level of absurdity from where there seems no way out.

In all, "Screwed" is a quirky comedy film that brings the comedic prowess of Norm MacDonald and Dave Chappelle to the fore. It's a funny, wild ride that combines a host of comic elements to present a unique comedy that can be thoroughly enjoyed by fans of the actors or the genre. While it leans into zany and sometimes dark humor, the film ultimately retains a light-hearted spirit, bound to entertain viewers looking for a good, unstressed laugh.