Johnny Knoxville plays Ray-Ray Perkins, a sort of sexual deity. He’s searching for the chosen one who can discover a new sex act to complete his mission to do just that. He already has several disciples in his following; apostles, even. Sylvia Stickles (Ullman) is the 12th apostle and the chosen one.

Each sex addicts’ addiction has been triggered by a hit on the head. The addiction can be reversed by another hit on the head. But it can also be retriggered by a hit on the head. However, this can only occur if the hits are accidental. Several hits take place. Thankfully, Mr. Waters is kind enough to place large text over the characters indicating which state he or she is in, such as whore or neuter (one who is not a sex addict).

There is a vast array of sex addicts, including a guy with a fetish for dressing up and being treated as a baby; a chronic masturbator; a public defecator; a couple who vomit on each other as a form of foreplay and the goddess of sex addicts, Ursula Utters a.k.a. Caprice Stickles, daughter of Sylvia, played by Selma Blair. Ursula has breasts so large, each one is likely the size of a small child.

Meanwhile, the decent townsfolk are opposing the actions of the sex addicts. This includes Big Ethel, Sylvia’s mom (Shepherd), who then is of course, Ursula’s grand mom. Chris Isaak plays Vaughn Stickles, husband and daughter to Sylvia and Ursula, respectively.

Of course, Mink Stole and Patty Hearst are cast. After all, this is a John Waters’ film. (For those of you not in the know, Mink Stole and Patty Hearst are in most of Mr. Waters’ films, at least those since 1990). Even Ricky Lake makes a quick appearance as herself on her own talk show. (Ricky has appeared in 4 other Waters’ films: “Hairspray,” “Cry Baby,” “Serial Mom” and “Cecil B. Demented.”)

It’s obvious why “A Dirty Shame” gets an NC-17 rating. However, it’s just a shame that sex, nudity and little perversion could garner such a rating while movies where gratuitous gore and violence prevail sometimes get even just a PG-13. Sorry – I had to say it.

But don’t expect a whole lot more than campy characters and decency-challenging obscenity. Don’t get me wrong – I love camp and indecency as much as the next person; but plots are good too. This came off just a bit too cartoony for me. Maybe it was the computer-generated squirrels. Nonetheless, I did enjoy the shear raunchiness of it all and tip my hat to the master of the obscene, John Waters.

Grade: B

Starring: Tracey Ullman, Johnny Knoxville, Selma Blair, Chris Isaak, Suzanne Shepherd
Written by: John Waters
Directed by: John Waters

“A Dirty Shame” is currently playing at local theaters.

Taryn can be contacted at tas75@comcast.net