Even though it was not intended as a compliment, Waters was delighted with the nickname. Apparently he was saving it in the back of his mind for the time when he would satirize everything the mainstream film industry stands for. That time has apparently come. As the opening credits roll for "Cecil B. DeMented," Waters shows the marquees of one humongous multiplex chain after another, all of which are showing a "Star Wars" or "Indiana Jones" sequel.

Steve Dorff plays Cecil B. DeMented, an aspiring director who despises all films which have been made by big corporate studios. DeMented believes in making films which are done on a shoestring budget and use unwitting participants. He labels this technique "guerrilla cinema." DeMented and his motley crew of film-loving outcasts, whom he dubs "The Sprocket Holes," kidnap one of Tinseltown's leading ladies, an egomaniacal actress named Honey Whitlock (Melanie Griffith) while she is in Baltimore for the premiere of her latest vapid film. It is DeMented's dream to have Whitlock star in his underground film, whether she likes it or not.

"Cecil B. DeMented" does have its uproarious moments as John Waters pokes tasteless fun at lavish Hollywood premieres which allegedly raise funds for charity, archaic Teamster Union rules which cause productions costs to skyrocket, and state and city film commission hacks who prostitute themselves for the major studios. It is nice to see Waters tip his hat to his comrades in low-budget filmmaking as he salutes both karate and porno films. In addition, Waters has compiled an excellent soundtrack as he uses hip-hop for the first time to help punctuate his film.

Unfortunately "Cecil B. DeMented" does not work. Steve Dorff, the poor man's Kiefer Sutherland (now what does that tell you?) does little here but look crazed while shouting out his lines. Melanie Griffith is such a lousy actress in real life that there is little amusement watching her play a role where she is supposed to be a no-talent hack.

John Waters' plot about a bunch of zanies making a film on the run with a big star who doesn't want to be there would have been a clever one. Unfortunately, Steve Martin beat him to the punch last year with the far cleverer "Bowfinger."