I have to be honest with you. When I sat down in the theatre 20 minutes before the film Pornstar started, I couldn't help but look around at the other patrons in the theatre. Eagerly anticipating the film to start I wondered what their motives were for seeing this film. It was a weird cross-section of the population as well. There were at least 3 single men over 60 sitting alone. Probably about 7 frat type jocks who came in together and about 4 single men in their late 20's early 30's sitting alone. There was one woman in her late 30's sitting alone, one couple in the back (early 20's?) and me and my 2 friends, including Michael (all of us mid to late 20's). I knew why I was there, but why were they? More important than that, why did I care?

The porn industry is a very weird business. I don't think anyone from the outside could ever truly grasp what goes on behind closed doors. Sure, we're given little insights now and then, but we'll never really know the true stories and we're probably better off that way. Pornstar: The Legend of Ron Jeremy gives us as honest a portrayal of this industry that one could ask for.

From Ron Jeremy's humble beginnings to his unexpected turn into porn, Pornstar covers all its bases. Through candid interviews of friends (fellow pornstars Alisha Klass, Tabitha Stevens, Lexington Steele, etc.) and family (Ron's father a physicist, and his sister) we're given honest accounts of Ron Jeremy the man, not just the pornstar. What struck me the most during the cool 77-minute running time (I actually wanted more) was the brutal honesty on display. Nobody holds back (including Ron himself) and this I appreciated the most. In addition to testimonials from people within the industry, Ron's fans get to speak out (male and female) in some of the most bizarre situations (Ron's induction to a frathouse?) you could imagine. We also get firsthand accounts from the likes of Al Goldstein, Al Lewis (Grandpa Munster himself), and Larry Flint (apparently all good friends of Ron).

Honest and funny, Pornstar is a true documentary. I was afraid I would be subjected to nothing more than an E! True Hollywood Story or Behind The Music crappenfest! What I got was a lot more. An extremely well executed as well as edited time capsule on the life (and good times) of Ron Jeremy. With some great vintage clips, interviews, and candid footage of this hairy little man (or not so little I suppose) Pornstar is a true gem.

What did I get most out of Pornstar? Ron Jeremy is a well spoken, educated, misunderstood man. There are things he wants out of life and he's doing the best he can to attain them (like break into "real" films). I guess this answers my question as to why this cross-section of about 20 people sat in the theatre the other night. Without a doubt, this is the best documentary I've seen since Terrry Zwigoff's Crumb. See It.

Thumbs up.