Review of The Jerk (1979) by Michael C — 28 Aug 2009

I've been known to be brutally critical of Steve Martin as a comedic actor in recent years, but it isn't because I don't think he's a talented force in comedy; I simply feel that his desire to make terrible remakes of "Cheaper by the Dozen" and his efforts to blaspheme the brilliance of Peter Sellers with his "Pink Panther" remake is turning him into a mere shadow of his former greatness.

It was with this reflection that I was glad to see that one of my favorite Martin films, "The Jerk", is still hysterical to this day. Martin was at his best in my opinion as an uber-white guy (his most famous type of character, honestly) raised by a black family who leaves to find fortune and fame in the city.

This is a film oozing irreverance. Watching Martin attempt to blend in with his African-American family at the beginning is a riot, as the extremes to which he presents himself as a square provides a sharp contrast to the cool bluesy nature of the family.

When he leaves his family behind, the film continues to provide a strong torrent of laughs by showing Martin seeming unflappably optimistic and happy in the face of things he is highly unfamiliar with.

Cluelessness and naivety seem to be the totality of the characters existence, and he plays it impeccably. He also doesn't seem to possess the lackadaisical smugness he exudes in his recent years, as he seems energetic in his desire to go for the gusto with this role.

A few select jokes have aged over 30 years, but very few in all honesty.