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Comments 1 - 12 of 12

idjutt's avatar

idjutt

Really surprised to see this on Kubrick's list.
4 years 3 months ago
Siskoid's avatar

Siskoid

The Jerk is a rather bizarre Steve Martin comedy (even by his standards) that spoofs the rags-to-riches biopic (so prevalent today) along with a few other genres along the way, and does so with zany sketch ideas that often stand out as completely original, but are more intellectually amusing than laugh-out-loud funny (mileage may certainly vary). For me, the improbable moron is the least interesting comedy archetype, and that's part of my ambivalence here. I also feel like the film's title is misleading, as the character is more naive than a jerk, although the word does have other meanings. I might have expected corruption to play a stronger role in the "riches-to-rags" climax of the story. I say story, but The Jerk is really a hodgepodge, with the protagonist moving from situation to situation, never quite gelling into a cohesive whole. I still do appreciate this as a parody of film clichés that does not resort to parodying specific films to take its targets down.
7 years 5 months ago
Kenneth McMahon's avatar

Kenneth McMahon

The definition of hit and miss.
8 years 3 months ago
corchap's avatar

corchap

The new phonebook's here :) This movie has moments that make me smile. Not a noteworthy film but can be enjoyable in the right state of mind.
8 years 6 months ago
poppunknerd182's avatar

poppunknerd182

I'm insulted this is only in three lists.
8 years 11 months ago
Zeltaebar's avatar

Zeltaebar

Steve Martin introduces himself in the best possible way as he displays fresh comic ideas and displays them with impeccable comic timing. The character of the Jerk threads a fine line between funny and stupid, and becomes sympathetic despite his idiocy. There is an excellent, weird highlight somewhere in the middle of the movie where Steve Martin and Bernadette Peteres are singing in a spellbinding, sweet duet - which proves that this movie has more going for it than funny jokes, though the jokes would be enough to recommend it.
9 years 3 months ago
nicolaskrizan's avatar

nicolaskrizan

legendary comedy that somehow doesn’t amuse me

https://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/backtrack-the-jerk-1979/
9 years 5 months ago
Scratch47's avatar

Scratch47

Uneven, but definitely passes Mark Kermode's 6-laugh test for comedies. 'Good Lord, it's KITTEN JUGGLING' had me laughing particularly.
11 years ago
nowhereman136's avatar

nowhereman136

maybe it was intentional, maybe it was the character, but Steve Martin's acting in this was terrible. Bernadette Peters really carried it though. Some of the jokes fell flat but others was really funny and clever. Worth watching, not my favorite comedy but i can see why some people love it
11 years 4 months ago
george4mon's avatar

george4mon

one of the funniest films ever made love it!
12 years 9 months ago
Ana_Rita's avatar

Ana_Rita

just watched it :D
great comedy
13 years 2 months ago
frankqb's avatar

frankqb

In the right mood, with the right audience, this movie an absolute riot of laughter. Uncontrollable and gut-busting humour.
14 years 5 months ago
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