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.
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.
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
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idjutt
Really surprised to see this on Kubrick's list.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.Kenneth McMahon
The definition of hit and miss.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.poppunknerd182
I'm insulted this is only in three lists.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.nicolaskrizan
legendary comedy that somehow doesn’t amuse mehttps://beyond1001movies.wordpress.com/2015/06/09/backtrack-the-jerk-1979/
Scratch47
Uneven, but definitely passes Mark Kermode's 6-laugh test for comedies. 'Good Lord, it's KITTEN JUGGLING' had me laughing particularly.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 itgeorge4mon
one of the funniest films ever made love it!Ana_Rita
just watched it :Dgreat comedy
frankqb
In the right mood, with the right audience, this movie an absolute riot of laughter. Uncontrollable and gut-busting humour.