THE JERK

CAPSULE REVIEW –– As Martin's second film, THE JERK was made in his "wild and crazy guy" phase, long before he became a mainstream movie star. Showcasing the idiot side of his nature, Martin plays Navin R. Johnson, a somewhat dim young man trying to find his place in life once he discovers he was adopted by his black parents. On his journey to find himself, he discovers sex, becomes excessively rich and finds true love, only to wind up right back where he started – a poor black child. The story enables Martin to explore all avenues of his comedy talent from slapstick physical humor to clever one-liners. On the surface, THE JERK could be dismissed as just another silly comedy, but Martin makes it more than just a one joke movie. The film has some truly endearing moments and a depth that is unexpected. It's not Hamlet, but by creating such an interesting character this film is better than it should be. I love Steve Martin because he's unafraid to be as silly as he needs to be to make a scene work. His recent movies, like THE OUT-OF TOWNERS and BOWFINGER, lack the spontaneity that makes his older movies, like this one, so enjoyable. His performance makes THE JERK a real comic delight and a movie that should not be missed.