The Jerk

1979 "A rags to riches to rags story."
7.1| 1h34m| R| en| More Info
Released: 14 December 1979 Released
Producted By: Universal Pictures
Country: United States of America
Budget: 0
Revenue: 0
Official Website:
Info

After discovering he's not really black like the rest of his family, likable dimwit Navin Johnson sets off on a hilarious misadventure that takes him from rags to riches and back again. The slaphappy jerk strikes it rich, but life in the fast lane isn't all it's cracked up to be and, in the end, all that really matters to Johnson is his true love.

Genre

Comedy

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The Jerk (1979) is now streaming with subscription on Paramount+

Director

Carl Reiner

Production Companies

Universal Pictures

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The Jerk Audience Reviews

GazerRise Fantastic!
PiraBit if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.
Aiden Melton The storyline feels a little thin and moth-eaten in parts but this sequel is plenty of fun.
Frances Chung Through painfully honest and emotional moments, the movie becomes irresistibly relatable
maildamjana So, someone here challenged people with his review to say what isn't hilarious about this film and that it's grade (7.2) is highly underrated. I read that review before watching the movie and eagerly anticipated a masterpiece of comedy.Before watching the movie i skimmed through some of the scenes, actually I planned on doing that, but the very first scene caught my attention. It's the scene where Martins first employer guides him to the room in which he will be staying. I'm specifically talking about the bathroom scene before entering the "real" room. The employer says something about the room not being that great and Martin just takes over the spotlight saying something among these lines (this is not an exact quote because I'm too lazy to re watch the whole scene to give you exact quotes): "Are you crazy!? I freaking love it! Just look at it, the toilet is right here. And this must be the kitchen! No."I found this to be a very witty use of sarcasm and I laughed my ass off. I knew that I was going to enjoy this movie from the bottom of my heart. "This must be the kitchen." Oh boy that line killed me. I stopped my skimming and started watching the movie.You can't imagine my disappointment when I realized Martins character isn't anything like I had imagined. I thought he was quite smart and sarcastic but he was just a normal idiot. The first thing that crossed my mind was:"Oh gee, what if that scene wasn't sarcastic and the moron actually thought it was the kitchen. Nah, that can't be true. That would mean that this movie sucks."And oh boy, did the movie suck. I couldn't even finish watching it because he only scene I found funny was when his black father told him:"Look son, this is s***." And that is only cause he used the word s***. I ended watching it after the bathroom scene (actually after the employer guided him to his "real" room) just to check for real if it was sarcasm. After seeing all that I'm 100% positive that the grade 7.2 is highly overrated cause this movie doesn't even come close to funny (if you're into intelligent humour) and therefore I'm giving it a 1.If you like dumb humour when the main character is a moron and just does stupid things, this is the movie for you. Otherwise don't even try to watch it.
dseifert623 The Jerk was on and I 'd always heard what a comedic gem this was so I watched.And I waited.I didn't laugh once nor did I even crack a smile. I am a big Steve Martin fan but this just didn't work on any level. The scenes played more like skits that were loosely tied together but mostly I was just scratching my head and saying "What the"? The only scene that played true was when Navin was trying to tell his dog goodbye and before he could he finish his nonsensical rant, the dog ran away! I felt his pain. There are many great comedy films that came out of the 70's, but this is not one of them.
Rainey Dawn This maybe Steve Martin's most famous film role. This is one of the best comedies ever filmed. The movie will have you laughing from start to finish. This movie is well worth watching - even if you only watch it once in your lifetime.The movie begins with one of the most memorable opening lines: "I was born a poor black child". If you have seen the movie then you will understand this quote. If have not viewed this film - then I recommend that you do - and you will understand the meaning of this famous film quote.9.5/10
kellwyn86 Excellent is an understatement for the actors and director of this movie. Steve martin is truly a comic genius. I heard from a friend he's got a Super human IQ and he puts it to such good use. He portrays brilliance in comical situations, witty conversations and his energy is extra-ordinary. Bernadette peters is beautiful and quite enchanting herself. " loved the song they played with the Ukulele and the saxophone. Beautiful ! This flick is way ahead of its time, and the original spoof of many old and future Hollywood movies. With a ritz to rubble or a rags to riches kinda story and a light-hearted touch, this is a FUNNY FUNNY movie right from the start till the end that guarantees to tickle your funny bones for sure !! Cheers !