The Jerk
The Jerk
7.182%84%
Navin is an idiot. He grew up in Mississippi as the adopted son of a black family, but on his 18th birthday he feels he wants to discover the rest of the world and sets out for St. Louis. There everyone exploits his naivete, until a simple invention brings him a fortune.
SoCalPete_ reviewedJuly 14, 2025
The Jerk (1979), starring Steve Martin in his breakout film role, is an uproarious, timeless comedy classic that delivers side-splitting laughs from start to finish. Martin’s portrayal of Navin R. Johnson, a blissfully clueless man on a wild journey from rags to riches and back again, is a masterclass in absurd humor and physical comedy. Directed by Carl Reiner, the film’s zany script and Martin’s impeccable timing elevates the film that has left me laughing for years because of its nonsensical tone. The Jerk remains a hilarious, heartwarming gem that cements Martin’s comedic genius and stands as a must-watch for any fan of laugh-out-loud cinema. Always fun to revisit it.