The Jerk (1979) movie poster

The Jerk (1979)

"A rags to riches to rags story."
ThumbScore
๐Ÿ‘ 83%Google users liked it archived
Critics Score
๐ŸŽฌ 72% (RT: 82%, MC: 61) โ„น๏ธRT = Rotten Tomatoes (critic reviews). MC = Metacritic (weighted critic average). Critics Score is the average of both.
Comedy

Where to Watch

Streaming
Prime Video
Rent / Buy
Google PlayApple TV
See all watch options on JustWatch
Director
Runtime
1h 34m
Country
United States of America
Language
English
TMDB Rating
6.9/10 (884 votes)
Rotten Tomatoes
82%
Metacritic
61
Cast
Steve Martin as Navin R. Johnson
Bernadette Peters as Marie Kimble Johnson
Catlin Adams as Patty Bernstein
Mabel King as Mother
Richard Ward as Father
Carl Gottlieb as Iron Balls McGinty
Bill Macy as Stan Fox
Most people think so. 83% of audiences gave it a thumbs up based on 884 votes. Critics gave it 72%.
Overview
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. Wikipedia โ†—
Fun Facts
  • Carl Reiner cited several classic comedy films as the primary inspiration for the visual style.
  • It remains one of the highest-rated comedy films of 1979 among dedicated fans.
  • Steve Martin spent months preparing for the role, heavily researching the subject matter.
Audience Consensus

The Jerk is a 1979 comedy film directed by Carl Reiner. 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.

The film has been rated by 884 audiences on ThumbScore, reflecting its reach and engagement with viewers. As a comedy film, The Jerk delivers on the expectations of its genre while bringing its own distinctive perspective to the storytelling. The production showcases the creative vision of its filmmaking team, bringing together performances, cinematography, and narrative elements that have resonated with audiences.

The Jerk (1979) continues to find viewers through theatrical releases, streaming platforms, and home media, maintaining its place in the contemporary entertainment landscape. The film represents the kind of cinematic experience that has attracted a dedicated audience, with viewers appreciating its approach to the story and characters it presents.

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