Day Forty-Two: The Jerk

THE JERK

Starring:
-Steve Martin
-Bernadette Peters

Directed by: Carl Reiner

Screenplay Credits: Steve Martin, Carl Gottlieb & Michael Elias

MPAA Rating: R


The tagline of this movie is" From rags to riches...to rags." That sort of sums up the main plotline, but doesn't do this movie justice.

Navin R. Johnson was born a poor black child. It was never easy for him, as he grew up singing and dancing in a small shack with his big black family in Mississippi. One birthday, Navin learns that he was adopted (YOU MEAN I'M GONNA STAY THIS COLOR?!?!), and that Lawrence Welk-style music rocks his world. Once he finally discovers his rhythm, Navin has the courage to set out and become somebody.

Navin heads to St. Louis where he gets a job at a gas station. One day (after inventing a little glasses handle for one customer), a random sniper tries to kill him, Navin runs away and joins the circus, discovers his special purpose, meets a nice girl, makes his fortune, gets married, loses his fortune, and winds up a bum.

Of course, there is a surprise ending and Navin is redeemed. He and Marie return to Mississippi to dance with the family and they all live happily ever after.

This film has become sort of a cult classic since its release in 1979, and with good reason. The story is unpredictable and hilarious, the performances are fantastic, and the overall message is that it's okay to be stupid as long as you're nice about it. Navin is a moron, but he's a good guy who keeps his word and wants other people to be happy. We need more Navins in this world, and we certainly need more thermoses.


FINAL GRADE: A+

Off in search of a little boy wearing a tee shirt that says "BULL SHIT" on it,

M.



Slippery when wet!