61
Metascore
14 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 100EmpireWilliam ThomasEmpireWilliam ThomasLoud and ludicrous, The Jerk is a strong contender for the funniest film of all time.
- Like Woody Allen's "Take The Money and Run", The Jerk is basically designed to allow Martin to use as many of his standup jokes and routines as possible, but his charm and timing makes this cleverly constructed movie seem fantastically loose and easy.
- 80The A.V. ClubJosh ModellThe A.V. ClubJosh ModellSweet, lighthearted, occasionally hilarious.
- 80The New York TimesJanet MaslinThe New York TimesJanet MaslinBy turns funny, vulgar and backhandedly clever, never more so than when it aspires to absolute stupidity. And Mr. Martin, who began his career with an arrow stuck through his head, has since developed a real genius for playing dumb.
- The Jerk‘s threadbare plot follows the brilliantly convoluted story.
- 60Time OutTime OutThe comedy runs out of steam when the jerk makes good, but laugh for laugh it's probably a better investment than "10".
- 50Chicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertChicago Sun-TimesRoger EbertI didn't find “The Jerk” very funny...There's a smarmy undercurrent in this movie that seems to imply that Steve Martin may be playing a jerk, but that we all know what a cool guy he is. Well, if you're going to play a jerk, play one as if you think you are one, or you might wind up looking like a jerk.
- 50TV Guide MagazineTV Guide MagazineThe title truly lives up to the character.