7.1
Viewer Rating
Combines user and critic ratings from four sources
Comedy • 1979 • 94 min • Adults (18+)
The Jerk (1979)
The Jerk (1979)
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.
Starring Cast
Steve Martin • Bernadette Peters • Catlin Adams
Where to watch
Rating & Dimensions
Bias Rating
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Political: Center
Diversity: Low
Christianity: Positive
Viewer Rating
7.1
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.
Starring Cast
Steve Martin • Bernadette Peters • Catlin Adams
Where to watch
Detailed Bias Analysis
Analyzing...
Leans Traditional
Primary
Political: Center
Confidence: High
The film's central focus is on the comedic journey of an extremely naive individual navigating life and the pursuit of happiness, rather than promoting or critiquing specific political ideologies. Its satire of consumerism and the American Dream is balanced by themes of individual initiative and finding contentment in personal relationships, leading to a neutral political stance.
Diversity: Low
Confidence: Medium
The movie features traditional casting with a predominantly white main cast, consistent with its production era. Its narrative focuses on character-driven comedy and does not engage in critical portrayals of traditional identities or incorporate explicit DEI themes.
Secondary
Christianity: Positive
Confidence: High
The film portrays Navin's adoptive Christian family with warmth and respect. Their faith is depicted as a genuine source of love, community, and moral strength, providing a stable and loving home for Navin despite his naivete. The narrative aligns with the dignity of their faith, presenting it as a positive influence.
LGBTQ: N/A
Confidence: High
The film "The Jerk" does not feature any identifiable LGBTQ+ characters or themes. Its plot centers exclusively on heterosexual relationships and comedic situations, resulting in no portrayal of queer identity to evaluate.
Trans: N/A
Confidence: High
The Jerk does not feature any identifiable transsexual characters or explore themes related to gender identity or transition. The film's comedic plot centers on the protagonist's misadventures, resulting in no relevant content for evaluation under the provided rubric.
Female Combat: N/R
The movie does not contain any action or adventure elements.
Gender Swap: No
Confidence: High
The Jerk (1979) is an original film featuring characters created specifically for this production. There is no prior source material, historical figures, or previous installments from which characters' genders could have been altered.
Race Swap: No
Confidence: High
The Jerk is an original film from 1979, not an adaptation of prior source material or a biopic. All characters were created for this production, meaning there is no pre-existing canonical or historical racial identity to be altered.
Viewer Rating Breakdown
User Ratings
7.1
6.9
Critic Ratings
8.2
6.1
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