Tools for this page
Print

The Jerk

(1979, Rated R, Comedy, Starring Steve Martin, Bernadette Peters, Jackie Mason)

  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

    (Flash is loading. If this text does not disappear you need to install the latest flash version)

    Not age appropriate for kids under 13, age appropriate for kids over 15; suggested age 13.

  • Is it any good?

    4.0

  • Common Sense says

    Steve Martin is a genius of silly in '70s hit.

Why We Rated This iffy for Ages 13–15

The good stuff

  • Messages:

    This is very much a love story and it serves to illustrate that love and family are far more important than material possessions, swimming pools, and disco parties. While Navin is a numbskull, he is a loveable boob whose kindness is only compromised by his lapses in understanding. Navin's real estate advisors are mafia-type crooks who plot housing discrimination and express overt racism. While the movie lampoons racial stereotypes, it presents a family with color-blind, unconditional love and support.
 

What to watch out for

  • Violence:

    A crazed gunman shoots at Steve Martin's character with an intent to kill him. Patty hits Navin and Marie punches her out. The wife of Navin's butler is executed by firing squad (not shown) as a penalty for an early bank withdrawal. Navin karate chops three racist financial advisors and hurts his foot on one ("Iron Balls" McGinty). Within the film, the offense that is perceived as the most horrific is the juggling of kittens for fun and profit.

  • Sex:

    A domineering motorcycle daredevil seduces Navin and the camera shows the "trailer-home a-rocking." Most of the sexuality is intimated, as when Navin is heard (from an exterior shot) saying "this is like a ride." He writes home that he has discovered what his mother meant about his body part's "special purpose."

  • Language:

    Racist crooks use the terms "jungle bunny" and the "N"-word. Navin names his dog "S--thead." Also uttered: "ass" and "blow job."

  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.

  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Part of Navin's rich lifestyle includes excessive drinking -- white and red wine are dispensed from twin water coolers. A petty criminal smokes a joint.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Jerk

Parents need to know that while, on the surface, this movie has its share of dirty jokes and swear words, this R-rated movie is actually disarmingly sweet with oodles of heart amidst the indecorum. The largest stumbling block for young viewers is the use of the "N"-word -- although in its context (Martin's character self-identifies as one and expresses outrage at racial discrimination), the purpose is one of racial harmony and mutual acceptance. Less complex R-rated content includes guns, cursing, and non-graphic sexual situations.

Read our full review by Erika Milvy

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about racial stereotypes and cultural identity. Unlike his black family, Navin can't keep a beat and prefers big band music and Twinkies. Why does Navin feel out of place among his black family members? Why does his father tell him to "never trust whitey"? Another conversation can be had about the false equation that money can buy happiness. Why did Marie initially leave Navin when he was poor? Were Navin and Marie happier before they became rich?
Tools and tips that can help

Want more? Get Common Sense recommendations delivered to your inbox.

Our Members Say

Have you seen it? Review It!

  • What did you think about The Jerk?

  •  I think this movie is

    for ages

  •  I also give it

  •  Any concerns?

  •  Any highlights?

  •  Love it? Hate it?

  • or to post a review

Most Recent Reviews

  1. Kid Reviewer Age 10
    malibushark
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 4.0

    All age appropriate

    Would've been rated PG-13 if they had it.

    This review...

    Helped me decide | Had useful details | Read my mind
    Flag as inappropriate

More Great Stuff For Your Kids

  • Now Playing

    Age 9+
    Where the Wild Things Are

    Where the Wild Things Are

    Sometimes-dark adaptation focuses on friendship, loneliness.

  • Advice for Parents

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Are Your Kids Obsessed with Twilight & New Moon?

    Discussion pointers for parents of "twilighters."

  • Must See TV

    Age 13+
    Glee

    Glee

    Edgy-but-quirky comedy's music, message will win teens over.

  • Member Buzz

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Sending Mom a TXT

    Is it easier for parents to communicate with their kids via text?

  • Download This

    Age 10+
    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    The Twilight Saga: New Moon Soundtrack

    Dark, cool tunes OK for kids too young for the movie.

Give Us a Minute, Get a Lot of Common Sense!
  • Age-appropriate best bets for your kids
  • Weekly email alert with the latest picks, reviews & advice
  • Post your own reviews and share them with friends
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
A screen name protects your privacy
(It's free!)

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
To post a review or comment you must become a Common Sense Member. It's easy!
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations.
A screen name protects your privacy
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
(optional)
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child

Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
We can make Common Sense just right for you. With a little info about you and your family, you'll get the most out of our site.
Set-up your account
This will never be displayed to others.
Your email will never be displayed to others.
Your password should be 6-10 characters long.
Tell us your children's ages
You'll see the movies, games, books, shows, music, and sites our editors select just for them. As your children get older, our picks will grow with them!
Why we ask for this
We never display your children's names, (or nicknames) to anyone, but you. Providing your children's ages allows us to personalize information on our site, so you get better information, faster.
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
is
until
Add another child
Choose a screen name
It will appear when you post your own reviews and recommendations
A screen name protects your privacy
Already a member? Log in
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.
Register to add this school to your profile. You'll be able to see and share reviews from parents, teachers, and kids at your child's school.
I'm already a Common Sense member.
Kids under 13 must use a screen name
Your family's privacy is our highest priority.
See our privacy policy, community guidelines, and terms of use.