What with movie sequels being all the rage these days it should come as no surprise that the industry may be planning to revive that old Steve Martin movie from 1979, The Jerk - or, at least that's the buzz around the bay.
To refresh your memory, Steve Martin's character is a complete imbecile who was adopted and raised by a poor African-American family. As Navin Johnson attempts to rise up from the depths of poverty he inadvertently stumbles onto something that makes him filthy rich. He hires servants, and buys a mansion. Life is looking good until misfortune strikes his business venture and he barely escapes the vultures circling overhead. Said Navin, "I was so glad to be going home. I remembered the days when I sang and danced with my [poor, black] family on the porch of the old house."
Now, on to the sequel. In The Jerk II, Steve Martin's roll has been given to an unknown "actor" with questionable credentials. Navin, now played by Brick Scott, having managed to save his ill-gotten gain from the vultures, buys himself a new home, a place called Florida. Even though he is still filthy rich, he is now living in a public assisted housing project that at one time was referred to as Governor's Mansion.
While his fortunes are looking up, Navin seems to have forgotten the most important life lesson passed on to him by his poor, black adopted dad:
I don't want to spoil the movie for you, but in one hilarious scene, Scott's character, who thinks that all blacks start life in the projects, addresses a group of African-Americans in the place called Governor's Mansion,"I grew up...in the same situation as you guys. I started school in public housing. My dad had a sixth-grade education." This rich white guy trying to bond with supposedly less fortunate African-Americans provides a real "panty-raid" look at the clueless who infect our society today and it would be laughable if it weren't so pitiful.
The Jerk II is an unbelievably long movie that will last at least four excruciating years. I think it is safe to say that the "out-of-touch-with-reality" moments will provide an never-ending shock and awe experience to all who are unfortunate enough to have to sit through this disaster.
The Oracle rates The Jerk II a total "Thumbs Down." I'd say, "Save your money," but I think we are stuck with the Jerk, and there is no refund.
As much as I hate the suffering, I do like your creative summary of The Jerk II. I only disagree with one point - I think "Brick" does know the difference between #$%@ and Shinola. He's just counting on a majority of voters not knowing the difference.
ReplyDeleteDear FindingTampa,
ReplyDeleteWell, some 50% of Florida voters do seem to be confused about the difference between poop on the ground and polish in a can. So if Scott was counting on that, then he got it right.
Personally, I don't think he gives a rat's patoot what the voters think. He used his money to buy the election and now intends to treat Florida like it was a corporate take-over. I am not sure he knows that there is a difference between running a corporation (shit) as opposed to governing the fourth largest state in the union (Shinola). Or, that he can't treat the citizens of Florida like they were his lowly non-union employees - at least not for long.
Of course, that brings me back to your point. Maybe he knows he can do any damn thing he wants.
Thanks for reading and commenting.