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The Jerk, Too

Name: The Jerk, Too
Director: Michael Schultz
Released: 1984
Duration: 92 min

Representation Score

3.0/10

Limited

1984

TV-PG

Director

Michael Schultz

Runtime

92 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

The film serves as a character-driven journey exploring class mobility and social disruption. By placing Navin Johnson in various environments—from hobo gangs to high-stakes Las Vegas, the story addresses the tension between different social groups. While the narrative successfully centers on the ability to act of a Black protagonist within a comedic framework, it falls short in other areas. The focus remains largely on a traditional male-led journey, lacking depth in LGBTQ+, gender, and disability representation. Ultimately, the film's strength lies in its exploration of social mobility through non-traditional groups rather than its engagement with gender or disability issues.

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Category Breakdown

Does The Jerk, Too have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or stories about non-cisgender identities. There is no queer representation in the narrative.

How does The Jerk, Too portray gender?

Fair

The story focuses on a male protagonist's journey toward a romantic relationship. Female characters like Marie are present, but their roles and influence are not explored deeply.

How racially and ethnically diverse is The Jerk, Too?

Good

The film highlights the experiences of a Black protagonist named Navin Johnson, emphasizing his ability to act. It sets the protagonist in diverse urban settings and underrepresented communities.

How does The Jerk, Too represent religion and culture?

Fair

The narrative delves into the contrasts between different social groups, examining transient lifestyles against capitalist environments. It looks at success through unconventional, non-institutional means.

Does The Jerk, Too include disability representation?

Minimal

The film does not feature any characters with physical, sensory, or neurodivergent traits. There is no representation of disability.

Present on Screen

Focuses on the ability to act of a Black protagonist within a comedic setting.
Explores social mobility through diverse environments such as Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
Critiques social stability through the lens of transient subcultures.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any representation of LGBTQ+ identities or non-cisgender characters.
Does not provide much depth in women's ability to drive the story or challenge gender hierarchies.
Does not depict any characters with physical or neurodivergent disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Navin Johnson heads to Los Angeles to attend the wedding of his pen pal, Marie. On the way, he runs across a gang of hobos whose leader, Diesel, takes him to Las Vegas after learning of his skills at poker.

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