And Im now going through the stages of introducing my own kids to his work.
For me, though, I had no curator.
That, or wait for ITV to stick one of his films on.
This, then, is clearly going to be a very subjective countdown were about to embark on.
But rather than chat about those, Id rather talk about this little lot…
So Steve Martin didnt try.
Do I rewatch it often?
Did I enjoy it?
The originalSgt Bilkoseries is still a flat-out classic of 50s television, of course.
The 1996 film hasnt changed that.
But still: its a decent, solid comedy.
Ive always said the worst thing a man can lose is his teeth.
Its a slightly unconventional piece of work, but perhaps not unconventional enough for people to really notice it.
Wow, youre a genius!
Youre like the Ernest Hemingway of bullshit!
The first looks simple: a stumble over some furniture.
That Martin plays it so naturally and carries in is what makes the moment work.
Its not a demonstrative yearning for a laugh, its a very good actor doing some very good acting.
The second is the movies standout moment, where he sings Tura Lura Lura.
Im just going to cheat and give you the video of that one.
By distance, its the highlight of the movie…
Did you get this high from one hit?!
Its a good, solid movie this, and more of a dramatic role for Martin again.
Its not an entirely successful one in truth, nor does it stick in the mind too long.
Its quite a quiet and straightforward drama, nicely played and quite touching too.
A bit of a tear jerker as well, if youre in the right mood.
But its a quiet, impressive piece of work.
And dont forget to fasten your condom.
A good one, too.
Nancy Meyers penned the screenplay for this one, with Charles Shyer directing.
The sequel, which in turn was based on the earlier movieFathers Little Dividend, is best avoided though.
Thankfully, all concerned decided that a trilogy was a bad idea…
Im not really jogging.
I only ran about fifty yards.
This is not real sweat, either.
I sprayed it on
A real oddity this amongst the movies that Martin made in the early 1980s.
Well be talking about those shortly.
Dont you want to smell the bottlecap?
Mainly because I loveThe Muppet Movie.
Martins cameo here is as the waiter who serves Kermit and Miss Piggy.
Said waiter has a rich line in sarcasm too.
Dont you want to smell the bottlecap?
Ah, it cheers me every time.
Id happily watch a fresh Muppet film, with Steve Martin as co-star.
Davis films are violent, and thats what hes built his career off the back of.
Theres no build up, no fanfare.
Just simple, cold brutality.
A really charming film this, penned by Martin and co-starring his then-wife Victoria Tennant.
A love thats brought home in his conversations with a traffic sign.
It shouldnt work, but it really does.
Pennies From Heavendisappointed at the box office, but certainly doesnt deserve to be forgotten.
A bold choice from Martin, and very early proof that he had plenty to offer the screen.
Weve done that thing where we split an article across two pages.
Panic not, though this is not a habit.
But it becomes something else entirely when Martin slips into the persona of Ruprecht.
In Martins case, theres a lot of competition though.
Which brings us on to [dons flamesuit]…
Not so fast El Guapo!
Or Ill pump you so full of lead youll be using your dick for a pencil!
It was a tremendous article, that highlighted the many hugely entertaining moments in Landis movie.
Why not higher up the list?
Nothing more sinister than there are a lot of Steve Martin movies that I really love.
The fact that they seemed to have an absolute hoot making the film is there on screen to see.
Unless Ive just tempted fate.
In which case, lots of letters of apology).
It helps that his patients include the likes of Bill Murray, of course.
You simply cant think of the 1986LittleShop Of Horrorswithout Orin springing to mind.
Ever hear someone come back to complain?
But its a very good comedy drama.
A bit long, perhaps, butLeap Of Faithalso gives Martin a really good role.
Therein lies Liam Neesons cynical sheriff, and a lot of the base story beats here are fairly straightforward.
But what liftsLeap Of Faithare the shows themselves.
Martin is pretty mesmerising here, imbuing Jonas with a conviction, tricky likeability and magnetic stage presence.
Youre left in no doubt why people would buy his patter.
Dead men dont wear plaid.
This was Reiners second of four films he made with Martin, and technically the most demanding.
Its a clever, often very funny movie that results.
And if hes not, you’re free to be pleasantly surprised
Clever man, David Mamet.
Just know that its well worth digging out…
The Lord giveth… and he just kept on giving, didnt he?
Theres superb writing at the heart ofRoxanne, a modern American take on the Cyrano De Bergerac story.
You thus may not be surprised to hear that its a Steve Martin screenplay here.
And the film is primarily more romance than comedy, skilfully put together by director Fred Schepisi.
Its Steve Martin gold, and the highlight of a joyful film thats happily stood the test of time.
There are still people annoyed thatThe Three Amigosdidnt make it this high up the list.
But lord:Planes, Trains & Automobilesis some piece of work.
He still injects delicate doses of sarcasm, rage, and marvellously sardonic delivery here.
Its a masterclass in that respect.
Bona fide comedy gold.
Whats happening to my special purpose?
Ask me another day, andThe Jerkwould top this list.
Its a constant delight thats aged in some way, but has at its core a comedy masterclass.
This was Martins movie debut, coming off the back of his already-hugely successful stand-up comedy work.
What it proved was that not only is Steve Martin very funny, but he can also act.
Carl Reiners movie is structurally pretty straightforward, and leaves plenty of room for the many memorable stand-out moments.
The pulling of the small church.
The finding of the special purpose.
The moment where hes told that his parents arent really his parents.
Everyone has a favourite part ofThe Jerk, truth be told.
But I also like the commitment to good gags throughout.
Think Uwe Boll, but with fewer sweary videos.
Then theresBowfingers other trump card, Eddie Murphys second role in the movie, Jiff.
), and he utterly excels inBowfinger.
A lesser performance in a more awards-friendly movie?
Two excellent performances in a comedy?
Dont let your door hit your backside on the way out.
It certainly is around these parts.
Oh, and ifChubby Rainhad ever been made, thatd be top five too.
Theyre not bad ingredients for a start are they?
Said surgery involves, basically, opening up someones head and taking their brains out.
But the absolute gold here is Michael Hfuhruhurrs relationship with Kathleen Turners Dolores Benedict.
But then I also love just how of its time it feels.
Can you seriously imagine something like this coming through the Hollywood system now?
Itll always be special to me for that.
You are very welcome.
Because the core film tapped into something: the concept of parenting, viewing from different angles.
Thats the wonderful trick to Ron Howards film, a movie I maintain is one of his very best.
Its just most of us have a lot less cash.
Steve Martin heads the ensemble, and is on absolutely top form.
But its the education in delivering a line thats also on offer here.
But what you do get is an autobiography in the truest sense.
A genuine talent, telling their own story in their own way, with not a ghostwriter in sight.
Hugely recommended, and like many others, Id love to see a follow-up book.
I want my body back.
And I want my freedom and privacy.
Perhaps more than any other role that hes been overlooked for.
The reason he didnt is the Academys outright comedy snobbery.
Still: a rant about awards not representing anything outside of a narrow corridor of movies is nothing new.
So lets chat aboutAll Of Mea bit more.
In years gone by, I always hadThe Jerkhas my favourite Carl Reiner-Steve Martin collaboration.
But the more I watch it, the more I appreciate just how specialAll Of Meis.
But when events transpire to leave Lily Tomlins Edwinas soul in his body too, a comedy masterclass ensues.
It demands so much, yet he makes it look so easy.
Talk comes up every now and then about a possible remake ofAll Of Me.
Yet the central problem remains: who do you cast in the lead role?
Next time I do a Steve Martin list, it may well be thatAll Of Medoesnt top the chart.
But right now, its the Martin film that I keep wanting to sit back and enjoy the most.
