'Joe Dirt' Teaches the Bully in All of Us a Lesson

Ever since the Jim Carrey/Jeff Daniels blockbuster 'Dumb and Dumber,' intelligent humor has taken a backseat to fart, poop and genitalia jokes. David Spade's new comedy, 'The Adventures of Joe Dirt,' is no exception to the gross-out comedy genre. What makes it stand out, however, are the same elements that made 'Dumb and Dumber,' 'There's Something About Mary,' and almost any Adam Sandler film separate themselves from the others-- humor mixed with an enormous amount of heart and talent.

In 'The Adventures of Joe Dirt,' David Spade plays Joe Dirt, a man who was abandoned by his parents at the Grand Canyon when he was only eight-years-old. Years later and working as a janitor at a nearby radio station, Joe captures the interest of a DJ (played by Dennis Miller) who decides to have him as an on-air guest. Now, on the air and broadcast to the public, Joe Dirt tells the story of his adventures in life on a quest to find the one place he could truly call home.

While 'The Adventures of Joe Dirt' isn't nearly as funny as 'Dumb and Dumber' or 'Billy Madison,' the few scenes that will tickle the audience's funny bone will have them howling with delight. One scene in particular-- which to keep it fresh and funny I will just say involves a dog and a cold night-- will have viewers crying from their uncontrollable laughter. This scene alone is worth seeing the film for, since it is such a rare treat in Hollywood to see a gag that has yet to be done.

However, saying that 'The Adventures of Joe Dirt' is lacking in comedy doesn't mean the film is poorly done. Instead, screenwriters David Spade and Fred Wolf decide to use the moments when the script isn't at its comedic best to offer audiences more heart than humor. To do this doesn't just take a well-written script though, but also a talented cast-- both of which 'The Adventures of Joe Dirt' has.

David Spade gives his best performance to date as the trailer-park loser with a heart of gold, Joe Dirt. He goes from being depressed and lonely to optimistic and funny with the snap of your fingers. His portrayal of Joe Dirt is both funny, touching and so realistic at times it is almost sad. Audiences will not only sympathize with his character but by the end of the film be wishing more people were like him in the real world. For no matter what the world throws at him, Joe Dirt is a man with a heart of pure gold.

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